--- title: "Home" description: "Build your business in Holly Springs with expert business training, mentoring, and a supportive local network. Get involved with LaunchHOLLYSPRINGS today." featured_image: "https://launchhollysprings.org/wp-content/uploads/LHS-Default-Featured-Image.png" url: "https://launchhollysprings.org/" date_modified: "2026-08-03T13:46:45-04:00" --- # Building the next generation of Holly Springs businesses LaunchHOLLYSPRINGS is building an ecosystem in Holly Springs that makes education and training available to anyone with entrepreneurial aspirations. [Learn More About Us](https://launchhollysprings.org/about/) ![A woman with curly blonde hair speaking into a microphone.](https://launchhollysprings.org/wp-content/uploads/Hero_1_extracted-scaled-e1781204795934.png) --- 150 Graduates from our 9-month program 80% Graduates still in business after 3 years (national average is 61%) 41 Businesses now operate from dedicated brick-and-mortar locations 5 Nonprofits launched to support local community needs 3 Graduates with $1M in revenue and/or 20+ employees 40+ Home-based businesses moved from part-time to full-time --- [Video](https://youtu.be/vfeXzQrc6Lc?si=AD9MmpCYRHcW9y2i) ## What is LaunchHOLLYSPRINGS? LaunchHOLLYSPRINGS is a community-based program dedicated to equipping local small and emerging businesses with the fundamental skills and mentorship they need to contribute to the social and economic development of Holly Springs. [Learn More About Launch HOLLYSPRINGS](https://launchhollysprings.org/about/) --- ## Who does LaunchHOLLYSPRINGS serve? - Small and emerging businesses ready to take the next step - Side hustle founders looking to go full-time - Holly Springs citizens exploring entrepreneurship - Experienced professionals who want to mentor - Local businesses and partners who want to invest in the community !["Two women smiling, holding a certificate together, celebrating achievement.".](https://launchhollysprings.org/wp-content/uploads/Mentor_a-scaled-e1781208990689.png) --- ## The LHS Accelerator Every year, up to 20 Holly Springs businesses are selected to join our nine-month Accelerator. This program equips local small and emerging businesses with the fundamental skills and mentorship they need to grow a successful, sustainable business. - 10 weeks of hands-on business training - A full, working business plan - 6 months of guided mentorship - Milestones and accountability to keep you moving [Learn More and Apply](https://launchhollysprings.org/accelerator/) ![Two men at an award ceremony, one holding a certificate and wearing a blue polo shirt.](https://launchhollysprings.org/wp-content/uploads/Accelerator-cutout.png) --- ## Mentors: Local people who've built their own businesses Our mentors are experienced entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders who volunteer their time to guide small and emerging Holly Springs businesses. Become a mentor to give back, expand your network, and play your role in shaping Holly Springs entrepreneurship. Ariana Nester Remedy Cocktail Company AsheLee Bonham Gahagan Ashe School of Music Chris Edge Edgeview Creative Fractional Partners Christopher Walker BlueOcean Consulting NC LLC Chuck Shoemaker Ideal Garage Solutions (Retired) Diane Hayes Diane Hayes at Howard Hanna Tate Real Estate Eric Jensen McJ Property LLC / McJ Handy LLC / McJ Retail Inc Gary Maclay Greenleaf Consulting, LLC Heather Eck Heather Eck Studios Jessica Yee Triangle Network in Action Jodi Carey Jodi Carey (HPW Realtor) Jon Harol Lighthouse Lab Services / Laboratory Nexus / The Block on Main Kiran Verdek Designs Touch Kristy Tart-Bryan Carolina Family Vision Liz Rosilli Sales Savvy, Inc. Niki Crowe The Home Inspector Team Nancy Smyth Holly Springs Counseling Center, PLLC Paul Beirne Bizspire Steve Hand NC Triangle BNI Steve Johnson Tag Multimedia [Become a Mentor](https://launchhollysprings.org/mentors/) --- ## Real stories from real businesses When I went through the Launch program, I was teaching private music lessons out of my home to eight students. I saw the need to expand access to music education in Holly Springs, and I had the passion to do it – but I didn’t have the business know-how to turn it into something real. Launch Holly Springs changed that. The program gave me the foundation, the mentorship, and the confidence to transform giving music lessons into an actual business. Shortly after I graduated LHS, Ashe School of Music opened our first studio with 45 students. Enrollment doubled within months and we expanded into a second location. Today, Ashe School of Music serves over 400 students weekly with a team of more than 20 instructors, from two beautiful downtown Holly Springs locations. Our newly opened Ashe Music Hall has become a valued hub for cultural & performing arts in Holly Springs.  None of that would have happened without Launch Holly Springs. They didn’t just teach me how to run a business – they believed in the idea and gave me everything I needed for success. AsheLee Bonham Gahagan Founder, Ashe School of Music My business went from being operated by a solo cleaner (myself) to a fully staffed company with 19 employees. LHS provided opportunities to meet and network with different Cohort graduates, as well as the providence of a mentor that helped guide me and my business in the right direction. I learned 2 key lessons. First, in today’s business world, it’s more about your network than your net worth. Second, I learned that if you provide overwhelming value to your customers, they’ll have no other choice but to stay with you and refer you. Kat Hourani Kat’s Cleaning Services Launch helped us accelerate our growth and gave us the confidence to move forward with our vision and make it a reality! Launch has provided us with a wonderful community of entrepreneurs at all stages of their business across many industries. Launch has also provided us with tools and resources to plan, prepare, and execute the vision for our business. The Launch program is an equalizer for small business owners as it gives them the tools and resources to optimize their ability to succeed. Jim & Amy Bishop Sawdust & Clay Our graduation from Launch Holly Springs has given us not only a sound business foundation, but also access to a ready-made support community. We regularly connect with our Launch family to network, get feedback and ideas on business concerns, and tap into business development programs and opportunities. Lastly, the Launch community continues to support us through word-of-mouth referrals. Nicole Meggerson De Martinez Silver Lake Construction Co. --- ## Meet our alumni We’re immensely proud of the businesses we’ve helped to build. Our alumni are shaping the local economy by creating jobs, offering services, and bringing new ideas to life across Holly Springs. Support the businesses that started right here. [Browse the Directory](/directory/) --- ![Three women smiling at an indoor event, standing in front of a banner and colorful artwork.](https://launchhollysprings.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-LHS-Summit-052.jpg) ## Invest in Holly Springs entrepreneurs When you support LaunchHOLLYSPRINGS, you’re investing in real people, real businesses, and the future of Holly Springs. [Support Our Mission](https://launchhollysprings.org/give/) ![Group of diverse women and men in a conference room.](https://launchhollysprings.org/wp-content/uploads/Cohort-9.jpg) ## Claim your seat at the table Learn new skills. Meet your people. Take your next step forward. Turn ideas into action at our free entrepreneur events, our annual eSummit, and exclusive community gatherings. [Explore Upcoming Events](https://launchhollysprings.org/events/) --- ## How to get involved For aspiring Holly Springs entrepreneurs Free events run by our Entrepreneur Center Apply to our next Accelerator Cohort Subscribe to the Gazette for updates and opportunities For established businesses Free events run by our Entrepreneur Center Become a mentor Support the program through funding or in-kind services Subscribe to the Gazette for updates and opportunities For LHS alumni Free events run by our Entrepreneur Center Become a mentor Give back Join our free alumni events Subscribe to the Gazette for updates and opportunities --- ## We couldn't do this without our partners The right support can change everything. The work we’re able to do is powered by a network of partners, sponsors, and supporters who believe in local entrepreneurship. [Meet Our Partners](https://launchhollysprings.org/partners/) --- You don't have to build your business alone Join a community that believes in Holly Springs entrepreneurs and is building the next generation of local businesses, together. Subscribe to the Gazette