Launch Chapel Hill helps local startups get off the ground. And now, they’re looking for the next big idea.

Dina Rousset is director of Launch Chapel Hill. She said the program has help about 55 companies, the vast majority of which are still in business. And most of them, according to Rousset, stayed right here in the community.

Launch Companies usually start with a basic prototype.

“We are looking for them to beyond the idea phase. So they’ve actually come up with a prototype or what we call a minimally viable product and they’re really looking to build their team and scale their business, is where we help the best,” said Rousset.

Launch has sponsored businesses like UConnection, which helps college students find deals on food, nightlife and daily specials in their town through an phone app and physical coupons.

Rousett said they look for small teams working together, who have already done some research into their potential customer base and most importantly, are willing to learn.

Launch Chapel Hill brings in a new group of about 4 or 5  startup businesses a couple times a year. Those businesses attend workshops, receive guidance from ‘“resident entrepreneurs” and utilize office space in downtown Chapel Hill.

And it’s not just open to students.

“We are also open to members of the community, the town and county are partners as well. So we see about a third are students, a third are alumni, faculty, staff at UNC and a third are just community members who have an idea that they would like to move forward,” said Rousset.

The program is a partnerships between UNC, the town of Chapel Hill and Orange County. They also receive support from some private donors.

Last year, Launch Chapel hill was ranked as one of the top 4 university business accelerators in North America.

Even if you aren’t quite there with your prototype, Rousset and her team might still be able to help.

“Sometimes we find a team isn’t ready for Launch but we usually direct them to other resources, because our goal at the end of the day is to help support the growth of businesses in the area,” said Rousset.

If you think you have an idea for Launch Chapel Hill, apply online by May 22.

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