On September 5th, 35 entrepreneurs crossed the finish line of Catapult’s Entrepreneurship Cohort, representing both our Startup to Storefront and Catapult® Culinary programs. As these hard-working culinary and retail business owners walked up to receive their certificates, the joy was contagious.
After six months of deep learning and even deeper connections, this group not only grew their businesses but also themselves.
“I feel like Catapult helped me buckle down on who I am as a person as well as a businesswoman,” said Imani Batts, a participant in the Startup to Storefront cohort and owner of the sustainable fashion brand Catherine Trendz.
Over the course of six months, entrepreneurs learned foundational skills — from financial and legal basics to target market analysis — through six modules called “lesson pads.” Each lesson pad focuses on a specific topic and is led by local experts, giving participants a well-rounded understanding of business principles and helping them craft essential parts of their business plans.
Taking a holistic approach to business
Beyond business fundamentals, the program also emphasizes personal development, encouraging entrepreneurs to identify limiting beliefs and habits that may be holding them back.
“They really dig into your personal psychology and triggers to prepare you for the challenges and successes that come with owning a business,” Batts explained.
Alongside this, one-on-one guidance from industry-specific mentors helps participants refine
their strategies and find solutions to real-world challenges.
For Batts, learning from Nisha Blackwell, owner of Knotzland Bowties, was invaluable. As the instructor of Retail 101 — the final module Startup to Storefront participants take after completing the six lesson pads — she helped Batts navigate everything from how to own her price to how to deal with burnout as a business owner.
“It was moments like that that were so impactful,” Batts reflected. “Because it was a recognition of the fact that I’m not the only one that’s going through this, you know?”
Another defining feature of Catapult’s entrepreneurship programs is our cohort learning model. By attending classes together, each participant gains a built-in network of peers with which to share ideas, lessons, and encouragement.
For Darla Timbo, owner of 24 Carrot Juice and a 2023 Catapult Culinary graduate, that sense of community was what stood out most.
“We got some professional people that came in, spoke, and gave us training around the food service industry. But one of the things I really loved was how we all worked together. We shared ideas, struggles, trials, triumphs — all of that stuff we were able to talk about in the group.”
A lifelong community cheering you on
While our 2025 cohort is leaping ahead to the next stage of their businesses, they’ll always remain part of the Catapult ecosystem.
Following graduation, Startup to Storefront participants have the opportunity to join Catapult’s Retail Gallery Incubator, The Gallery Collective, while Catapult Culinary graduates can use the Catapult Commercial Kitchen in Bellevue free of charge for one year.
Catapult graduates can also continue their growth through Leap Ahead, Catapult’s alumni entrepreneurship program hosted in partnership with GoDaddy.
In 2026, we are excited to announce that we are expanding our entrepreneurship program, making it available to art, creative performance, and event planning entrepreneurs as well.
Join the next cohort
Are you interested in joining the 2026 Entrepreneurship Cohort?
Our doors are open to retail, culinary, art, creative performance, and event planning entrepreneurs.
🗓 Apply by October 22 at 11:59 PM — spots fill fast, and the window closes soon!
