LaunchPad
Turning Bold Ideas into Community Impact
For nearly a decade, LEADS has brought together cross-sector teams to tackle some of our region's toughest challenges. Along the way, we've learned what drives progress, what creates roadblocks, and how collaborative leadership turns ideas into action.
LaunchPad was built from those lessons and shaped by the leaders doing this work every day.
What Is LaunchPad?
LaunchPad helps teams accelerate community-driven solutions by leveraging the expertise, networks, and resources of their members, organizations, and the broader LEADS community.
Through a focused six-month process, teams gain the tools, funding, and guidance needed to move from concept to measurable impact.
LaunchPad provides:
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Dedicated grant funding
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Proven tools and frameworks
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Customized coaching
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Cross-sector collaboration
Together, these elements help teams turn momentum into meaningful results.
Meet the Inaugural LaunchPad Cohort
Selected through a competitive process, the first LaunchPad teams are addressing critical regional challenges, including:
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Expanding homeownership opportunities
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Revitalizing commercial corridors
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Supporting entrepreneurship and small business growth
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Strengthening workforce development
These challenges require fresh thinking, strong partnerships, and leaders committed to creating change together. The current LaunchPad teams are:
Home Run
Expanding access to affordable homeownership in Gateway Cities like Lawrence by creating pathways for residents to build wealth, strengthening financial stability, and investing in their communities.
The Kitchen Collective
Creating opportunities for Lowell's food entrepreneurs while promoting Lowell’s cultural assets as an economic development strategy.
Vacancy to Vitality (V2V)
Transforming vacant storefronts into opportunities for entrepreneurship, public art, neighborhood vitality, and economic growth.
The Human Element
Establishing a regional workforce development consortium that strengthens collaboration among higher education, K–12 schools, employers, and workforce development partners.
The LEADS Difference
Transformational change happens when talented leaders come together with a shared purpose, proven methods, and a strong network behind them.
That's what LEADS is all about.
