We Mentor People,
Not Ideas

We match local entrepreneurs with experienced mentors as a way to develop you and scale your business.
Path to Success

Become a Stronger Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey … but it doesn’t have to be.
Qualifications

You Might Be Ready for Mentorship If …

N
You’ve validated your idea and have some initial traction
N
Your idea has the ability to scale … beyond you
N
Your idea has the potential of high growth and impact
N
You are ready to swing for the fences… go big, or go home!
Next Steps

Application Process

Tell us About your Venture

Fill out our venture application in as much detail as you can so we understand where you are and what you want from mentorship. If you are still in the ideation stage, please check out our CO.STARTERS program.

Meet us Virtually
We’ll reach out to schedule a 30 minute virtual interview with our leadership team to learn more about you and share details about the Mentor Program. We host interview sessions and admit founder cohorts four times a year.
Wait on Mentor Assignments

We present new ventures to our mentors on a quarterly basis (Feb, May, August, November). Mentors self-select into mentoring engagements where they believe they can offer the most value. We will connect you with your team of mentors and share next steps!

Attend Founder Orientation
Founder Orientation is an opportunity to learn how to get the most out of your mentoring relationship as well as meet the other founders in your cohort. Founders must attend orientation before meeting with their mentors.

Calendar

2025 Application Calendar

CohortApplication WindowInterviewsVentures PresentedFounder Orientation
February CohortNow - January 31February 3-14February 19March 4
May CohortFebruary 1 - May 2May 6-16May 21June 4
August CohortMay 3 - August 1August 4-15August 20September 3
November CohortAugust 2 - November 31November 3-14November 19December 3

Tested Approach

Access to a Team of Mentors

Based on the MIT Venture Mentoring Service, LaunchCLT uses a team mentoring methodology and a formal process to create the best experience for all. Entrepreneurs meet with a team of volunteer mentors in ongoing, confidential meetings, and mentors commit to avoiding conflict of interest and strict confidentiality.

“Developing a physical product is full of unique challenges, so having access to mentors with direct experience and success in that field has been amazing. Our mentors have been a great resource and sounding board for questions, advice, and encouragement!”

Carly Rhyne
Co-founder, Ellipticraft

“I could not be happier with my experience in the LaunchCLT mentor program. My mentors, Scott and Chris, have provided invaluable insight and guidance through every phase of my startup from idea conception to the upcoming launch. I can definitively say I wouldn’t be where I am in my startup journey without this program and its resources.”

Casey Bruce
Founder, FlashMaps

“LaunchCLT provides founders with both a safety net and launching pad through its mentorship & community. I’m deeply grateful for my brilliant mentors who have offered me great encouragement and hard scrabble wisdom on this entrepreneurial journey. I am braver and more equipped to make a positive impact because of LaunchCLT.”

Tamara Park
Founder, StoryNow

“I have had the great fortune of meeting some incredibly talented, ambitious and creative founders as a mentor with LaunchCLT. What I didn’t expect was the fellowship and learning from the mentor community. It’s very rewarding to enjoy their wisdom, experience and capability. I never leave our mentors’ meeting without having learned something new.”

Scott Smith
Mentor

Are you Ready to Take Your Venture to the Next Level?