LaunchTN announces new funding opportunity for Creative Communities Program

Launch Tennessee (LaunchTN) announced last week that applications for the second round of funding through the Creative Communities Initiatives will open this fall. This initiative allows organizations to apply for funding to support entrepreneurial programming targeted at rural and underrepresented communities.The first Creative Communities funding opportunity awarded $250,000 to 13 different organizations whose projects are detailed on their website. All selected grantees are using their awards to run entrepreneurial or workforce development programs in their respective parts of the state.

New applicants are invited to apply for funding of up to $25,000 to run programs between January 1, 2017-December 31, 2017.  
Applications for the new funding period will open September 1, 2016 and close November 1, 2016. Interested participants can find more details, as well as the application, at their website.

LaunchTN will hold two telephonic info sessions for interested applicants on September 8, 2016 (2-3pm CT)  and October 13, 2016 (10-11am CT). LaunchTN will also present a symposium on October 26, 2016 for rural community leaders to learn about entrepreneurial resources and discuss how to facilitate these programs within their community.

Creative Communities is a competitive application process and grantees will be selected by a review committee made up of LaunchTN staff, board members and external partners. Selections will be made and announced in December..  Additional details can be found on our website and will be updated throughout the application and review process. Questions can be directed to Brittany Burgess, LaunchTN’s Entrepreneur Manager, at [email protected]