Education
The 14-week course, advanced cohorts, and workshops that turn an idea into a written, tested business plan.
About Launcher
Building neighborhood
economies from within.
Launcher is an initiative of West End Neighborhood House, helping Delaware entrepreneurs start and grow businesses through education, technical assistance, access to capital, and real estate support.
Our Mission
More than training
entrepreneurs,
it's a movement.
Rooted in education, real estate, and access to capital, Launcher is supporting the community in disrupting poverty and revitalizing neighborhoods.
Our mission is to build wealth within the community by providing education and resources to low-income, minority communities in need of economic revitalization. We help you launch faster, smarter, and stronger.
How we do it
Four pillars,
one mission.
Technical Assistance
One-on-one advising through Business Lab and beyond, for entrepreneurs at every stage.
Access to Capital
The Ignite loan, lending partners, and financial coaching that make funding reachable.
Real Estate
Guidance from the kitchen table to a front door on Main Street.
Our Story
From spark
to storefront.
Launcher was established in 2016. Since then, Barclays has provided over $1 million in support, and in 2024 the core program grew from 12 to 14 weeks as Launcher welcomed its 1,000th graduate.
Today Launcher runs across 12 sites and is part of the national Build From Within Alliance, bringing entrepreneurship education and capital closer to the neighborhoods that need it most.
Our Real Impact
Real entrepreneurs,
real results.
Since 2017, Launcher graduates have been opening doors, creating jobs, and keeping wealth in the neighborhoods that raised them.
1,599Program graduates across 12 sites
110Brick and mortar businesses opened
$2.11MIn capital accessed by our entrepreneurs
1,359Jobs created or retained
Figures as of August 2026. 94% of Launcher businesses are minority owned, and 93% of participants rate the program excellent or good.
Our Team
The people
behind Launcher.
EDEmily DuranDirector
SMSarahi MercedProgram Manager
MRMonai RobertsBusiness Lab
DHDario HerreraSpecial Projects and Office Manager
Our Partners
We don't do
this alone.
- Barclays
- Wilmington University
- Stand By Me
- Delaware Division of Small Business
- Stepping Stones Federal Credit Union
- Finanta
- Wilmington Kitchen Collective
- La Plaza Delaware
- NeighborGood Partners
- Claymont Community Center
- Cornerstone West CDC
- Build From Within Alliance
Get in Touch
Come say
hello.
710 N Lincoln St, Wilmington, DE 19805
302-658-4171
launcher@westendnh.org
Together, we build
stronger communities.
Join us in disrupting poverty and revitalizing neighborhoods through entrepreneurship.