JumpStart Appoints Kathy Heflin as New Chief Financial Officer
JumpStart, a leading venture development organization supporting tech startups and small businesses, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kathy Heflin as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). With over 30 years of experience in strategic finance and operations, Heflin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role. Before joining JumpStart, Heflin
Ohio Startups and Small Businesses Drive $1.7 Billion Economic Impact and Create 10,747 Jobs in 2023
JumpStart’s latest economic impact report reveals that in 2023, Ohio startups and small businesses generated over $1.7 billion in economic output and created or maintained 10,747 jobs. Prepared by Silverlode Consulting, the report highlights the substantial contributions of these businesses to the state’s economy, including revenue, wages, and tax contributions. Since 2010, these startups and
Brooklyn Nichols, owner of BK Beauty, Wins $10,000 Top Prize at JumpStart’s Stark Impact Program Showcase
Brooklyn Nichols, owner of BK Beauty, Massillon’s only black-owned beauty supply store, took home the $10,000 top prize at the Stark County Small Business Impact Program Showcase. Hosted in The Club at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton on May 15, the showcase featured five Stark County-based businesses pitching to a live
Melissa Garrett Wins $20K at JumpStart’s 20th Small Business Impact Program Showcase
Melissa Garrett, owner of UnBar Cafe, a unique coffee shop and cafe in Cleveland’s Larchmere neighborhood, won the top prize at the 20th Small Business Impact Program Showcase. The special event, hosted at the House of Blues and presented by the Cleveland Browns, featured a live pitch competition where Melissa and four other local businesses
JumpStart Ventures Awarded $35M To Invest In Promising Tech Startups Across Ohio
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted and the Ohio Department of Development have made a landmark investment in Ohio’s tech economy by announcing $86 million in funding awarded to venture capital funds across the state. JumpStart and JumpStart Ventures received $35 million, which will catalyze over $70 million in funding for innovative startups
JumpStart Inc. Announces Major Expansion of Entrepreneurial Support Services to Health Tech and Software Startups in Ohio
JumpStart, a leading venture development organization providing capital, services and connections to help entrepreneurs grow, announces new accelerators that will enhance its support for technology startups across the state. New federal funding, tailored programming and an expanded network of subject matter experts build on JumpStart’s current offerings and leverage the organization’s established capabilities. For 20
JumpStart Selects Five Small Businesses for 20th Impact Program Cohort
JumpStart proudly announces the five small businesses selected to participate in its 20th cohort of the Small Business Impact Program, marking a significant milestone in its history. Celebrating a landmark 20th year, JumpStart is doubling its commitment to supporting local businesses by increasing the Impact Program Showcase top prize to $20,000. This increase underscores JumpStart’s
JumpStart Board of Directors Names Julie Jacono As New CEO
JumpStart’s Board of Directors has named Julie Jacono as its new CEO, following an extensive national search. Jacono is currently Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at The MetroHealth System. She will begin the onboarding process in late December, and will succeed founding CEO Ray Leach, who recently departed after nearly 20 years. “Julie is an
JumpStart to Present Two Marquee Events at FutureLAND 2023
On Thursday, October 5, JumpStart will host two special editions of Pitch Cypher and Founders Unfiltered as part of the highly anticipated FutureLAND conference. The back-to-back events will be held at Cibreo Privato in the city’s Playhouse Square district. Founders Unfiltered Featuring Luke Cooper The evening kicks off with Founders Unfiltered, an enlightening and candid
JumpStart Appoints Corey James as Chief Equity, Outreach and Initiatives Officer
JumpStart, a leading nonprofit venture development organization, is pleased to announce the appointment of Corey James as its new Chief Equity, Outreach and Initiatives Officer. James will be taking over the role previously held by Lamont Mackley, who retired earlier this year. In this function, James will play a pivotal role in advancing JumpStart’s work
JumpStart and the Cleveland Browns Announce Return of the Small Business Training Camp
Half-day, capital-focused event featuring workshops, pitch competition and networking at Cleveland Browns Stadium on Aug. 17. JumpStart and the Cleveland Browns will host the second annual Small Business Training Camp at Cleveland Browns Stadium on August 17, 2023. This half-day, small business intensive will deliver critical information and resources to help business owners launch and
Startups and Small Businesses Generated More Than $1.3B in Economic Output and Nearly 11,000 jobs Across Northern Ohio in 2022
Report Shows Economic Impact of Companies Supported by JumpStart and Partner Organizations JumpStart has released its yearly economic impact report, tracking the outcomes of the startups and small businesses assisted by the organization and its partners. The report, prepared by Silverlode Consulting, shows these startups and small businesses generated more than $1.3 billion in economic