VIDEO: JumpStart Investing Q&A Session
Whether you’re looking to learn more about venture capital fundraising in general, or interested in applying for funding specifically from JumpStart, it’s important to have access to the right information and the opportunity to ask questions. In this recorded Q&A session, we cover some of the core concepts of equity-based fundraising, including how investors like
How to Refine Your Pitch Deck for the Next Fund Raise
You’ve managed to come this far. You have a compelling product in the market, a good sense of who wants to buy it and how to reach them. You’ve hit some impressive milestones and decided it’s time to press hard on the accelerator and raise the next round of capital. Time to refine your pitch
4 Steps To Developing Your Financial Model
Once you have validated and sized the market for your idea, your next step will be to determine whether this will be a venture or lifestyle business. Financial models can quickly become very complicated, but all models rest on these four main pieces: Customer Acquisition Sales Mix Revenue Expenses The following steps will show you
Meet Cohort Ten of the Core City: Cleveland Impact Program
We are excited to welcome the tenth cohort to our Core City: Cleveland Impact Program! This 12-week business assistance program is designed to drive economic impact in the city of Cleveland by helping individuals overcome obstacles to entrepreneurship through hands-on advising and industry-specific mentoring. Over the course of the three-month program, these entrepreneurs are learning
Angela Flowers Built A Business To Change Kids’ Lives
Angela Flowers has spent her career counseling at-risk kids challenged with mental health and social issues. Her years working in Cleveland’s public schools showed her the power of providing intervention directly in the learning environment. That set the stage for her to develop a business model to bring specialized support to as many kids as
5 Things To Consider Before Starting A Business
Entrepreneurship has its perks. Owning your own business can put you in control of your life, your career and your financial future. But as any small business owner knows, entrepreneurship has its challenges too. It can be risky, stressful and even lonely, which is why JumpStart advisors are here to assist! JumpStart helps entrepreneurs start
Who Is Your Target Customer?
To whom are you selling? This is one of the most basic, albeit crucial, questions you must answer when developing your go-to-market strategy. The answer will determine your target market, a group of potential customers who you intend to be the recipients of your marketing efforts. These customers are the people or organizations that have
Impact Program Spotlight: Na Tasha Shabazz of The Taste Wine Bar
The Taste Wine Bar is Toledo’s first self-serve wine bar, with 20 wines on tap every day is a wine tasting. Established as a place where customers can feel comfortable (and not intimidated) when ordering and buying wine, Taste’s casual atmosphere allows you to sample and learn about wines at your own pace. COVID-19 made
Core City: Cleveland Impact Program Spotlight
In February 2020, JumpStart kicked off its ninth Core City: Cleveland Impact Program. Then COVID-19 hit, forcing a switch to virtual class sessions and the cancellation of the program’s culminating showcase event. Still, Cohort Nine completed the program. COVID-19 made it impossible for us to connect with these graduates in person, so we sat down
Impact Program Spotlight: Quintin Riley of Legendary Carpet Care
Legendary Carpet Care’s mission is simple: to provide the highest quality service to each and every customer. Led by entrepreneur Quintin Riley, the company utilizes innovative technology, green cleaning and professionally trained technicians to provide both clean and healthy living and working atmospheres. COVID-19 made it impossible for us to connect in person with Quintin
Impact Program Spotlight: Karl Singleton of Foundation Transportation
Launched in 2013, Foundation Transportation caters to business executives and VIP clientele. Run by President and CEO Karl Singleton, the company strives to be a one-stop-shop for a luxury transportation experience, offering top-of-the-line luxury vehicles paired with professional and veteran fleet chauffeurs. COVID-19 made it impossible for us to connect in person with Karl and
Impact Program Spotlight: Karen Hoskins of Divine Printing
Divine Printing T-shirts & More provides printing and consulting services in the heart of Toledo. Led by Karen Hoskins, Divine prints everything from T-shirts to business cards, wedding/funeral programs, yard signs, vehicle graphics and banners. COVID-19 made it impossible for us to connect in person with Karen and the rest of this year’s Northwest Ohio Impact