Bakersfield College’s Launchpad, located in the heart of downtown at the KCCD Weill Institute, has become a hub for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking guidance, mentorship, and resources. Known to many as the Weill Institute, the downtown campus houses this innovative initiative to foster economic and community development.
The Launchpad was established in 2019 under the leadership of then-president Sonia Christian, who envisioned a space where the community and college could come together to support local businesses and entrepreneurs. However, just six months after its inception, the COVID-19 pandemic brought widespread economic uncertainty, leaving many small businesses struggling to stay afloat. Christian and Norma Rojas recognized the urgent need for support and brought in NaTesha Johnson as a special consultant to assess the situation and develop a strategic plan for the future.
“During COVID, we saw firsthand the barriers that small businesses faced,” said Johnson. “Many lacked access to capital, technical support, and resources to navigate relief programs like PPP and B-Cares. Bakersfield College stepped in to bridge those gaps.”
The Launchpad provides a range of services at no cost, including mentorship, coaching, and small business courses. Through its Entrepreneurship and Innovation Academy, individuals can earn certificates in entrepreneurship, business development, execution, and small business funding. These non-credit courses, offered in both hybrid and in-person formats, aim to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills like business planning, marketing, and financial management.
Beyond education, the Launchpad serves as a workspace for entrepreneurs.
“We have a fully equipped entrepreneurial hub where small businesses can access computers, software, and even book space for professional development,” Johnson explained. “It’s like a mini Kinko’s, but free for the community.”
The initiative has also made significant strides in addressing financial disparities among small business owners, particularly within minority communities. In partnership with the City of Bakersfield, the Launchpad launched the Entrepreneurship Technical Grant Program, distributing over $1 million in grant funding to more than 100 businesses. The program’s second round includes additional grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, aiming to help businesses overcome financial hurdles and expand their operations.
Johnson expressed particular excitement about the Entrepreneurship Technical Grant Program’s second phase.
“I’m excited about our Entrepreneurship Technical Grant Program, our 2.0, because we’re able to extend support to those small businesses who may not have received funding during our first round,” she said. “And the reason they didn’t receive funding wasn’t that they were rejected—the funds were simply exhausted. So to have the City of Bakersfield say, ‘Hey, we have an additional $537,750 for you to give to these small businesses’ makes me incredibly happy.”
The Launchpad extends its efforts to the next generation through youth entrepreneurship programs. Collaborating with organizations like Upside Academy, Wingstop Innovators, and Empowerment by Des Perkins, the initiative introduces young people—many from underserved communities—to leadership, entrepreneurship, and STEM opportunities.
While the Launchpad does not specifically fund nonprofit organizations, it works closely with community partners such as the Kern Community Foundation.
“We don’t house nonprofit projects, but we refer them to our partners,” Johnson explained. “However, we do encourage nonprofits to take advantage of Bakersfield College’s noncredit courses. We offer over 130 courses, all at no cost, which can benefit nonprofit boards and staff members in areas like financial literacy, Microsoft Office, and sales. These foundational skills are crucial for running an effective nonprofit.”
With its emphasis on accessibility and collaboration, Bakersfield College’s Launchpad continues to drive economic growth in Kern County, proving that entrepreneurship can be both a pathway to generational wealth and a force for positive community impact.
