And how does that make you feel?
The Latest & Greatest from LaunchNET Kent State
What a full weekend. Please note I said full and not fulfilling. A lot went down up in my cabeza. Lot of thoughts, lot of feelings, and lot of "I should be doing this" but alas it's difficult to get things done when you're living in your head.

It's all good though guys. We turned things around. We stepped outside our head and into the real world to actually accomplish those things our little brain was fretting over.

I return to you this week a new person.
A motivated, and almost fulfilled, individual, if you will.

The Highlights: a new series for Morgan Startup Grant recipients, a grant for the artists in the room, meetups for the creatives tuning in, pitching for the entrepreneurial folk (aka all of you), and a new spot to find a LaunchNET client in the wild! ☕️
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
Rooted and Rising Series 2025
Rooted & Rising is a three-part learning series for Morgan Startup Grant recipients. During these founder-focused sessions, participants will explore topics like networking, mental wellness, and community problem solving.

Wednesday, September 24
Own the Room: Networking for Business Growth

Friday, October 24
Resilience and Impact: How Small Businesses Turn Setbacks into Community Success

Monday, November 10
Balance vs Burnout: Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset — You
Register Here
ArtsLAUNCH! Grant Competition
This annual grant competition is designed to promote new art and new arts ventures that will positively impact the arts economy. The competition is open to all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at Kent State University.

Students may submit grant proposals in one of two categories to facilitate
1) the creation of new art, or
2) the creation of a new venture that will benefit some aspect of the arts economy.

Apply by Wednesday, September 24 at 4:59pm

Kent State University College of the Arts, in partnership with the John S. and Marlene J. Brinzo Center for Entrepreneurship and LaunchNET, established ArtsLAUNCH!
Learn More & Apply
NEOLaunchNET Venture Builder Badge via Credly
Are you a regular LaunchNET client? Have you participated in a presentation style event like Elevator Pitch or the Showcase? Then you might be eligible for our brand new Venture Builder Badge!

Editors Note: I know that read like an informercial, but it's legit and really cool so just go with me here.

The final step for qualification is completing the Burton D. Morgan Foundation Program Survey. After submitting the survey we will go in and review your venture meetings and event status to see if you qualify for a badge.

Badges are issued through Burton D. Morgan Foundation in partnership with Credly.

Email us if you have any questions: launchnet@kent.edu
Fill Out the Survey
Events & Opportunities
Creative Meetups CLE x Fusion Forward
Creative Meetups, is dedicated to connecting the creative community in Northeast Ohio. Our goal is to curate space designated for creators of all sorts (artists, poets, entrepreneurs, innovators). An environment where creativity can ignite with brilliant minds.

This month, we’re fusing culture, creativity, and cutting-edge tech into one unforgettable night. Fusion Forward x Humble G — visionary artist, innovator, and our featured performer/speaker — will take the stage to show how AI isn’t just a tool, it’s a collaborator.

Monday, September 15 from 5:30-8:30pm
FREE Event
Register Here
The Idea Pitch | Brinzo Center & Crawford College
Every fall semester, the Brinzo Center hosts an idea pitch competition that focuses on ideas for products or services not yet making revenue. The Ohio Innovation Fund has donated seed money to ensure that each finalist wins a cash prize. In addition, the first-place winner will earn a guaranteed spot as Pitch Competition finalist in the spring.

Apply by Wednesday, October 1
Learn More & Apply
Founders & Friends
Here We Go Coffee
Here We Go just got a physical location! You can find them inside Akorn Vintage from Tuesday-Saturday. Stop by for your early morning or midday coffee break 🚶🏽‍♂️

Image from @akornvintage on Instagram
Check Them Out
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