In celebration of Black History Month, JumpStart and WOVU have launched a four-part radio series dedicated to Black Entrepreneurship. These conversations, hosted by JumpStart’s Ron Stubblefield, explore the challenges and joys of Black business ownership and offer information and ideas to help strengthen Black businesses.

 

Episode 1: Civil Rights and Entrepreneurship

Guests Erica Penick, Tamika Otis and Ella Frye discuss the history of civil rights and entrepreneurship, and how growth is necessary to build a productive economy in Cleveland.

Guests: Erica Penick, Executive Director of The Presidents’ Council; Tamika Otis, Director, KeyBank Business Boost & Build Program powered by JumpStart; Ella Frye, Director of the Greater Cincinnati Women’s Business Center

 

Episode 2: National Insights for Cleveland’s Ecosystem

Ron Stubblefield talks to Aja Hardy, Brooke Sinclair and Charles Ross about national trends impacting small business support ecosystems across the country and how some of those insights could be adopted locally.

Guests: Aja Hardy-Director, gBETA Cleveland; Brooke Sinclair, CEO of VelourIt-Automated Supply Chain Platform/Entrepreneurial Activist; Charles Ross, President of the International Business Innovation Association (InBIA)

 

Episode 3: Local Initiatives to Support Entrepreneurs of Color

Shashonna Duckworth, Ted Carter and Armond Budish share information about programs and initiatives aimed at supporting entrepreneurs of color in Cleveland.

Guests: Shashonna Duckworth, Director of the Small Business Development Center at the Urban League of Greater Cleveland; Ted Carter, Chief Economic Development & Business Officer for Cuyahoga County; Armond Budish, County Executive for Cuyahoga County

 

EPISODE 4: Entrepreneur Spotlight

Three Cleveland entrepreneurs and business owners, Darrell McNair, Anjua Maximo and Ras Asan, talk about the successes and setbacks on the entrepreneurial journey.

Guests: Darrell McNair, President/CEO of MVP Plastics; Anjua Maximo, Co-Owner of GrooveRyde; Ras Asan, Founder of BREAUX Capital