launch dayton

“STARTUP THE BLOCK” Thursday at the Arcade

September 10, 2024 By Dayton937

Friends of the Dayton Arcade, Launch Dayton, and the Entrepreneurs’ Center are excited to announce the launch of a vibrant new vendor market and block party aimed at promoting local entrepreneurship and celebrating community spirit.

“Startup The Block” will take place on Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 3:00 – 8:00 PM in the Arcade’s Rotunda Building as well as outside on Fourth Street and Pretzinger Lane. This event will serve as the culminating event for Startup Week, Dayton’s top gathering for new and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Event Highlights:

Vendor Market: Featuring over 30 local vendors offering a diverse range of products, from handmade crafts and artisanal goods to delicious food and beverages, this market will focus on startup entrepreneurs showcasing their businesses and connecting with new customers.
Block Party: The closure of Fourth Street between Main and Ludlow Streets will allow for additional outside vendors and food trucks as well as a live DJ and beer truck.
Live Music & Entertainment: Enjoy performances by local musicians and entertainers curated by Culture Works. The lively atmosphere will be perfect for families and individuals of all ages!
Fourth Street Partners: The Arcade’s neighbors, developers The Windsor Companies, will have The Deneau at 40 W. Fourth Street open with additional touring and programming opportunities. The Levitt Pavilion will be rocking at 7:00 PM with a great set of performances.
Community Engagement: Attendees will be able to meet and mingle with community members, network with fellow entrepreneurs, and browse community partner tables to learn about local resources.

Visit Dayton’s Vegan Ice Cream Parlor

December 30, 2022 By Guest Contributor

Cerenity Miller began exploring vegan ice creams when her children were diagnosed with food allergies. Today, VeganMeltz is the region’s first fully plant-based ice cream parlor, located at 4636 Salem Ave in Trotwood.

Launch Dayton recently caught up with Cerenity to learn more about her company and her entrepreneurial journey.

LAUNCH DAYTON: HOW DID YOUR COMPANY START?

Cerenity: My children were born with food allergies, so I transitioned our diets to being vegan. Whenever we would go to birthday parties, they couldn’t eat anything, so I decided to make ice cream for them. After that, it transpired into a whole business.

WHY THIS IDEA?

We could have gone to any vegan area — we didn’t have to do ice cream. I tasted a few vegan ice creams, and I wasn’t a fan of them. When I decided to make my own, I realized I could make so many different flavors. That’s when I chose to go with ice cream. There are places in Dayton that serve vegan options, but I haven’t seen a whole vegan ice cream parlor.

DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO BE AN ENTREPRENEUR?

Yes. I knew that I wanted to do this. I wanted to be a full-time entrepreneur by the time I was 30, and I’m 29. I made it just in time!

WHAT IDENTITIES DO YOU BRING TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP THAT HELPED PREPARE YOU FOR THIS LIFESTYLE?

I graduated from Wright State University with my bachelor’s degree in business marketing. That allowed me to wrap my mind around why marketing is important and who the target market is. I have friends and family members who have been entrepreneurs their entire lives. I’ve had that momentum going, so that went into knowing what I wanted to do.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST BARRIER YOU’VE FACED IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP?

Reaching my target niche market. Often, when people hear “vegan ice cream,” their first reaction is “ew!” I had to think about my experience with trying vegan ice creams to know where their minds were going. It was hard at first to know how to reach people who are lactose intolerant or have Celiac disease. Finding those people who think they can’t have ice cream and telling them they can was the hardest thing.

WHY DO YOU LOVE WHAT DO YOU?

I get to be as creative as I want to. I can come in everyday and make a new ice cream flavor if I wanted to. I’m always interested in taking my favorite desserts and seeing how they taste as ice cream. It’s so fun to think of new flavors and ways to create those flavors. It’s also fun to pull people out of their norm.

HOW DID YOU GET CONNECTED TO THE DAYTON BUSINESS COMMUNITY?

In May of 2020, I had my first pop-up event at Wright Dunbar Day. It was in the Wright Dunbar area at Tae Winston’s event. Before that I was doing deliveries. As I grew, I was able to do pop-ups, and that was my first time immersing myself into the Dayton business community.

ARE THERE ANY ORGANIZATIONS THAT HELPED YOU ON YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY?

There are so many pop-up events in Dayton that I have attended that I can’t name them all, but those helped so much. Dayton business accelerator programs. I’ve been in the Dayton Retail Lab; I’m in another accelerator program called Aventi Enterprises out of central Ohio. I have been involved the most with those.

HOW CAN THE LAUNCH DAYTON COMMUNITY SUPPORT YOU?

Visit the store! We are located at 4636 Salem Ave, Trotwood. Share my posts and stay up to date with our page. And recommend new flavors! I am always open to suggestions because my favorite flavors of ice cream aren’t everyone’s favorite flavors. We do Flavor-of-the-Week, so we can try the recommendations, and if they’re a fan favorite, we’ll put them on the permanent menu!

Connect with VeganMeltz online here.

This story originally appeared on Launch Dayton’s Website.

Launch Dayton is a collaborative effort to connect entrepreneurs to peers, resources, and supporters, and to tell the stories of our region’s thriving startup community.

Curious if the Downtown Dayton Retail Lab might be a fit for your business?
Learn more and apply here.

Free eats, pop-up arts performances, tech demos at new Launch Dayton Startup Week closing party

September 12, 2022 By Dayton937

Free eats, pop-up arts performances, tech demos at new Launch Dayton Startup Week closing party

Free festival celebrating Dayton artists, food business owners, and innovators happening this week!

Pop-up arts performances in the beautiful, historic Dayton Arcade Rotunda. Small plates from up-and-coming food businesses. Interactive tech demos from local startup companies.

And it’s FREE!

Join in the fun frrom 5-7pm on Thursday, September 15th for the art. food. tech. fest!, a new closing party for Launch Dayton Startup Week, made possible through generous support from Culture Works.

Aerialists will spin through the air as you groove to a live jam band and find your new favorite small business to support. Eats are free until we run out! Continue your evening in Dayton by popping over to the free concert at the Levitt after the party, then make your way back to the Tank for Culture Works’ After the Levitt.

See + hear:

Live jam band lead by Isicle featuring Jared Bruns on drums, Matt Goodloe on guitar, Kainan Shank on bass, and Serin Oh on the mic.
Spoken word poetry from Leroy Bean
Live painting by Boy Blue
Aerial artists from Femme Fatale Dayton
Dance performances from Dayton Dance Initiative’s Quentin ApolloVaughn Sledge

Enjoy delicious small plates, including:

A bbq spread from Rich Taste Catering
Melt-in-your mouth rum cakes from The Scrumptious Dessert
Handheld cheesecakes from Cheezcake Lab
Pecan chicken + sweet potato waffles from Home Cooked Vibes
Smoked mushroom spinach dip bruschetta with mint pico from VeganItIz Eats
Mini French Quarter Seafood loaded potatoes from Simply Savory by Rachel

+ tech demos from:

Gem City Laser
Frame Push
Urban Mathoholics

Plus

The Contemporary Dayton (The Co) will open 5p.m. – 7p.m. for a sneak peak at their new exhibition featuring new solo exhibitions from the work of Teju Cole, photographer, curator, Gore Vidal Professor of the Practice of Creative Writing at Harvard, and former photography critic of The New York Times Magazine; Amy Powell, nationally published Dayton-based photographer; and James “Jamie” Nares, British and New York City-based filmmaker. The exhibitions will open the evening of Friday, September 16, 2022, with an Artist Talk by Teju Cole.

Small business owner yourself? Don’t forget to check out the conference itself, as well as the closing party! Launch Dayton Startup Week presented by Fifth Third Bank brings together nearly 1K entrepreneurs, small business owners, startup founders, and business resource providers. Be inspired by the stories of failure and success, and build your own business through hands-on workshops and classes. All for FREE! Check out the full lineup: https://launchdayton.com/events/dayton-startup-week/

About Launch Dayton Startup Week:
Launch Dayton Startup Week is the Dayton, Ohio entrepreneur community’s largest event, drawing roughly 1K attendees each September to celebrate, inspire and equip the Dayton region’s startup founders & business owners. This free conference brings together the region’s thinkers, dreamers, doers, makers, entrepreneurs and small business owners. All experiences are welcome — whether a seasoned entrepreneur or new to the community, there is space to jump in.

Flagship EC program generated $210M in economic impact

February 1, 2022 By Dayton937

Launch Dayton partner the Entrepreneurs’ Center generated $210M in economic impact over the last two years, according to a new report released today.

The 2022 State of Startups in Ohio report is a special supplement in the Dayton Business Journal, Cincinnati Business Courier, Cleveland Business Journal, and Columbus Business First. This report is the result of a collaboration with the Ohio business journals and Ohio’s regional venture development organizations: The Entrepreneurs’ Center, CincyTech, JumpStart, Rev1 Ventures, and TechGrowth Ohio.

These venture development organizations have been a foundation of support and capital for tech-based companies, helping them to generate a $10B economic impact and create more than 10,500 jobs since 2016.

“Ohio startup companies are setting funding records year after year, strengthening the statewide innovative ecosystem,” states a press release. “Startups deliver a significantly larger economic impact than other companies in terms of revenues, investments, jobs, and wages paid.”

Local impact

According to the report, the EC’s Entrepreneurial Services Provider (ESP) Program has generated $210M in economic impact in the Dayton region over the past two years. Last year alone, this portfolio saw a 200% increase in company sales and investments, and achieved significant milestones in their mission to power progress and prosperity, including:

Adding 135 portfolio clients
Creating 202 new jobs
Generating $56M in product sales and $28M in other revenue
Raising $15M in external investment capital
Launching the Rotunda Investment Fund, a revenue-based investment fund for Dayton-area entrepreneurs and small businesses.

As a result of the EC’s accomplishments over the years, and those of the other highlighted venture development organizations, Ohio ranked 11th among states for fast-growing companies in 2020.

Key highlights

Other key highlights from the report include:

2021 marked the third consecutive year that Ohio companies received over $1 billion in venture capital investment.
Ohio’s startup ecosystem has created nearly 11,000 jobs (10,570), with 167 companies funded and $10B in economic impact including $2.87B in exits.
Startup success is the key to diversifying regional economies – it allows for expansion into new markets, while also driving innovation within existing industries.
Ohio’s remarkable success is the result of an all-in approach in the state – from venture development firms, public and private partners, corporations, investors and entrepreneurs who align to build thriving companies.
The impact of Ohio’s startup success reaches far beyond the state, and even the region, as it’s a playbook for what is possible when key constituents align to support the startup ecosystem.
Because of Ohio’s entrepreneurs and inventors, the Ohio Third Frontier, and the more than 100 private and public sector partners across the state, Ohio venture development organizations have delivered an astonishing $66 return for every $1 of public funds.

Explore the full 2022 State of Startups in Ohio report here.

Deadline Approaching for Entrepreneurs to Apply to Retail Lab

July 14, 2021 By DowntownPartnership

The Downtown Dayton Partnership (DDP), along with its small business development partners, is inviting business owners to apply to the third session of the Downtown Dayton Retail Lab small business accelerator program. The Retail Lab is an intensive 12-week experience for business owners aiming to launch or grow their first-floor business in downtown Dayton. Applications will be accepted through July 22.

The Retail Lab has two main goals: To continue energizing downtown with vibrant storefronts, and to provide a supportive pathway into the downtown market for emerging first-floor entrepreneurs, especially woman-owned and minority-owned businesses. The Downtown Dayton Retail Lab will provide a series of workshops, pitch opportunities, and services that connect the participating businesses to the people, ideas, capital, and resources that will help them thrive and grow in downtown Dayton. Weekly workshops will be held downtown.

Eligible businesses include boutiques, shops, cafes, studios, and restaurants – any consumer business that adds to the vibrancy of downtown’s sidewalks. Applicants should either be located in downtown Dayton or aiming to launch downtown in the next 6 to 12 months. Interested small business owners can find more information, including the program application, at DowntownDayton.org/retail-lab. Applications for the Downtown Dayton Retail Lab will be accepted through July 22, with the program slated to begin in August.

The Retail Lab leverages support from many business resource partners including the Entrepreneurs’ Center, the Miami Valley Small Business Development Center, Five Rivers MetroParks – 2nd Street Market, Launch Dayton, and The Hub at the Dayton Arcade. “Building a successful business is full of challenges, but the Retail Lab equips participants with a network of peers and resources who can help them move forward faster,” said AJ Ferguson, director for entrepreneurship and innovation with the DDP and coordinator of the Retail Lab program. “The Retail Lab was an amazing experience. Not only did I learn about areas of improvement for my business but I was able to make connections with fellow business owners,” said Lindsey Deck, a previous Retail Lab participant and owner of Space Three fitness studio in downtown Dayton.

Participation in the 12 week program is provided at no cost, and in addition to the support businesses receive through the workshops, each participant is eligible for up to $1,500 in services from creative, marketing, and operations consultants to implement a strategic improvement in their business.

July 2021 | Application & Selection Process
Deadline to apply: Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 11:59pm
August – October 2021 | Weekly Workshops (tentatively Tuesdays from 9am to 11am)
November – January 2021 | Capstone Project with Service Provider Support
February 2022 | Demo Day Presentations

Questions about the Retail Lab should be directed to AJ Ferguson, [email protected], or call (937) 681-9793.

Downtown Dayton Retail Lab Accepting Applications

January 20, 2021 By Lisa Grigsby

After a successful first-round of the Retail Lab small business accelerator program, The Downtown Dayton Partnership (DDP), along with its small business development partners, is inviting business owners to apply to the second session of the program. The Retail Lab is an intensive 12-week experience for business owners aiming to launch or grow their first-floor business in downtown Dayton, and applications will be accepted through February 3.

The Retail Lab has two main goals: To continue energizing downtown with vibrant storefronts, and provide a supportive pathway into the downtown market for emerging first-floor entrepreneurs, especially women-owned and minority-owned businesses.

“As we emerge from the pandemic and the impacts of the economic shutdown, there is an opportunity to take new business ideas and budding entrepreneurs and show them the support network available in our community to grow or launch their own commercial ventures,” said Sandra K. Gudorf, president of the DDP.

The Downtown Dayton Retail Lab will provide a series of workshops, pitch events, and pilot opportunities that connect the participating businesses to the people, ideas, capital, and resources that will help them thrive and grow in downtown Dayton. Weekly workshops will be held virtually and include facilitated instruction, work sessions with mentors, and occasional in-person activities with appropriate health precautions.

Eligible businesses include boutiques, shops, cafes, studios, and restaurants – any consumer business that adds to the vibrancy of downtown’s sidewalks. Applicants should either be located in downtown Dayton or aiming to launch downtown in the next 6 to 12 months. Interested small business owners can find more information, including the program application, at DowntownDayton.org/retail-lab. Applications for the Downtown Dayton Retail Lab will be accepted through February 3, with the program slated to begin later in February.

The Retail Lab leverages support from many business resource partners including The Entrepreneurs Center, the Miami Valley Small Business Development Center, Five Rivers MetroParks – 2nd Street Market, Launch Dayton, and The Hub at the Dayton Arcade.

“In 2020, the first cohort of 11 Retail Lab participants experienced how a community of entrepreneurs and resources can take an initial business plan to the next level of success, and we look forward to providing that same opportunity to a new group of Dayton entrepreneurs,” said AJ Ferguson, project manager with the DDP and coordinator of the Retail Lab program.

“The Retail Lab experience has given our business the necessary tools to make sure we are set up to succeed, and the opportunity to work with other businesses and collaborate on ways we can support each other,” said Vanessa Llyod, a previous Retail Lab participant and owner of A+ Cleaners in downtown Dayton.

Participation in the 12 week program is provided at no cost, and in addition to the support businesses receive through the workshops, each participant is eligible for up to $2,500 in professional services from creative, legal, and financial firms to advance their business.

Questions about the Retail Lab should be directed to AJ Ferguson, [email protected], or call (937) 681-9793.

FREE 10-week Program Will Take Your Business From Idea to Launch

April 6, 2020 By Dayton Most Metro

Launch Dayton will run its upcoming Early Risers Academy cohorts virtually in an effort to support our local business owners and entrepreneurs as our community collectively works to halt the spread of COVID-19.

Our 10-week Early Risers Academy program is completely free. The program is designed to take aspiring entrepreneurs from idea to launch, or to help newer small business owners plan & train to successfully pivot or scale. Entrepreneurs of all genders, colors & creeds are welcome.

The next general cohort will launch April 7 and run through June 9, and a tech cohort will launch April 8 & run through June 10. If there is enough interest, we will launch additional cohorts in April to meet the need.

The program utilizes Kauffman FastTrac curriculum from the Kauffman Foundation, the country’s preeminent entrepreneurship-building organization. Aspiring founders will receive pitch coaching and hands-on mentoring, weekly discussions with successful entrepreneurs and experts, access to Dayton’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, & alumni support after graduating the academy.

The tech cohort will be run by reps from Converge Technologies, an engineering and business advisory firm that helps companies with development and commercialization of novel technologies. This focused cohort will offer additional experts on topics such as prototype development and how to design to appeal to end users and for large-scale manufacturing.

Applicants should be able to commit at least 4-6 hours per week to coursework for the duration of the academy.

Each program will conclude with a pitch event in which one graduate from each cohort will win $1,000 to infuse into their business. Pitch events will be organized by partners of Launch Dayton, a collaborative effort to connect entrepreneurs to peers, resources, and supporters, and to tell the stories of our region’s thriving startup community.

“We are intentionally carving out space for minority founders and business owners to access resources that help build solid foundations and provide hands-on support in order to create successful businesses,” program manager KeAnna Daniels said. “We are committed to reaching non-tech and historically under-represented founders who haven’t always felt seen in Dayton’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Apply here.

Early Risers Academy is supported by Launch Dayton partner organizations Wright State Research Institute and The Entrepreneurs Center with their respective grant funds through the US Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment and Ohio Third Frontier’s Entrepreneurial Services Provider Program.