Fall 2022 Business LaunchPad Graduates

Used for 2023 budget cover

The third cohort of the Business LaunchPad Program (BLP) graduated during a hybrid ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, at Mecklenburg County’s Land Use & Environmental Services Agency in Charlotte.  

The Business LaunchPad is a no-cost, 4.5-month program that offers participants access to subject-matter experts, business development resources, and in-kind professional service grants. The program targets small, minority, and woman-owned businesses interested in securing governmental, institutional, and private contracting opportunities.  

The Business LaunchPad Program was created to empower these businesses to be successful in governmental and institutional contracting opportunities, and other aspects of business development. Participants receive exclusive hands-on classroom instruction by subject matter experts and guest speakers. They also participate in practical exercises, and “real-world” workshops and events. 

Business LaunchPad: Cohort III Graduates:     

  • David Agurs, Bull's Eye Computer, Device & Mobile Repair LLC 

  • Dr. Ron Bell, Space For Me LLC 

  • Nicole Crawley, The Social Charlotte LLC 

  • Elliot Scott Glenn, Glenn & Barnett Express LLC 

  • Crystal Haile, At Your Service Brokerage LLC 

  • Terry D. Hunt, Greater Electrical Services LLC  

  • Shannon Johnson, Siarjo Consulting LLC 

  • Dr. Veronica Paca, U.C. Management and Consulting Group, Inc. 

  • Jeanelle Perry, Elevated Contracting & Logistics LLC* 

  • Aleasha M. Reese, Reese Business Solutions LLC 

  • Damita L Rhodie, Blessed Manifested Horizons LLC* 

  • Valerie Tonnah, Financial Solutions LLC 

  • Michael Deon Waddell, Solid Trucking and Logistics LLC 

  • Mary Walker-Howard, The Dessert Destination LLC 

  • Dr. Gail Melinda Walton, Melvon LLC* 

  • Teresa T Weeks, Second Chance at Mending Bridges (SCMB LLC) 

  • Gardine Wilson, Coffee Cup Soda Grill, Inc

  • LaKesha Womack, Ministry Matters Media Services LLC 

* Honor Graduate 

Cohort III group photo below.

View the graduation photo gallery.

Background 

In 2020, Mecklenburg County’s Office of Economic Development (OED) engaged Griffin & Strong, P.C. (GSPC) to conduct a disparity study on the availability and utilization of minority and women owned business enterprises and examine relevant evidence of race or gender-based discrimination in the County’s contracting process. 

The 2020 MWSBE Disparity Study revealed areas for improvement. As a result, GSPC made recommendations to assist the County in remedying the disparities found to ensure that all qualified firms within the relevant market are given every chance to succeed in doing business with the County. From these recommendations, the Business LaunchPad Program was established. 

OED Mission Statement   

The mission of the Mecklenburg County Office of Economic Development is to provide resources to the business community with the purpose of attracting, retaining, and expanding employment opportunities for County residents. We strive to stimulate the local economy and expand the local sales and property tax base, while maintaining a positive balance between growth, social equity and the economy.