Community, Lead Stories

County partners with Lightpath to boost Launch1000 program

The Westchester County Department of Economic Development has partnered with Lightpath, the fiber-based bandwidth technology company, to provide 100 free data licenses to participants in the Launch1000 program.

These free internet hookups, made possible by the generous support of Lightpath, will provide many entrepreneurs in Westchester with the connectivity needed to bring their business plans to life.

“The Launch1000 program is a new idea aimed at supporting the innovative minds in our own backyard,” County Executive George Latimer said. “Thanks to this support from Lightpath, participants  in this program have another opportunity to succeed.”

The Westchester County Office of Economic Development announced Launch1000, a new program for county residents who may want to create homebased income streams, or launch new businesses or nonprofits in October 2020.

“As a longtime provider of connectivity in the Westchester community, Lightpath is proud to partner with the County on this incredible initiative to bring the power of our advanced network to local entrepreneurs as part of the Launch1000 program, Lightpath CEO Chris Morley said. “We look forward to our continued partnership with Westchester and seeing the great business ideas that emerge as part of this initiative.”

Launch1000 is an innovative, fully remote, self-paced program designed to turn concepts and ideas into business plans and startups.  Born out of a global pandemic, the program offers 1000 Westchester County residents the opportunity to gain critical business knowledge, connect with mentors and help their idea gain traction.

“Our office is always looking for ways to advance the interests of Westchester’s businesses—both established and prospective,” said Bridget Gibbons, county director of Economic Development. “This program, with support of Lightpath, is another tool we have to accomplish
our goal.” (Submitted)