Meet the Participants of the Cleveland Small Business Impact Program’s Historic 20th Cohort
As JumpStart enters our 20th year, we remain steadfast in our mission of unlocking the full potential of entrepreneurship to transform our communities. Launched in 2016, JumpStart’s flagship Small Business Impact Program is the region’s leading business accelerator that provides hands-on advising and industry-specific mentoring to local entrepreneurs. The 12-week program focuses on helping participants
Entrepreneur Spotlight: Dawn Miller of Art Bound Studio
Entrepreneurship is not always predetermined. Sometimes, opportunities present themselves and enterprising individuals see a chance to make a career move. Owner and lead tattoo artist of Toledo-based Art Bound Studio, Dawn Miller is a perfect example of an accidental – but no less deserving – entrepreneur. In 2019, Dawn stumbled into the tattoo industry quite
10 Mobile Trends Small Business Owners Can’t Ignore in 2024
Welcome to 2024, where embracing the mobile-first world is no longer optional for small businesses; it’s imperative. With a significant shift in consumer behavior toward mobile usage, it’s beyond time to ensure that your business not only has an online presence but is also optimized for mobile devices. Here are 10 actionable steps you can
Entrepreneur Spotlight: Sam Friedman of City Goods
A strong small business network has the potential to propel an entrepreneur to new heights, especially if they run a retail shop. For artisans and makers, particularly those in the early stages, things like rent, utilities and staffing can add up quickly. Plus setting up shop in the right location is paramount since foot traffic
Small Business Saturday: Shop with Toledo-Based Impact Program Graduates
Small Business Saturday – a day when consumers are encouraged to support local small businesses in their communities – is celebrated the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Small Business Saturday has become a cherished tradition since it was founded in 2010. It has been cosponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration since 2011. Presented as a contrast
Small Business Saturday: Shop with Cleveland-Based Impact Program Graduates
Small Business Saturday – a day when consumers are encouraged to support local small businesses in their communities – is celebrated the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Small Business Saturday has become a cherished tradition since it was founded in 2010. It has been cosponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration since 2011. Presented as a contrast
Small Business, Big Conversations: Ray & Anasja Vernon of VARR Studios
Ray and Anasja Vernon share two unyielding passions: their love for each other and an insatiable drive for crafting creative content. With a space inside the world-famous The WORD Church, this visionary duo transformed their combined zeal into a beacon of multimedia content creation: VARR Studios. Together, they’ve not just built a business but have
Bookkeeping Basics: Setting Up For Accounting Success
Clear financial reporting from your accounting system is a necessity for any growing business. These reports tell you if you’re profitable, whether your marketing & sales strategies are paying off, and whether you’re spending too much in any specific area. Also, financial statements are one of the first things any lender or investor will want
[VIDEO] Cleveland Small Business Impact Program Summer 2023 Entrepreneur Showcase
On Wednesday, September 6th, the 18th cohort of the Cleveland Small Business Impact Program participated in their culminating showcase event. This event was a demo-day-style competition where program participants used their new knowledge and skills to present their pitch to a panel of judges for a chance to take home up to $10,000 to grow
Entrepreneur Spotlight: Hermes Ortiz of Ortiz Art Drafts Designs
Like much in life, entrepreneurship often depends on knowing the right people. In Northeast Ohio’s Hispanic-Latino business community, the old adage rings especially true. Hermes Ortiz, owner of Ortiz Art Drafts Designs, is purposefully intertwined with his community. These days, Hermes is an established business owner, and he serves as an ambassador of sorts for
Small Business, Big Conversations: James Barnes of Immaculate Cleaning Co.
James Barnes is building an empire, one mop bucket at a time. A Cleveland-area native, James’s entrepreneurial spark ignited early, propelling him into a journey of creating a business centered around his customer’s every need. It wasn’t long before 2011 saw the rise of Immaculate Cleaning Co., quickly becoming the gold standard for janitorial services
Celebrating Black Brewers Day: A Toast to Ohio’s Brewing Pioneers
In the heart of Ohio, where the craft beer industry thrives, there’s a brewing revolution quietly gaining momentum. It’s a movement driven by passion, innovation and dedication to breaking barriers. This movement is embodied by the Black brewers who have been reshaping the brewing landscape in the Buckeye State. JumpStart is proud to join the