Launchpad

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The Bakersfield College Launchpad provides resources and educational workshops for entrepreneurs to help start and grow businesses in our community. The Launchpad is a resource guide by delivering educational opportunities and support services, and through fostering collaboration to empower you with entrepreneurial resources.

With the help of community partners, Bakersfield College Launchpad is here to help you find your way through the winding roads of starting a business. We collaborate with Kern County community business leaders to determine what skills are needed to survive and compete in the current marketplace.

The Entrepreneurship Technical Grant Program was initially launched in July 2023 (“Phase 1”) with $1,500,000 to implement the Council's strategic goal of strengthening and diversifying the economic base by equitably, efficiently, and strategically deploying ARPA-allocated funds. The program has now been extended through a 2.0 initiative with an additional $1,000,000 and awarded to the Kern Community College District (“Kern CCD”). Kern CCD, through Bakersfield College’s Launchpad, will utilize the City of Bakersfield’s Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Technical Assistance and Grant Program 2.0 to positively impact the entrepreneurship ecosystem and target audiences in the City of Bakersfield. Eligible applicants may receive grants ranging from $2,500 - $20,000. Applications for the Entrepreneurship Technical Grant Program 2.0 will be available on this website and accepted starting February 3, 2025

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Free Resources and Courses

Whether you're just starting out, looking to grow an existing business, or seeking to enhance your skills in the workplace, we offer an effective, convenient, and affordable way to quickly gain the knowledge you need. We welcome start-ups and small businesses from all across Kern County.

Located in the heart of Bakersfield, the Launchpad provides free resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout Kern County.

We offer a variety of tuition-free, noncredit courses designed to enhance your business skills. Earn certificates of completion in areas such as office skills, sales, entrepreneurship, and more.

To apply for your certificate of completion after completing your courses, please visit the CE Certificate Applications page.

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Location

The Launchpad is located in the heart of Bakersfield to assure it is the center of free resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout Kern County. We are located in the Weill Institute: