Cheer on four Stark County entrepreneurs pitching in front of a panel of community stakeholders for a chance to secure $10,000 to accelerate the growth of their businesses. Presented with support from Huntington Bank, the JumpStart Stark Impact Showcase on Tuesday, December 15 from 5-8:30pm at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium (1835 Harrison Ave NW, Canton, OH 44708) is free of charge and open to the public with advance registration.

The Showcase caps JumpStart’s 12-week Stark Impact, in which business owners leverage coaching, connections, education and practical tours to strengthen both their business plans and their pitches.

JumpStart launched Stark Impact in 2023. This is the first cohort led by NaSheka Combs-Lemon, currently Director of Entrepreneurial Services for Stark County and formerly Director of Small Business Growth and Entrepreneurial Development at the Stark Economic Development Board. “In addition to outside expertise, this program brings together business owners with different skills, experiences and perspectives who can learn from and support one another,” says Combs-Lemon.

Runners-up in the pitch competition each receive $2,500, and the winner goes home with $10,000.

“No matter who takes home the grand prize, every business in this cohort is worth celebrating,” asserts Combs-Lemon. “These businesses are part of daily life here in Stark County. The effort these owners put into their businesses matters to the people they serve, and their continued success and growth help keep our region strong.”

This cohort’s participants range from a neighborhood bakery and a coffee roastery to specialists in exterior home cleaning and rug care. Meet the business owners taking the stage at this year’s Stark Impact Showcase:

The Alley Cafe and Bakery | Amanda Probst
Cakes, pies, donuts, oh my! Founded by a local small business owner, The Alley serves house-made baked goods while creating community beyond the counter in Louisville, OH.

Elite Guard | Kyle Updegrave
Out of Massillon, OH, Elite Guard provides a wide array of services for homeowners looking for a premier exterior cleaning experience. From deep cleaning and stain removal to patio restoration, they specialize in putting the customer’s satisfaction first.

M&H Beans | Mike Moyer
M&H Beans is a roastery, cafe and wholesale supplier of responsibly sourced coffee. Their shop in North Canton, OH is small but mighty—featuring a production space, roastery and cafe together under one roof.

Shaheen Rug Cleaning & Repair | Sophia Shaheen
Shaheen Rug Cleaning and Repair began as a family-run workshop and has been serving Canton, OH and the greater Stark County community since 1901. Their legacy is rooted in quality craftsmanship and community.

Dan Brown directed Stark Impact until his recent appointment as JumpStart’s Chief Services Officer. “I know the work it takes to get to this stage. And although I’ll be cheering from a different seat this year, I can’t wait to hear what these owners have planned,” says Brown.

Participants come from communities across Stark County. Past winners include Canton Importing (Canton, OH), Little Things Sugar Studio (Alliance, OH), ParrTakeNCare (North Canton, OH), Wiggles & Wash Mobile Dog & Cat Grooming, and BK Beauty (Massillon, OH). The program also counts Skyhigh Fitness (Alliance, OH) and Main St Modern (Canton) among its graduates.