DeKalb Contributes $125,000 to Project Launchpad

The City of DeKalb has delivered $125,000 in support of a new program by Opportunity DeKalb to lift lives and the community through entrepreneurship and employment.

On April 25, Mayor Cohen Barnes presented the City's contribution to Project Launchpad, an initiative of Opportunity DeKalb to connect residents to employment opportunities and aspiring entrepreneurs to business-building tools.

The nonprofit has arranged nearly two-dozen local partnerships for the program, which will be centered in DeKalb's Annie Glidden North neighborhood. These partners will help residents secure jobs in the local economy and provide access to capital and business growth services to entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners. The program will also offer a 12-week Community Business Academy in partnership with Rising Tide Capital.

DeKalb's contribution was celebrated at City Hall on April 25. Joining the check presentation were (from left to right) DeKalb First Ward Alderwoman Carolyn Zasada, Project Launchpad Advisory Committee Member LaCretia Konan, Opportunity DeKalb Board Vice President Ellingsworth Webb, Opportunity DeKalb Executive Director Chad Glover, Board President Glenn Roby, Mayor Cohen Barnes, Committee Members Jerry Smith, Derek Hiland, Cindy Green-Deutsch and Jennifer Yochem, who also serves as the City's Community Services Coordinator.