Carthage College is accepting applications for Launch Kenosha, a free entrepreneurship program for City of Kenosha residents who want to start their own businesses.
The program grows out of the BizStarts Institute that Professor Joseph Tenuta brought to Kenosha last year. After a successful first year, Carthage is running it in 2026-27 under the new Launch Kenosha name while keeping much of the original curriculum, which is modeled on a program developed by University of Notre Dame professor Michael Morris. Graduates receive a certificate from both Carthage and Notre Dame.
This year's program begins in October with a six-week business bootcamp. Carthage faculty from the School of Business and Economics will lead the sessions at the Kenosha Innovation Center, at 5522 26th Ave., focused on starting and running a successful venture.
After the bootcamp, participants get one-on-one coaching from experienced mentors over the winter and spring, along with project help from Carthage student consultants. Fourteen Kenosha entrepreneurs completed the program in 2025-26, including three Carthage students working on fitness, wellness platform and art supply businesses.
Professor Tenuta said the program is designed for Kenosha residents who have always wanted to start a business but lacked support, and that Carthage is committed to using its expertise to serve its neighbors. Questions about the program can be sent to [email protected].
