LaunchLab

Each fall, the Entrepreneurship Assistance Center (EAC) offers its comprehensive,10-week, hands-on business program for startups and prestartups looking to launch their business. 

Previously known as our EAC Business Training Program, LaunchLab is an intensive specifically designed to minimize the risk and maximize the potential success of starting your own business. You will learn by completing projects during the virtual  classroom and lab sessions and developing on those projects outside session hours - whether the assignment is to create a sales page, test an MVP (minimal viable product), or develop financial statements. 

Who this program is for

LaunchLab is for aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs who want to turn their idea into a real, functioning business - with support, structure, and a trusted path forward. Whether you’re starting from scratch or already making sales, this program helps you build a strong foundation and avoid the overwhelm of going it alone.

• Work a 9 - 5 but dream of launching a side hustle or full-time business
• Have an idea, product, or service but aren’t sure where to start or move forward
• Feel overwhelmed by the endless advice online and want clear, trustworthy guidance
• Have made a few sales and now need structure, systems, and next steps
• Feel isolated on your entrepreneurship journey and want a community that supports and pushes you
• Whether you’re testing an idea or scaling a small venture, LaunchLab meets you where you are - and helps you move forward with clarity and confidence

What you'll walk away with

Through this program, you’ll gain the tools, experience, and confidence to launch and grow a business the right way, from idea to execution.

• Validate your idea by testing for product-market fit through real-time feedback
• Build a real MVP and start marketing or selling your product early
• Identify and connect with your ideal customer through structured discovery interview
• Craft a strong value proposition and positioning strategy
• Create a landing page and understand the basics of ad management
• Understand your market with research, industry analysis, and trends
• Develop a budget and financial projections using standard tools
• Learn business structures, legal basics, and tax structures
• Use tools like AI, Zoom, Google Suite, and project management apps to collaborate effectively
• Access expert resources in law, accounting, and technology
• Join a vibrant community of EAC alumni and receive ongoing 1-on-1 coaching

Whether you're refining a product, launching your first service, or turning a concept into reality, LaunchLab gives you the structure and support to do it with clarity, confidence, and community.

Program Structure

The LaunchLab is divided into two parts. The first part is the online group sessions that take place. Class sessions take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-9pm EST via zoom. Each class is broken down into three objectives - learn, do, reflect. Lectures are limited to the first hour, with clear instructions for your project to be completed in the second hour. These projects can be solo or group based. The third hour is kept for sharing your work, feedback and reflections. Our class structure enables you to implement your learnings right away, which holds you accountable to meeting your business goals after. 

The second part of this program is custom coaching. Each student works with a coach to customize the class material to their business goals so that they can receive maximum benefits from the program.

• Week 1: Customer Discovery 
• Week 2: Customer Discovery + AI 
• Week 3: Value Proposition + Customer Avatar
• Week 4: Minimum Viable Product
• Week 5: Marketing and Branding 
• Week 6: Building a Sales Page 
• Week 7: Market and Industry Research 
• Week 8: Bookkeeping + Financials
• Week 9: Legal + Tax 
• Week 10: Pitches

Location and Schedule

Virtual, conducted via Zoom. Links will be sent right before class starts.

• Class 1 - Thurs, Sept 25
• Class 2 - Tues, Sept 30
• Class 3 - Thurs, Oct 1
• Class 4 - Tues, Oct 7 
• Class 5 - Thurs, Oct 9
• Class 6 - Tues, Oct 14
• Class 7 - Thurs, Oct 16
• Class 8 - Tues, Oct 21
• Class 9 - Thurs, Oct 23
• Class 10 - Tues, Oct 28
• Class 11 - Thurs, Oct 30
• Class 12 - Thurs, Nov 6
• Class 13 - Tue, Nov 11
• Class 14 - Thurs, Nov 13
• Class 15 - Tues, Nov 18
• Class 16 - Thurs, Nov 20
• Class 17 - Tues, Nov 25
• Class 18 - Tues, Dec 2
• Class 19 - Thurs, Dec 4
• Class 20 - Tues, Dec 9
• RAINDATE Thurs, Dec 11

Instructor

Malla Haridat is an entrepreneurship coach/strategist and founder of Mom and Daughters Inc., and a trainer for youth business-builder programs. As the founder and CEO of New Designs for Life, Malla is a nationally recognized expert in the specialized field of entrepreneurship education and has trained over 5,000 students.

She has traveled extensively throughout the United States working in partnership with companies developing creative solutions for entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs. Her company was awarded the 2005 New York City Small Business Award of theYear and has been featured in media like The New York Times, ABC, Fox 5 Good Day Street Talk and Huffington Post.

This is her eighth year teaching LaunchLab, previously known as the EAC business training course. You can check her out on https://mallaharidat.com/.

Cost

The class is usually $500, but this year, thanks to additional funding, this year the class will only require a refundable deposit of $150. As long as you complete the following, you will be receive the $150 back with your graduation certificate:

• You complete all mandatory work assignments
• You submit a business plan and pitch deck with presentation at the end
• You attend 80% or 16/20 classes) live. Watching recordings will not count

Application Process

1. Fill out the application. (This should take approximately 25 minutes)
2. Wait for someone to schedule a phone interview with you.
3. Ace the interview! Don’t worry, this is not something to fret. We want to get to know you a bit better and make sure that we are the right fit for each other.
4. Pay the fee. A payment link will be sent to you. Payment must be received before class begins. If you cannot make the payment on time, please email Bpunjwani@queensny.org for financing options.
5. Read your emails. Make sure you are receiving emails from us because we will be sending information on next steps and logistics.
6. Come to class - virtually, of course! Make sure you are hydrated and that you are able to spend the next three hours distraction-free and focused on crushing your business goals.
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