Faced with a dwindling population, shifts in manufacturing and a slow job market, our region’s leaders came together in the early 2000s to reinvigorate a floundering economy. JumpStart was born from that collaboration, built on a simple but powerful belief: the region’s future depends on our collective ability to innovate and back those willing to take the risk to create something new.
The goal of uplifting local change-makers — and keeping this corner of the world a self-sustaining engine of growth — is just as vital to me now as when I first joined the team. As I step into the role of JumpStart CEO, I am committed to doubling down on our proven successes while finding new and meaningful ways to show up for regional founders and small businesses.
The vision in action
For 20 years, we have witnessed the compounding impact of keeping talent and capital within our community. The momentum is clear in the stories of founders we work with every day, such as:
- Cleveland Diagnostics who recently announced their new IsoPSA Test for Prostate Cancer received FDA Approval and can now be used in labs nationwide.
- Orthobrain, in Richfield, which secured $7.5 million in growth capital last year and is helping dentists better incorporate orthodontics into their practices.
- Pearl’s Kitchen opened their third location last year in the Midtown Collaboration Center, which serves as a launchpad where new ideas evolve into community partnerships.
When businesses like these thrive, the benefits ripple across our entire local economy. In 2024 alone, startups and small businesses supported by JumpStart generated $1.4 billion in economic impact and created 8,431 jobs, directly supporting 5,596 households.
New challenges, same commitment
The work is far from finished. While starting a business may seem easier today, surviving and scaling is harder than ever. In 2026, launching an idea can be as simple as a few AI prompts, but the distance between a digital prototype and a robust enterprise is widening.
This is where JumpStart’s experience creates real, lasting value. Building a durable business requires trusted guidance, access to capital and a strong support system. We work side-by-side with founders to help them avoid costly mistakes, unlock funding and navigate complexity toward impactful, sustainable growth, ensuring every entrepreneur has a genuine opportunity to succeed, regardless of background or zip code.
Let’s build the next 20 years
We no longer have to prove that entrepreneurship works — the evidence is in the businesses built, the jobs generated and the communities strengthened. Now, we have the opportunity to see how much further this momentum can take our region.
But as it was from the very beginning, this has never been a solo journey. The best ideas come from the collective wisdom of our community. Whether you are a funder, a founder, a mentor or a civic leader, we want to learn from your perspective and work alongside you. I am energized by what lies ahead and confident that, together, we can expand our impact and strengthen the communities we all deeply care about.
This article was orinially published in Smart Business on February 27th, 2026.
