Celebrating Entrepreneurship: Launch Temple Graduates Fourth Cohort

The Rotary Club of Temple, the Rotary Club of Temple-South, Temple College, and the Temple Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the graduation of seven local entrepreneurs from the fourth cohort of Launch Temple. The celebration was held on July 22, 2025, in the new Workforce and Visual Arts Building at Temple College.
 
Launch Temple is part of the LaunchMyCity family of programs, developed by Rotary International and modeled after successful initiatives like LaunchDETROIT and LaunchRALEIGH. The program is designed to cultivate successful entrepreneurs by expanding access to comprehensive business training, financial literacy, and resource networks.

This local version, Launch Temple, is a collaborative effort between the two Temple Rotary Clubs, Temple College, and the Temple Chamber of Commerce. It stands apart by focusing specifically on doing business in Temple, Texas. “Unlike traditional courses that use broad, one-size-fits-all content, Launch Temple focuses directly on doing business in Temple,” said James Skinner, MBA, Director of Adult Education and Literacy at Temple College, who serves as program instructor. “We study our local economy, customer base, and supply chains. Participants walk away with strategies tailored to succeed right here.”
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The 10-week course is intensive, with weekly three-hour sessions covering topics such as business modeling, market research, legal strategy, funding, marketing, and branding. Participants used a hybrid format combining Gmetrix online training with in-person instruction to earn the Certiport Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management Certificate. Each graduate leaves the program with a completed business plan and a clearer path forward, whether starting fresh or strengthening an existing business.

During the graduation celebration, the entrepreneurs presented their businesses to a supportive audience. They were welcomed by Temple College President Dr. Christy Ponce, who applauded their vision and commitment. Nancy Glover, Director of Housing and Community Development for the City of Temple, also shared words of encouragement, recognizing the positive impact these new entrepreneurs are having on the city's small business landscape.
 
One of the program’s defining strengths is the long-term support it offers. “Once you complete the program, you’re not on your own. We stay with you,” Skinner added. “Whether you need help registering your business, building a website, or managing growth, our team is just a phone call away. You won’t just get a class—you’ll get a community behind you for life.”
 
The Temple Chamber of Commerce congratulates the graduates of the fourth Launch Temple cohort:

• Cindy Canty – Cindy P. Canty, Fine Art Pet Portrait Artist and Photographer
• Deonte Davis – Happy Daddy Hot Dogs
• Jamie Nance – Beltex Space Makers (home de-cluttering service)
• Joshua Nance – Beltex Space Makers
• Aprile Snyder – Red White Blue CPR
• Bryan Villalobos – The Villa Golf Lounge
• Jessica Ybarbo – Hoops Academy 3x3 Basketball

 
The next Launch Temple cohort runs May 2026 through July 2026. For more information visit https://launchtemple.com/.