LaunchNET News: Peanut Butter Jam-Packed

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May 6 2025

LaunchNET News: Peanut Butter Jam-Packed

Grants, vendors, and workshops -- oh my!

The Latest & Greatest from LaunchNET Kent State

The semester is wrapping up and I know it's felt long for us, so I can only imagine how long it's felt for you.

But just think, in a few short days the exams will be done, the projects will be submitted, and you will rid of the weight classes hold.

Congratulations to those graduating this week and congratulations to everyone for how far you've come this year.

We'll be sprinkling in some newsletters throughout the summer but if you need anything in-between, please reach out. We'll be here.

Highlights for the Week: a new cycle of Morgan Startup Grants, ArtsLAUNCH is on the horizon, some upcoming events and workshops, and vendor opportunities this summer! ☀️

Advising Available In-Person & Virtually

If you are a current client, click the button above to schedule with your advisor.

If you haven't met with a LaunchNET advisor yet, you can sign up at bdmorganfdn.org/neolaunchnet/apply

Schedule an Appointment

News & Announcements

Boosting Kent State Businesses with Morgan Startup Grants

Kent State entrepreneurs can now apply for the summer cycle of the Morgan Startup Grant program! This program offers Kent State students and alumni entrepreneurs the opportunity to apply for funding to help move their businesses forward with inventory, capital, product, or other related purchases.

Thank you to Burton D. Morgan Foundation for your generous support of this program!

Applications due by June 27 at 11:59pm

Learn More & Apply

ArtsLAUNCH! 2025 Grant Competition

Students may submit grant proposals in one of two categories, New Art Category and New Arts Venture Category. Grant award packages include a $500 grant to pursue the proposal and an official announcement from the College of the Arts.

The application deadline is Wed., Sept. 24, 2025 at 4:59 p.m. EST.

Submit Here

Events & Opportunities

Ohio All-Star Awards & Venture Report | Ohio Venture Pipeline

Help us celebrate over 270 startups in Ohio that raised $1.4 Billion in venture funding during 2024! See how they break down by industry, region and stage of development in J.D.'s insightful and informative analysis based on his experience in California for 25+ years.

Monday, May 12 from 5-8:30pm
Columbus, OH

Small Business Resource Fair | ECDI

Join ECDI and the WBC for a day of small business resources, trainings, and networking! Meet other local entrepreneurs and learn about the numerous free and affordable business resources offered in the Northeast Ohio region.

Tuesday, May 13 from 3-7pm

RSVP Here

Beyond Startup Events | Bounce Innovation Hub

Bounce Innovation Hub is hosting a number of workshops this May, helping you with optimizing your SEO and navigating legal decisions to mastering sales tactics and exploring the power of AI.

Beyond Startup: Optimize Your SEO (Wednesday, May 7, 10:00 - 11:30 AM): Learn how to enhance your startup's online visibility by curating effective content and improving search engine discoverability.
Startup Legal Panel (Wednesday, May 14, 3:00 - 4:00 PM):Get expert insights from attorneys on legal strategy, IP protection, entity formation, and fundraising. No registration required, just mark your calendar!
Beyond Startup: Sales Strategy & Tactics (Wednesday, May 21, 10:00 - 11:30 AM): Discover actionable strategies to convert your sales pipeline and understand what truly works when selling as a startup.
Beyond Startup: AI in Action (Wednesday, May 21, 1:00 - 2:30 PM):Explore how to use AI as an executive assistant, streamline resource management, and automate repetitive tasks.

LGBTQ+ Pride Market Vendor Call | Kent Pride Fest

Calling all makers, creators and artists!🌈apply to be a vendor at our Pride market in Acorn Alley! We are looking for all kinds of vendors 💖

Happening June 14th , 12pm to 6pm

Apply Here