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Launch: Your Entrepreneurial Journey is accepting applications for Flight V. The Launch program, powered by ������ý, takes aspiring entrepreneurs through the critical steps of starting a business. This classroom-free approach shows entrepreneurs how to take their startup concept to operating business in 16 weeks. Businesses that have been in operation less than one year can also benefit from Launch.

The program utilizes local business leaders and entrepreneurs as mentors, or “thought leaders,” to guide Launch participants. There are 32 mentors involved with the program and participants meet with lawyers, bankers, graphic artists and other vendors needed in the startup process. If you were to pay these individuals as consultants, it would add up to more than $62,000 in fees. Sample Launch sessions include: Building Your Business Model; Understanding Your Market Through Research; Intellectual Property; and Building Your Revenue Model.

Applicants can begin the journey at www.launchyourejourney.com. They will be evaluated, invited for interviews, and 18 will be invited to participate in the next session of Launch that begins Feb. 4, 2013. The deadline to apply is Jan. 15, 2013.