LaunchPad is Back!

Build momentum for your business—one month at a time.

LaunchPad is a free, monthly event series designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners, creatives, and startup founders looking to grow, learn, and connect.

From April to August, each session will explore a key business topic—like marketing, money management, and business essentials—with expert speakers, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops to give you actionable takeaways you can apply right away.

Register Today

Who Should Attend?

Aspiring & Early-Stage Entrepreneurs

Learn the fundamentals, avoid common pitfalls, and gain confidence in your business idea.

Small Business Owners

Get fresh strategies to boost your marketing, improve operations, and scale sustainably.

Creatives & Freelancers

Discover branding, social media, and financial strategies to grow your independent business.

Startup Founders

Connect with peers, learn from industry experts, and prepare for Launch Dayton Startup Week 2025!

Event Schedule & Themes

April 17 – Marketing: ChatGPT & Social Media for Small Businesses

May 15 – Money: Funding Strategies & Financial Planning

June 26 – Marketing: Branding & Digital Content

July 17 – Business: Optimizing Space & Inventory for Growth

August 21 – Business: Customer Validation & Value Proposition

Event Format

Each LaunchPad event is designed to provide a mix of education, discussion, and networking in a relaxed, collaborative environment. Whether you’re here to learn from expert speakers, participate in insightful panel discussions, or connect with fellow entrepreneurs, you’ll leave with actionable takeaways to help grow your business.

  • 9:00 AM – Doors Open (Cowork from The Hub)
  • 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM – LaunchPad Event
  • 11:00 – 11:45 AM – Presenter Session #1
  • 12:00 – 1:00 PM – Panel Discussion (Lunch provided)
  • 1:15 – 2:00 PM – Presenter Session #2
  • 2:30 – 4:00 PM – Happy Hour & Networking (Drinks provided)
  • 5:00 PM – Doors Close

Lunch and happy hour are provided at every event.

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Title Sponsor
Fifth Third Bank

We extend our sincerest gratitude to Fifth Third Bank, our title sponsor, for their unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship at our LaunchPad and Startup Week events.

Thank you, Sponsors!

Our incredible sponsors help us keep the conference free, empowering Launch Dayton partners to pursue our mission to build an equitable community where all entrepreneurs are welcome and supported.

 

Host Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Startup Week 2025

Each LaunchPad event builds momentum for Startup Week, September 9-10, 2025, a two-day event of learning, networking, and celebration for entrepreneurs and small business owners. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Startup Week in Dayton—we can’t wait to see you there!

Learn More

Join Us at LaunchPad

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, creative, or startup founder, LaunchPad is your chance to learn, connect, and grow alongside Dayton’s business community. With engaging speakers, expert-led sessions, and built-in networking opportunities, these free events are designed to give you the tools and insights to take your business to the next level.

Registration is free and open to all—sign up today and be part of the conversation.

Know someone who would benefit from these sessions? Invite them to join you at The Hub!

Register Today