At the Center for Community Transformation (CCT), we know that no entrepreneur should have to walk their journey alone. For Karina Orocio, LaunchPad was a turning point. As a Latina-owned business uplifting Indigenous women artisans across Mexico through handmade, ethically sourced goods, she felt the pressure to do everything on her own. However, through the LaunchPad, she discovered that she didn’t have to carry the weight alone. “I learned that I do not need to do everything on my own… There are many organizations within the community that I could rely on,” Karina shared.
That’s why we created LaunchPad, a 7-week online course equipping small business owners with the education, mentorship, and support they need to grow their dreams into thriving enterprises. To clarify, build, and scale their business. With the encouragement of the LaunchPad team, she gained the tools and confidence to take the next steps toward building a more organized, sustainable business.
According to data from the U.S. Small Business Administration (1994–2021), only about 49.2% of new employer businesses survive beyond five years (Business Initiative, 2025). LaunchPad helps close this gap by equipping entrepreneurs with the tools they need to not only survive, but to thrive. As these businesses grow, they generate jobs, strengthen families, and spark lasting community transformation.
