The City of Stamford and LaunchPad Announce the Brand Accelerator Program for Local Small Businesses
The City of Stamford and LaunchPad, a program of the Village Community Foundation, are partnering to launch the Brand Accelerator Program, an initiative designed to help Stamford-based small businesses strengthen their digital presence and compete in today’s fast-moving marketplace.
Through this collaboration—championed by Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons and Director of Economic Development Leah Kagan—the City is funding paid, real-world creative opportunities for LaunchPad participants while bringing high-impact marketing support to up to 10 small businesses across Stamford. It marks the first time LaunchPad has partnered with a municipality to deliver digital marketing services and reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, local talent, and economic growth.
What Selected Businesses Will Receive
Businesses chosen for the Brand Accelerator Program will be matched with a LaunchPad Digital creative team for a 30-day engagement that includes:
On-site photography sessions
Video shoots and short-form content optimized for social media
Edited highlight reels and promotional assets
A branding and social media training session led by expert advisor Isis-Rae Goulbourne
All services are provided free of charge and designed to help business owners navigate today’s complex and competitive digital landscape. Whether improving websites, elevating social channels, or building visibility, the program gives small businesses practical tools to grow and reach new customers.
A Win for Stamford’s Small Business Community—and for LaunchPad Participants
This partnership helps local entrepreneurs strengthen their online presence while giving LaunchPad participants invaluable experiential learning opportunities. Participants gain hands-on client experience, build their portfolios, and develop the skills needed to launch their own creative careers—including the potential to form small production companies and digital agencies over time.
This work also advances a key strategic priority for LaunchPad: building an entrepreneurship track for young adults who want to create their own businesses, from independent production companies to emerging digital agencies. Partnerships like this provide not only practical experience, but also the foundation and confidence needed for these future ventures to take shape.
The Brand Accelerator Program embodies LaunchPad’s mission: creating and sharing life-changing career opportunities for young adults facing barriers, and building pathways into creative, tech, and media industries.
A Growing Partnership with Stamford
Stamford and LaunchPad have collaborated across numerous programs and events, and this new initiative represents an exciting next chapter. Together, we are investing in small businesses, empowering emerging talent, and strengthening the city’s creative and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Applications are open to all Stamford-based small businesses through November 21.
Apply here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/N5PVV6J
