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Growing Ventures

Welcome to the Growing Ventures Stage of your Entrepreneurial Journey!

This stage focuses on on established businesses who are looking to grow their reach and opportunities.

 

Local & Regional Resources

COhatch (Various Locations)

COhatch is a community-driven co-working spaces with resources for collaboration and networking.

  • Provides flexible, community-driven spaces for collaboration and business growth.
  • Offers access to a diverse network of entrepreneurs and professionals to foster partnerships.
  • Provides tools and resources, including event spaces and business services, to help entrepreneurs scale.

Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI)

ECDI (Economic & Community Development Institute) is a micro-lender and SBA intermediary offering loans, training, and support for small businesses in underserved communities.

  • Provides access to affordable loans for small businesses in underserved communities to support growth.
  • Offers business training programs and ongoing support to help businesses overcome challenges and scale.
  • Provides specialized resources to help businesses in economically disadvantaged areas thrive and grow.

Innovation Fund Northeast Ohio

The Innovation Fund Northeast Ohio is a fund that provides early-stage capital to technology startups in Northeast Ohio, especially those connected to regional colleges and universities.

  • Provides funding to technology startups at the early stages of development to fuel growth.
  • Supports startups connected to regional colleges and universities, leveraging academic resources.
  • Offers business development support and connects entrepreneurs with a network of experts and investors.

JumpStart Inc - Blueprint Program

JumpStart Inc. provides venture capital, entrepreneurial support, and mentoring to tech startups and scale-ups in Northeast Ohio.

  • A foundation for starting and growing a small business, including discussion of value proposition, marketing and sales, revenue streams, and goal-setting.
  • Practical applied exercises to help business owners create their Business Blueprint.
  • Impactful tools and resources that help business owners set up their businesses for the long term.

Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNET)

MAGNET (Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network) supports manufacturing-focused entrepreneurs with services such as product development, prototyping, and supply chain assistance.

  • Helps manufacturers with design, prototyping, and scaling products for the market.
  • Provides expertise in optimizing and streamlining supply chains to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
  • Offers business consulting to help manufacturing businesses expand operations and increase profitability.

SEA Change

SEA Change is a social enterprise accelerator program for startups with a focus on social impact, offering mentorship and potential funding.

  • Offers mentorship and resources to startups with a focus on creating social impact.
  • Provides access to funding options for businesses with a mission-driven model.
  • Helps businesses refine their strategies to scale sustainably while maintaining a social impact.

The Well CDC

The Well CDC, part of Akron Food Works, is a commercial kitchen and incubator that supports food entrepreneurs by providing kitchen space, training, and business resources.

  • Provides food entrepreneurs with access to certified kitchen space to scale production.
  • Offers resources and training to help food businesses navigate the complexities of the food industry.
  • Connects food businesses with industry experts and resources to foster growth and expansion.

Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI)

Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI) is a business incubator offering mentoring, networking, and business development support, particularly for tech and software startups.

  • Provides mentorship, networking, and resources tailored to tech and software startups looking to scale.
  • Offers guidance on refining business models, expanding operations, and attracting investment.
  • Fosters a strong network of entrepreneurs and investors to support business growth and innovation.

Digital Resources

Hootsuite Academy

Hootsuite Academy provides training on social media strategy and tools to grow brand visibility.

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning provides courses on leadership, team-building, and expanding professional networks.

Mailchimp Academy

Use Mailchimp Academy to learn email marketing and customer engagement to grow your audience.

SCORE Mentorship

SCORE Mentorship provides free one-on-one mentoring from experienced business professionals.

SEMrush Academy

Use SEMrush Academy to learn how to analyze market trends, competition, and SEO strategies.

SurveyMonkey

SurveyMonkey provides tools for gathering customer feedback to improve products and services.