Mentoring In A Virtual World

Before I jump into the topic, I would like to address whether you need a mentor or not. The answer is yes. It will always be yes. Elaborate? OK, just a bit. This is coming from the experience I have as an entrepreneur and someone who gets to mentor and witness scores of entrepreneurs being

Read Story

How to Build Your Startup’s Brand

Few things are as critical to business success as establishing a strong brand. And yet, too many startups get it wrong or even skip startup branding entirely. Whether you’re trying to attract venture capital or just ensure that your fledgling business resonates with its audience, a strong, vibrant brand is absolutely crucial. But how do

Read Story

5 Keys To Structuring Effective Job Interviews

You can always expect to meet the “very best version” of a candidate during their initial job interview. That’s why it’s critical to have a structured and detailed interview strategy to identify the transferable skills, personality traits and working styles that will align (or conflict) with your company’s culture and overall business goals. Whether you’re

Read Story

8 Ways To Own Your PIE (Performance, Image and Exposure)

As consumers, we all understand the importance of good branding when it comes to products, services and companies—but what about the importance and value of building a strong personal brand that is uniquely associated with you as an individual? Personal branding has become ever more critical to success—on both a personal and professional front. Let’s

Read Story

[Video] Mondie Gonzales Of Escape In 60 Wins $10,000 Grand Prize At Our Summer 2021 Cleveland Small Business Impact Program Showcase

On Wednesday, September 9, Cleveland Small Business Impact Program participant Mondie Gonzales delivered the winning pitch for her business, Escape In 60, during the program’s culminating entrepreneur showcase—taking home the top prize of $10,000. Escape In 60 is a traditional escape room and teambuilding venue, offering thrill-seekers five fully immersive escape room experiences as well as unique,

Read Story

[VIDEO] Portfolio Company Spotlight: Inphlu

JumpStart’s Focus Fund recently led Inphlu’s $500K funding round, along with participation from angel investors. Inphlu is a Dayton-based social media management platform that helps marketers automate content creation and posting as well as view real-time analytics. The company was founded by Josh Reid, who ran his own digital marketing agency and knew there was

Read Story

[VIDEO] Cleveland Small Business Impact Program Summer 2021 Entrepreneur Showcase

On Wednesday, September 9, the 12th cohort of the Cleveland Small Business Impact Program participated in a virtual version of their culminating showcase event. This event was an online 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

Read Story

5 Questions With Shantae Lipscomb of Roll On In

The Roll On In franchise offers its customers unique sushi and burrito creations made with fresh multi-cultural ingredients that bring their food flavors to new levels. Shantae Lipscomb’s fast-casual restaurant serves a variety of sushi-inspired dishes such as sushi tacos and donuts. We caught up with Shantae to learn more about her and her business

Read Story

5 Questions With Mondie Gonzales of Escape In 60

Inspired by her friends’ love of escape rooms, Mondie Gonzales’s Escape in 60 Cleveland offers thrill-seekers five fully immersive and unique escape room experiences as well as event planning services and customizable events. We caught up with Mondie to learn more about her and her business as she readies to present in the culminating showcase

Read Story

5 Questions With Chris Harvan Of Memento Memorials

Artists Chris and Shelley Harvan created Memento Memorials to provide handmade, heartfelt cremation urns for those looking for modern and personalized memorialization keepsakes. We caught up with Chris to learn more about the couple and their business as they get ready to present in the culminating showcase of our summer 2021 Small Business Impact Program

Read Story

5 Questions With Stacey Ferguson of Lookfabulous LLC

Created from Stacey’s love of crochet, the Lookfabulous online shop provides customized apparel and specialized gifts to customers who want to look and live “outside of the box.” We caught up with owner Stacey Ferguson to learn more about her and her business as she readies to present in the culminating showcase of our summer

Read Story