Nucleus launches 11th class for entrepreneurs

Landon Wade is originally from Ohio. He didn’t have many contacts in Louisville’s start-up community when he launched his Louisville-based company, Goodson Clothing Supply Co., in May of last year. As a first time business owner, he needed some local help to grow his company and avoid mistakes. A friend who had graduated from Nucleus’ LaunchIt program suggested Wade enroll in the entrepreneurial training program. Wade took the advice. He’s joining 27 other individuals and teams in the 11th LaunchIt class beginning this month.

“I’m hoping LaunchIt will help me find some mentors, network with other entrepreneurs and focus my ideas and plan for my company,” Wade said. The spring LaunchIt class also includes four UofL researchers supported by UofL’s National Science Foundation I-Corps Site program and nine military veterans who received free tuition as part of the University of Louisville’s VetStart program, which provides help to vets in getting their businesses started. LaunchIt is a 10-week course for entrepreneurs to learn how to validate key aspects of their business model for launching a new product or starting a business. More than 250 entrepreneurs from the Louisville area have graduated from Nucleus’ program. Nucleus is an arm of the UofL Foundation. “The model works,” said Mary Tapolsky, program coordinator. “LaunchIt participants make great contacts and are coached by successful entrepreneurs who know how to launch and grow a business.” The LaunchIt classes began Feb. 18.