JumpStart is pleased to welcome the newest group of entrepreneurs selected for Cohort 5 of the Stark County Small Business Impact Program, an intensive 12-week program designed to help promising small business owners strengthen their operations, sharpen their financial strategy, and prepare for sustainable growth.
Delivered in partnership with community stakeholders across Stark County, the program provides participating entrepreneurs with focused business advising, peer learning, and education on key topics such as financial projections, marketing strategy, and operational planning. Throughout the program, participants gain access to practical tools and resources that help them make more confident decisions as they scale their businesses.
The program culminates in a pitch competition, where participants present their businesses to a panel of judges for the opportunity to win grant funding to support their continued growth.
This cohort represents a diverse group of Stark County entrepreneurs across industries ranging from retail and hospitality to specialty services and consumer products.
Meet the Cohort
Ballher Brand | Tom Miller
Ballher Brand is an Ohio-based athletic apparel company founded to fill a gap in the market by creating sportswear designed specifically for female athletes. The company promotes confidence, participation, and empowerment in girls’ sports through performance-driven apparel and a strong community-focused mission.
Canton Importing Co. | Maria Varonis
Founded in 1961, Canton Importing Co. is a specialty grocery and delicatessen known for importing and selling authentic Greek, Italian, and Mediterranean foods. The business offers a wide selection of olives, cheeses, oils, and specialty ingredients while serving as a long-standing culinary destination in Canton.
Cherry Blend Coffee Roasters | Terry Miller
Cherry Blend Coffee Roasters is a small-batch coffee roaster and café that sources high-quality beans from around the world and roasts them locally to highlight freshness and flavor. The company emphasizes handcrafted roasting, community connection, and creating a welcoming environment for specialty coffee enthusiasts.
Rated Rips | Mikaela and Michael Ferguson
Rated Rips is a husband-and-wife-run business specializing in consignment sales for sports cards, trading card games (TCG), memorabilia, and apparel. The company helps collectors sell items without managing the process themselves by marketing and listing products through online marketplaces while handling logistics and maximizing exposure.
Tydy Toilets | Tom Miller
Tydy Toilets provides commercial restroom cleaning services designed to supplement standard janitorial work with deep-clean sanitation. Using specialized equipment and cleaning methods, the company helps businesses maintain hygienic, well-maintained facilities that improve both employee and customer experience.
