This fall, JumpStart is excited to welcome a new ScaleReady cohort made up of entrepreneurs working in everything from technology, marketing and landscaping to behavioral health, horticulture, specialty food and retail. While their companies may look different from the outside, they share something important. Each one has built real momentum and is ready to grow with more focus, structure and staying power.
That is where ScaleReady comes in. The hands-on program gives established business owners practical tools, expert guidance and time to work on the business, not just in it. Participants will focus on operations, financial strategy, team development, capital readiness and growth plans they can start using right away.
Meet the Fall 2026 ScaleReady Cohort
covermecutee | Idayat Sambo
covermecutee helps small business owners use AI, marketing and stronger messaging to attract customers and grow revenue, with a focus on practical strategies entrepreneurs can apply without adding unnecessary complexity to their businesses.
Tech Dynamix | Jay Baruffa
Tech Dynamix is a managed IT services provider helping small and midsized businesses manage day-to-day technology needs, cybersecurity, cloud services and network infrastructure. The company also provides co-managed IT and advisory services for organizations seeking additional technical expertise and strategic guidance.
Ajs Property Maintenance LLC | Peggy Stropko
Ajs Property Maintenance provides landscaping, snowplowing and trucking services for residential, commercial and municipal customers.
Designer Decor Direct | Jeffrey Christian
Designer Decor Direct is an Ohio picture framing company that has served customers since 1949. The company provides custom framing and wall décor for individuals, businesses and corporate spaces.
Destiny Connections LLC | Mirriam Knight-Wilson
Destiny Connections is a Cleveland-based behavioral health, leadership development and organizational consulting company that integrates psychology and strategy to help strengthen leaders, relationships and workplace systems.
OnlinePlantCenter LLC | Karyn Cassell
OnlinePlantCenter specializes in horticultural e-commerce fulfillment, packaging and shipping live plants for chain stores, online retailers and customers through its own website. The company is also developing a proprietary private-label line of consumer-facing, garden-ready products.
Serene Counseling and Wellness | Shamarah Thomas-Hudson
Serene Counseling and Wellness is a community-based behavioral health organization providing counseling, case management and supportive mental health services for children, adults and families.
sweet bean | Kristin Barnes
sweet bean creates handmade, hand-painted chocolates that combine distinctive flavors with artistic presentation. The company produces chocolates designed for gifting, celebrations and memorable occasions.
The Pizza Bagel Lady | Terry Thomsen
The Pizza Bagel Lady is the company behind Pizagel, a fully baked, frozen handheld product that combines the flavors of pizza with a convenient grab-and-go format. Designed for retail, foodservice, K-12 and private-label partners, Pizagel is built for simple preparation, consistent quality and scalable production.
Each business brings its own story, customers and goals to the cohort. ScaleReady gives them dedicated time, practical tools and expert support to work through the details that can make growth steadier and more sustainable. Learn more about JumpStart’s ScaleReady program.
