Event Info
- Event Date
- Sep 17, 2025
- Event Time
- 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Event Cost
- No Cost
- Event Location
- Virtual
All SBTDC events are open to everyone interested in learning more about entrepreneurship.
What if the guy who built a $286M brand told you exactly how he got started? Now he will.
Join us for Launch Catalyst, a free virtual event designed for North Carolinians with big ideas and bold ambitions—especially those in the ideation or pre-launch stage.
Our featured keynote speaker is Justin Gold, founder of Justin’s, the beloved natural foods brand that went from farmers’ markets to grocery stores nationwide. He’ll share the behind-the-scenes truth of how he started, where he stumbled, and what he wishes he’d known when it all began.
Whether your business is still a spark or you’ve taken your first steps, this is the place to gain:
- Practical startup fundamentals from NC business advisors
- Lessons from founders, Becca Wright of Piedmont Pennies & Alex Brandwein of Brandwein’s Bagels
- A showcase of the most supportive resources in NC’s entrepreneurial ecosystem—ready to help you turn ideas into action
If you’re asking:
- “Is my idea good enough?”
- “Where do I begin?”
- “Who’s in my corner?”
Then Launch Catalyst is your moment. Sign up and start building something real.
Keynote Speaker
Justin Gold is the founder of Justin’s, a Boulder, CO-based company known for its high-quality nut butter, organic nut butter cups, and plant-based snacks.
Growing from local Farmers’ Markets to a national brand, Justin’s became one of the fastest-growing natural food companies before its 2016 acquisition by Hormel Foods for $286,000,000, where Gold remained until 2021 to oversee integration and culture. He now leads product development and strategy for Rudi’s Organic Bakery, the first nationally distributed organic bakery. Recognized as Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year (2013) and featured in Inc. 500’s fastest-growing companies, he also serves on the boards of US Biathlon, Conscious Alliance, and chairs the Wild Bear Nature Center. A mentor and frequent speaker at CU’s Leeds School of Business, Gold holds a BA in Environmental Studies from Dickinson College (2000). A longtime resident of Boulder and Nederland, CO, he’s an avid outdoorsman, enjoying skiing, mountain biking, and trail running. Beyond his professional and community work, he strives to earn “Father of the Year” and “Husband of the Year” honors.
Agenda
10:00 AM – Welcome & Kickoff
Neal McTighe, Director, NC SBTDC Business Launch Program
Why now is the time to launch in North Carolina. What to expect from the day. How to engage fully.
10:10 AM – Lighting the Fuse: Starting Smart in NC
Cherith Roberson, Flourish in Growth
Strong startup foundations, key early decisions, and the biggest mistakes to avoid.
10:25 AM – Startup Spotlight: Beloved Bagels & Delightful Snacks
Moderated by Cherith Roberson
Featuring: Alex Brandwein (Brandwein’s Bagels) & Becca Wright (Piedmont Pennies)
A candid conversation about building beloved brands from the ground up—with limited resources and lots of grit.
11:00 AM – Keynote: Justin Gold
Moderated by Neal McTighe
“From Farmers’ Markets to $286,000,000 Exit”
Justin shares his founder journey, from early mentors to pivotal decisions that changed everything.
11:30 AM – NC Startup Resource Rally
Moderated by Tyler Lumley
Seven rapid-fire intros from NC’s top startup support organizations—who they are, who they help, and how to connect now.
12:05 PM – Final Spark: Pulling It All Together
Neal McTighe
Your next steps, how to stay plugged in, and what comes after Launch Catalyst.
More Events
Sep 4 - 5, 2025
