Noah Mowery, a Baldwin Wallace student who wants to flourish his own start up business, has found his home at Baldwin Wallace University’s LaunchNet. LaunchNet is a grant funded program dedicated to helping students transform their ideas into thriving businesses that impact the community.  

Caite Lenehan, the program manager of LaunchNet, is committed to supporting aspiring entrepreneurs even beyond graduation through mentoring students from all different majors.  

“I work with all folks who are coming in, whether they just have an idea and want to start something, all the way to folks who already have a million-dollar business,” Lenehan said. 

 LaunchNet ensures that all students receive the guidance they need to succeed. 

Mowery, a senior at Baldwin Wallace, created the thrifted clothing shop The Thrifting Tree. In high school, Mowry’s peers frequently requested his help with shopping for outfits.  

“I was almost a personal stylist for a couple of different people in high school,” Mowry said.  

Mowry realized there was a growing demand for his fashion sense and needed a platform to offer stylish affordable clothes to his potential customers.  

When Mowry transitioned from high school to college, he had some skill about running a business but struggled with managing the increased demand from customers.  

“It’s a good problem to have, but it’s also like I’ve got to keep up with that demand,” Mowery said. “It becomes a problem.” 

In search of insightful advice on managing customer demands, Mowry found LaunchNet.  

“I was looking for guidance, someone that had gone through this type of thing before, where I could just go and get tips or advice.” Mowry said. 

After regular coaching sessions, Mowry learned effective management strategies that helped him keep track of his customer requests. LaunchNet provided him with methods to maintain his customer satisfaction and also helped him establish an LLC. 

“I had a website built but don’t know one thing about getting an LLC, and LaunchNet was there to help with that” Mowry said. 

LaunchNet not only provides guidance on how to achieve success in business, but it also fosters a sense of community among students. While starting a business may seem intimidating, the most stressful part is often making that first move.  

“The scariest thing is making that first meeting,” Lenehan said, “but once you take that step, you will feel much calmer knowing you’ve got a plan to work towards for the next meeting.”