Launch + Leap

Clay County Business Accelerators

Two no-cost, 6-week programs to help Clay County entrepreneurs start, grow, and strengthen their businesses.

Presented in Partnership with

Make Real Progress & Get Funding For Your Clay County Business in Just 6 Weeks 

The Launch + Leap: Clay County Business Accelerators are hands-on, 6-week programs created to help Clay County entrepreneurs make real progress, no matter where you’re starting from. Whether you’re exploring a side hustle, shaping a brand-new idea, or growing a business that’s already bringing in revenue, you’ll get the tools, coaching, and clarity to take your next step with confidence.

  • Program Dates: February 23 – April 10, 2026 
  • Sessions: Manchester 
  • Deadline: Apply by February 1, 2026 

Built for Anyone in Clay County Ready to Start, Grow, or Explore a Business Idea 

No matter where you are on your business journey (thinking about a side hustle, exploring an idea, or running an established business), this program is built for you. Launch + Leap helps Clay County entrepreneurs at every stage get direction, structure, and the support needed to move forward. 

You should apply if you: 

  • Have a business idea, side hustle, or are in the early “thinking about it” stage 
  • Are pre-revenue and need structure, direction, or a clear plan to get started 
  • Already run a business and want to grow, hire, or improve operations 
  • Are generating revenue and ready to expand or explore funding opportunities 
  • Want to strengthen your business for long-term success 
  • Can commit to six in-person sessions 
  • Live in Clay County or run a Clay County–based business 

Get Tools, Coaching, and $5,000 or More in Capital to Move Your Business Idea Forward 

Over six weeks, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and a network of people invested in your success. You’ll also walk away with real tools you can use the next day and every graduate receives non-competitive grant funding. 

Benefits of Launch + Leap

  • No-cost training and support 
  • A space to test ideas and sharpen your thinking 
  • Real-world guidance from people who understand business in Clay County 
  • Opportunities to share your work publicly 
  • A built-in network of entrepreneurs, partners, and mentors 
  • Better positioning for future grants, loans, and regional accelerator programs 

Every Graduate Receives:

A Focused 12-month Business Roadmap

A Validated Business Model

A Practical Financial Plan

6 Months of Paid ChatGPT and Canva Pro Subscriptions

$5,000-$10,000 in Grant Funding

Your 6-Week Roadmap for Building a Stronger Business 

This program builds your skills week by week. Each session gives you one essential piece of your business. By the end of the six weeks, you’ll have a clear path forward. 

Launch Program Timeline:

Week 1: Foundations & Research

Leap Program Timeline:

Week 1: Scaling Foundations & Market Research

Meet Your Business Guides and Support Team

The SOAR Innovation team will lead each session of the program, helping you shape ideas, strengthen strategies, and make practical decisions for your Clay County business. 

Danna Barnett

Director of Entrepreneurship
Rick West, Entrepreneur in Residence, Shaping Our Appalachian Region

Rick West

Entrepreneur in Residence

Riley Thompson

Startup Outreach Coordinator
Colt Swint

Colt Swint

Startup Pipeline Coordinator

Luke Howard

Startup Outreach Coordinator

Sara Fugate

Business Programs Manager

How To Join the Launch + Leap: Clay County Business Accelerators

  1. Apply through One Clay County. 
  2. Meet with the SOAR Innovation team to talk through your goals and business ideas. 
  3. Get accepted and begin your 6-week journey to launch or level up your business.