Learn more about HatchBridge and the Cherokee Office of Economic Development’s Fresh Start Cherokee entrepreneurship initiative.
Are you ready to turn your business idea into reality?
Join us on this exciting venture here in Cherokee County – the 193-year-old Startup Community! Secure your spot in the future of entrepreneurship in the FREE 6-week LaunchPad Bootcamp series for Cherokee County Emerging Entrepreneurs. Only 15 slots available!
Are you a fit for launchpad?
- Are you a Cherokee County emerging entrepreneur with a business idea/concept OR are you gearing up to launch a new product?
- Are you a startup business in Cherokee County and need the tools and framework to grow?
- Do you want to transform your innovative idea into a business?
- Are you interested in developing your business model?
- Are you looking for a go-to market strategy for a new product?
Whether you just have an idea or concept, a startup, or you want to launch a new product, this 6-week bootcamp series is designed for you.
BOOTCAMP DATES
Tuesdays, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. | April 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13 | One Innovation Way, Woodstock, GA 30188
For more information, contact Lee Smith, Program Manager at LSmith@cherokeega.org or 770.345.0600.
Where will you go with launchpad?
Join our exciting LaunchPad Bootcamp series! We’ll help you turn your innovative ideas into a solid plan ready to take off over the course of 6-weeks.
Week 1:
- Explore new opportunities by developing a deep understanding of the problem statement
- Identify the needs of target customers willing to pay for satisfactory solution
- Establish personal and business goals aligned with the vision
week 2:
- Investigate authentic opportunities and collect unbiased data
- Optimize initial solution design through targeted customer interviews
- Analyze competitors and alternate solutions
week 3:
- Refine understanding of the market and validate assumptions
- Map the customer buyer journey to identify key touchpoints
- Focus efforts on creating a minimum sellable product
week 4:
- Test hypotheses and gather feedback through prototypes or early versions of the product
- Refine messaging and pricing models based on customer insights
- Assess feasibility and pivot strategies as needed
week 5:
- Bring results from previous customer conversations
- Learn how to use your findings
- Iterate your experiments to keep learning
week 6:
- Define north star metrics for tracking success
- Develop a framework for accountability and ongoing process
- Explore legal and financial structure for incorporation
walk away with:
Idea Deck
Founder Checklist
Business Model Canvas
Customer Connections




meet the facilitators

colin ake
Director of Incubation & Commercialization, KSU
I deeply enjoy innovation and iteration, tackling challenging problems, building and leading teams, and taking on roles that impact the world around us. I have experience in building and leading teams, business model development for deep technology startups, designing and running entrepreneurship programs, building coalitions, and managing programs. Building new programs that serve communities of people is an extremely rewarding process that I am fortunate to get to spend time doing in multiple areas of life.
I have a passion for building business models that will enable the sustainable and commercial exploration of space. There’s a lot of work to do to build more companies that sustain themselves on commercial revenue outside of LEO. Let’s get to it.

graham gintz
Associate Director, HatchBridge
I am passionate about novel applications of technology and the quest to build companies from the ground up. A lifelong learner and practiced entrepreneur, I am energized by relationships with technologists challenging the status quo.
I am grateful to have a breadth of international experience as a strategy consultant and am always happy to speak with new founders about strategy, business development, and industry trends. Hoping to dabble into angel investing in the near future.