Launch Pad

The Launch Pad is where UNG students, faculty, staff, alumni and community entrepreneurs start and grow new ventures. It is sponsored and operated by the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation within the Mike Cottrell College of Business at UNG.

This entrepreneurship and innovation lab allows members to participate in integrated training programs, share common workspaces, gain access to mentors and funding sources, and to collaborate with other members to create and grow their own startups. 

The Launch Pad is conveniently located near local eateries and coffee shops, as well as the Dahlonega campus. It is housed on the top level of the Church Street Building.

Programming

The Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation holds frequent events within the Launch Pad to help support the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem of north Georgia. These events include internship opportunities, workshops and other events to help our region’s prospective business owners and idea generators thrive.

The Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation employs student interns to assist in the operation of the Launch Pad. Students interested in becoming an intern at the Launch Pad should have a strong interest in entrepreneurship and a proactive, can-do attitude. Due to the wide range of duties, candidates should also possess the ability to multitask and successfully plan and execute projects with minimal supervision in a team environment.

Other characteristics and abilities include writing and communication skills, experience coordinating events and meetings and a positive attitude. This is a great internship opportunity for students who are interested in entrepreneurship and startups. As a part of this internship students will be exposed to all aspects of startup business activities as well as take part in a variety of workshops, social events and meetings.

Launch Pad workshops and educational programs have been created by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs and designed to inspire participants to become innovative change makers. Completion off the programs will prepare first-time and experienced entrepreneurs for their journey. A wide variety of dynamic workshops have been developed with a focus on the evolving needs of startups and existing entrepreneurs. Experienced and successful entrepreneurs were intricately involved in the development of these workshops enabling the inclusion of best practices and lessons learned from failures.

Industry and functional workshops and courses are provided at various times to supplement the entrepreneurship focus enabling participants to develop unique skills and expertise.

Launch Pad workshops and educational programs are free for current UNG students, faculty, researchers and staff. All others may be asked to pay a small fee depending on the workshop or educational program.

Registration is required for all participants in any workshop or educational program.

Join us for Coffee With an Entrepreneur where entrepreneurs with various backgrounds and levels of expertise will share their knowledge and experience in a coaching environment of open discussion.

These events are open to any student interested in learning about entrepreneurship and startups. This is not a sales networking opportunity. Only entrepreneurs who are thinking about and/or are currently working on a startup should participate.

Frequently Asked Questions