Identifying and Engaging the Right Investors
One of the most frequently asked questions members of JumpStart’s Services and Investing Team receives is about how to obtain funding. This question is understandable. Growing a technology-based business at scale requires capital. To address capital needs, entrepreneurs often look to pitch investors. The entrepreneurs who are the most successful in both obtaining and leveraging
Who Is Your Target Customer?
To whom are you selling? This is one of the most basic, albeit crucial, questions you must answer when developing your go-to-market strategy. The answer will determine your target market, a group of potential customers who you intend to be the recipients of your marketing efforts. These customers are the people or organizations that have
Startups and Small Businesses Generated $1.3B in Economic Impact and 11,564 Jobs in 2019
Startups and small businesses throughout Ohio and New York were thriving in 2019, generating at least $1.3 billion in economic impact on regional economies, according to a recent study published by Silverlode Consulting based on data collected by JumpStart. Economic impact is the impact of jobs and household income on the economy, and these startups
Northwest Ohio Impact Program Spotlight: Cohort Three
In February 2020, JumpStart kicked off its third Northwest Ohio Impact Program. Then COVID-19 hit, forcing a switch to virtual class sessions and the cancellation of the program’s culminating showcase event. Still, Cohort Three completed the program. COVID-19 made it impossible for us to connect with these graduates in person, so we sat down with
KeyBank Executive Don Graves Takes Vice-Chair Position on JumpStart Board of Directors
For many years, JumpStart and KeyBank have worked together to bring positive change to communities in Northeast Ohio. Three years ago, we expanded our work across Ohio and Northern New York through the KeyBank Business Boost & Build program. Now, we’re excited to announce KeyBank executive, and current JumpStart Board member Don Graves has accepted
What Can You Do (Or Not Do) With An Attorney?
Being a founder is hard. You have a million things you need to do, half a million things you’d like to do and often no money to do any of it. Unless you are an attorney, nothing is exciting about seeing a lot of time and money spent on addressing legal matters. So, as an
Video: The Concept – Every Great Company Starts as an Idea
In this recorded webinar, our panel of experts discusses turning a big idea into a viable business, touching on a variety of topics to consider during the conceptualization phase of entrepreneurship including: Local resources available for you along your entrepreneurial journey How to create a business plan, including milestones to keep you on track and
From Adversity to Innovation
The disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is unlike anything we’ve seen in more than a century. We continue to live with the uncertainty of not knowing exactly how this will all play out. Despite this uncertainty, the markets, supplier problems and sales interruptions all businesses are facing right now are some of the same
JumpStart Celebrates Juneteenth, America’s Liberation Day
This Juneteenth, in partnership with our leadership and board, we, as a diverse staff, acknowledge the continued struggle for equity in America. Individually and as a team, we are committed to learning the history and supporting local Black businesses and events commemorating this important holiday. For many African Americans, June 19, 1865, represents America’s true
Impact Program Spotlight: Nicholas Harper of Eden Couture
Eden Couture is the Toledo area’s premier bespoke clothier. Specializing in a personalized shopping experience, owner Nicholas Harper and his team of skilled tailors work with high-quality materials to ensure every customer has the sharpest look and the perfect fit. COVID-19 made it impossible for us to connect in person with Nicholas and the rest
Impact Program Spotlight: Na Tasha Shabazz of The Taste Wine Bar
The Taste Wine Bar is Toledo’s first self-serve wine bar, with 20 wines on tap every day is a wine tasting. Established as a place where customers can feel comfortable (and not intimidated) when ordering and buying wine, Taste’s casual atmosphere allows you to sample and learn about wines at your own pace. COVID-19 made
Core City: Cleveland Impact Program Spotlight
In February 2020, JumpStart kicked off its ninth Core City: Cleveland Impact Program. Then COVID-19 hit, forcing a switch to virtual class sessions and the cancellation of the program’s culminating showcase event. Still, Cohort Nine completed the program. COVID-19 made it impossible for us to connect with these graduates in person, so we sat down