Human Resource Basics for Startups with Ted Hahn
2026-01-21 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Detroit) | Braintree Building, 201 East Fifth Street, Mansfield, OH, 44902, United States
Learn the essentials of Human Resources tailored specifically for startups in this one-hour seminar with HR pro Ted Hahn. Whether you’ve just launched a new venture or you’re ready to take on employees, this session will guide you through the basic HR principles every founder needs to know. It will introduce you to the standard paperwork, forms, and issues you will have to be able to deal with.
What You’ll Gain:

Understanding of key HR functions from hiring to onboarding
Best practices for employee agreements and compliance
Tips for building a positive and productive workplace culture
Strategies for managing performance and growth early on

Your facilitator, Ted Hahn, has a Master’s Degree in Labor Policy and Human Resources Management, is a SHRM certified professional, and a SHRM certified People Manager. He has worked in the staffing service industry, the nonprofit field, manufacturing and agriculture.
Our session begins at 11am on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. And then at 12pm we will offer a free lunch and provide an opportunity for further discussion and follow-up.

Building a System That Works Even on Your Worst Days
2026-01-21 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom Webinar
Sales shouldn’t depend on having a “good day.” In this second session of our January series with Viking Sales Consultants, entrepreneurs will learn how to shift from reactive selling to a simple, reliable sales system that holds steady… even when time is tight, energy is low, or priorities are competing.
This session walks through the tools, structures, and daily rhythms that make sales repeatable. You will learn how to build a practical sales toolkit, develop outreach plans, manage conversations effectively, and keep pipeline momentum without overwhelm.
Topics Covered:

The standard Sales Toolkit every business needs
The 7 Ways to Reach a Buyer (+ the 10-step Attack Plan)
Time management and the 15-minute sales method
A simple structure for effective sales meetings
How to manage a sales funnel with confidence
The Need → Need → Want conversion
Advanced visibility strategies to reach the right buyers

Attendees Will Learn:

How to build a predictable, scalable sales workflow
How to reach and nurture buyers consistently
How to maintain a sustainable daily sales rhythm
How to use structure and tools to prevent stalled deals

This webinar is open to all JumpStart clients, partners, and community businesses. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link.

Fourteenth Annual Groundhog Day International Trade Forecast
2026-01-30 07:30 - 09:00 | Kent State University at Tuscarawas, 330 University Drive NE, New Philadelphia, OH, 44663, United States
Whether you have already been exporting for a while or are a start-up that will be “born global,” it is good to know about non-US markets. Now in its 19th year, the Ground Hog Day International Trade Forecast is one of Ohio’s premier export-focused events.
Our presenter is Michael Weidokal, of ISA of Cleveland (International Strategic Analysis). Michael is an expert in international opportunities, demographics, and markets and is a frequent speaker at international conferences. He will provide valuable information about current trends, markets, and economies of potential export targets.

3 Rivers Venture Fair
2026-02-04 08:00 - 2026-02-05 17:00 | Rivers Casino Event Center, 777 Casino Dr, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, United States
The 3 Rivers Venture Fair (3RVF) is Pittsburgh’s premier venture capital event, connecting high-growth startups with investors, corporate partners, and innovation leaders since 2002. This annual gathering serves as a launchpad for emerging companies in tech, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and beyond, offering curated pitch opportunities, expert insights, and high-impact networking. Known for driving real business outcomes, past participants have secured funding, formed strategic partnerships, and accelerated growth through the Fair’s signature Venture Connection program – a structured matchmaking platform that pairs founders with aligned investors.
In 2026, 3RVF returns with an elevated focus on deal-making and industry trends. Attendees can expect a select showcase of vetted startups, dynamic keynote/panel discussions on emerging opportunities, and exclusive meetings designed to turn connections into action. With expanded participation from venture funds and corporate innovation teams, this year’s event promises to be the most consequential yet – bridging Pittsburgh’s thriving ecosystem with national capital and expertise. Whether you’re a founder seeking funding or an investor scouting breakthrough innovations, the 3RVF is where meaningful partnerships begin.

Get Ready, Stay Ready
2026-02-04 16:00 - 18:00 | CSU Learning Center, 2485 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH, 44115, United States
Preparation strategies for entrepreneurs to stay ready for pitch competitions, grant opportunities, and unexpected asks.

Unlocking the R&D Tax Credit for Innovative Startups
2026-02-18 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom Webinar
Many early-stage companies assume the R&D Tax Credit is something they’ll worry about after revenue, after profitability, or after years of growth. In reality, many startups qualify much earlier than expected.
This webinar, John Quinci of RK Partners, breaks down how the R&D Tax Credit works, who qualifies, and how founders can use it to offset payroll and income taxes, improve cash flow, and reinvest in innovation. The session is especially relevant for startups in software, healthtech, medtech, manufacturing, and agriculture, where qualifying R&D activities often happen every day.
Entrepreneurs will gain clarity on eligibility, documentation, and how to integrate the credit into a broader financial and growth strategy without creating unnecessary complexity or risk.
Topics Covered

What the R&D Tax Credit is and why it matters for early-stage companies
Common misconceptions about R&D eligibility
Qualifying activities and expenses
Applying the credit against payroll and income taxes
Documentation and compliance best practices
Using the R&D Tax Credit as part of a long-term growth strategy

Attendees Will Learn

Whether their startup’s activities may qualify for the R&D Tax Credit
How to identify and document eligible R&D work
How to claim and maximize the credit to support innovation and growth

This webinar is open to all JumpStart clients, partners, and community businesses. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link.

Organize Your Financials with QuickBooks
2026-03-04 16:00 - 18:00 | CSU Learning Center, 2485 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH, 44115, United States
Learn how to track income and expenses, manage invoices, and streamline your bookkeeping using QuickBooks.

Caffeinated Ideas at Braintree
2026-03-11 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Braintree Building, 201 East Fifth Street, Mansfield, OH, 44902, United States
Do you have a great business idea, or do you already have a business and need some advice? Do you have business expertise and are willing to help others?
If any of these apply, then join us for a cup of coffee and plan to brainstorm some business ideas with a group of knowledgeable and supportive experts. Entrepreneurs from throughout Northern Ohio are welcome to participate.
We encourage you to bring your ideas, concepts and products, no matter what stage of the development you are in, and the group will explore the idea and help you to better position it for the market place. There is no cost to attend, but please register.
For questions or additional information contact 419 610-5924 or bcohen@braintreepartners.org.

Trailblazer Accelerator Winter Showcase - Software
2026-03-19 10:30 - 18:00 | Midtown Collaboration Center, 1974 East 66th Street, Cleveland, OH, 44103, United States
Join us for the Trailblazer Software Accelerator Startup Showcase, where a curated group of high-growth software startups take the stage.

JumpStart’s Software Accelerator Startup Showcase, sponsored by Big Kitty Labs is a high-impact event featuring venture-ready software pitches, curated networking, and a forward-looking conversation about the decisions shaping Ohio’s B2B tech ecosystem.
After months of intensive growth coaching, strategic advisory, and investor preparation, Trailblazer founders are ready to present companies built for scale.
What to Expect
Live Startup Pitches
Hear directly from high-growth B2B software founders solving meaningful problems across industries. Each company has been selected for its market opportunity, execution capability, and readiness for capital.
Featured Panel Discussion
Shaping Ohio’s Tech Future: Decisions that Define Our B2B Ecosystem
Investors and founders will share candid perspectives on the critical decisions that build resilient companies, strong talent pipelines, and a thriving regional tech economy.
Moderated by JumpStart’s CEO, Lorne Novick, the conversation will feature:

Tushar Kulkarni, Founder & CEO, Big Kitty Labs
Jaimin Gandhi, Co-founder & CTO, Redi.Health
Ray Bohac, CEO & Co-founder, Spearfish
Tatyana Hower, Managing Partner, JobsOhio Ventures

Curated Networking
Connect directly with founders, investors, operators, and regional innovation leaders in a focused, high-signal environment.
Why Attend?

Discover venture-ready software companies
Identify early investment and partnership opportunities
Gain insight into Ohio’s evolving B2B tech landscape
Build meaningful relationships within the innovation ecosystem

Whether you’re deploying capital, scaling a company, or supporting regional growth, this Showcase offers direct access to companies (and conversations) that matter.

About the Trailblazer Software Accelerator
The Trailblazer Software Accelerator supports high-potential software startups with intensive growth programming designed to prepare companies for venture capital and scalable expansion. The Showcase marks the culmination of that work and the beginning of each company’s next growth phase.
Space is limited. Register now to secure your spot.

Beyond Startup: Learn AI to Turbocharge Sales
2026-04-01 10:00 - 11:30 | Bounce Innovation Hub, 526 South Main Street, Akron, OH, 44311, United States
Ready or not, AI is here to stay! AI will become the biggest business game-changer since the industrial assembly line, antibiotics, jet engines, or the internet. The evolution of artificial intelligence is accelerating, with new AI tools being created weekly. Business and sales professionals know they need AI, but most have no idea where to start. This workshop will give an understanding of AI, how it can save time, improve efficiency, and enhance customer service, while turbocharging sales growth through increasing face-to-face customer time.
This workshop is designed to introduce the audience to AI and how it applies to sales, CRM, lead generation and management, customer communications, sales analytics, and more. Attendees will learn about a stack of potential AI tools they can install and use to see sales impact within weeks, not months.

Effective Networking with LinkedIn
2026-04-01 16:00 - 18:00 | CSU Learning Center, 2485 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH, 44115, United States
Effective Networking with LinkedIn helps entrepreneurs and job seekers optimize their profiles, expand their networks, and leverage LinkedIn for career and business growth. Participants learn profile best practices, content engagement strategies, and how to use tools like the LinkedIn Digital Share Card to make lasting professional impressions.

The Future of Making Things: Modernizing the Chemical Supply Chain
2026-04-10 13:00 - 13:45 | Sears think[box], 11201 Cedar Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44106, United States
Join us on Friday, April 10th as part of the Case Western Reserve University Entrepreneurship Speaker Series for a roundtable discussion with Jordan Swisher co-founder of Amber Industrials.
Through his work, Swisher is focuses on modernising industrial chemical manufacturing by combining cutting edge manufacturing with sustainable technology. At Amber Industrials, he is helping reimagine how materials like nylon are produced, using electrification and hydrogen to make processes that are faster, cheaper and cleaner than traditional methods.
Amber Industrial’s approach addresses longstanding inefficiencies in the chemical industry while significantly reducing emissions, demostrating how innovation and entrepreneurship can reshape legacy industries. Swisher’s experience in startup tech and applied chemistry will provide students with an inside look at the intersection of science, sustainability and business.
To register for this event, please indicate your in-person or virtual attendance.
The Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship hosts discussions from highly-accomplished industry professionals to speak with current students and alumni who are interested in topics within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Participating guests are encouraged to arrive prepared with questions and topics for discussion.

Morgenthaler-Pavey Startup Competition
2026-04-14 17:00 - 20:00 | Sears think[box], 11201 Cedar Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44106, United States
The Morgenthaler-Pavey Startup Competition is an annual pitch competition hosted by the CWRU Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship. Finalist teams will pitch their startups or ideas to a panel of judges in one of three tracks: Venture, Idea and Social Impact for a chance to win funding from a prize pool of $45,000.
The event will take place on the first floor of Sears think[box] on April 14 2026 from 5:00PM – 8PM, with the Venture Track and awards ceremony also being live streamed.

Free Coworking Day
2026-04-22 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-27 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-24 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-22 08:00 - 17:00 | Bounce Innovation Hub, 526 South Main Street, Akron, OH, 44311, United States
Join Bounce for Free Coworking Day on the 4th Wednesday of every month! Bring your task list, schedule a meeting and join us for part or all of the day. This is a great way to see what we have to offer and get to know the community in The Generator at Bounce.

Customer Discovery with AI
2026-05-06 17:00 - 19:00 | CSU Learning Center, 2485 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH, 44115, United States
Customer Discovery with AI Tools helps entrepreneurs understand their customers more effectively using artificial intelligence. Participants explore tools like ChatGPT, Typeform, and analytics platforms to generate survey questions, identify trends, and extract actionable insights. This hands-on workshop equips small business owners with practical strategies to align their products and services with real customer needs.

Ohio Tech Summit 2026
2026-05-14 08:00 - 18:00 | Ohio Union, 1739 North High Street, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
The Ohio Tech Summit is where innovators, executives, and entrepreneurs come together to build what’s next for Ohio’s growing tech sector.
Join us on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Ohio Union at The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH) for the Ohio Tech Summit. The Ohio Tech Summit is a full day of content and experiences where Ohio tech shows-off and features high-profile speakers, tech demos, and networking.

Beyond Startup: Speak with Presence
2026-05-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Bounce Innovation Hub, 526 South Main Street, Akron, OH, 44311, United States
Great speaking starts before you say a word. This hands-on workshop helps entrepreneurs organize their thoughts, speak more clearly, and present with more confidence in meetings, pitches, videos, and everyday conversations. Participants will leave with a simple speaking framework, stronger delivery habits, and live practice they can apply right away.

Trailblazer Spring Showcase - HealthTech
2026-06-11 10:30 - 18:00 | Midtown Collaboration Center, 1974 East 66th Street, Cleveland, OH, 44103, United States
Connecting healthcare innovators with investors and industry leaders to accelerate the future of health technology.
Experience the future of healthcare innovation at this quarterly showcase featuring the latest cohort of JumpStart’s Trailblazer healthcare startups. Connect with entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders shaping the next generation of healthcare solutions.
Event Highlights:

Live pitch presentations from breakthrough healthcare startups
Panel discussion with top healthcare leaders and industry experts
Pre-matched investor meetings
Networking lunch
Evening reception

Join healthcare investors, industry executives, entrepreneurs, and innovation leaders for a full day of insights, connections, and opportunities in the rapidly evolving healthcare technology landscape.

De-Risking AI for Real Businesses
2026-06-17 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom Webinar
Part 1: Stop Automating the Wrong Things
JumpStart is pleased to partner with Big Kitty Labs and Tushar Kulkarni for a practical webinar focused on one of the biggest mistakes founders and business owners are making right now: rushing into AI and automation before the business itself is ready.
As AI tools become more accessible, many companies are automating processes that are still unclear, inefficient, or heavily dependent on founder judgment. Instead of creating leverage, this often introduces operational risk, weakens customer experience, and adds unnecessary complexity.
This session is designed to help entrepreneurs step back and evaluate where AI actually creates value, where it creates friction, and how to make smarter automation decisions that support sustainable growth.
Attendees will learn how to:

Distinguish between “we need AI” and “we need a better process”
Identify which workflows are truly ready for automation
Avoid common early-stage automation mistakes
Evaluate high-value vs. low-value AI opportunities
Apply a practical “When AI?” framework to business decisions
Protect trust, tone, and brand consistency while using AI
Understand which parts of the business should remain founder-led
Use AI as a tool for leverage rather than a replacement for judgment

By the end of the session, participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to evaluate AI opportunities intentionally, reduce operational risk, and focus automation efforts where they can have the greatest impact.
Webinars are open to all JumpStart clients, partners, and community businesses. Registration is required to receive the webinar link.

AI Roundtable: AI Show & Tell: Live Demos, Prompts, Workflows & Tools
2026-06-24 08:30 - 10:00 | GCP’s Shatten Boardroom, 1240 Huron Road East #300, Cleveland, OH, 44115, United States
A fan-favorite, hands-on session where participants screen share their best AI workflows, from low-code automations to no-code agents to niche tools you’ve never heard of. Bring your favorite prompts, hacks, and browser extensions. Leave with download-ready tools, new ideas, and a few “why didn’t I know this existed?” moments.

De-Risking AI for Real Businesses, Part 2: AI That Actually Saves You Time
2026-06-24 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom Webinar
JumpStart is pleased to partner with Big Kitty Labs and Tushar Kulkarni for a practical session focused on helping founders and small teams use AI to save time, improve efficiency, and get more done without adding unnecessary complexity.
After learning when AI makes sense in Part 1, this session focuses on how to put it to work. From content creation and research to internal operations and workflow management, attendees will explore practical ways AI can support day-to-day business activities while maintaining quality, consistency, and trust.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to get more value from the tools you’re already using, this webinar will provide a framework for identifying high-impact opportunities and implementing them in a manageable, sustainable way.
Attendees will learn how to:

Think about AI in layers, from quick productivity wins to more advanced workflow and product applications
Use AI to streamline writing, summarization, brainstorming, research, and internal operations
Build simple AI-assisted workflows without creating operational headaches
Create guardrails that protect quality, customer trust, and brand reputation
Write more effective prompts that produce consistent, useful results
Measure whether AI initiatives are actually delivering value
Test ideas through small pilots before making larger investments
Develop a practical action plan that can be implemented immediately

By the end of the session, participants will leave with:

Practical AI use cases they can begin applying right away
A framework for improving efficiency without overbuilding systems
Techniques for writing prompts that generate more reliable outputs
A process for testing AI initiatives with clear success metrics
A better understanding of how to use AI while maintaining quality, trust, and brand standards

Webinars are open to all JumpStart clients, partners, and community businesses. Registration is required to receive the webinar link.

If Only Outsiders Knew What We Know: Remarks from Matt Dolan, CEO of Team NEO
2026-06-26 11:30 - 13:00 | The City Club of Cleveland, 1317 Euclid Ave., Suite 100, Cleveland, OH, 44115, United States
Team NEO is not a chamber or a think tank. It is the JobsOhio network partner for Northeast Ohio with a mission to retain, expand and attract jobs, businesses, and opportunities in Northeast Ohio. At the helm as Chief Executive Officer is Matt Dolan, who is dedicated to driving economic growth and prosperity across Northeast Ohio. With a career spanning law, business, and government, Matt has a deep understanding of the region’s opportunities and challenges.
Join the City Club as Matt Dolan provides an update on how Team NEO has evolved under his leadership and is taking responsibility to attract more businesses, jobs, and opportunities across the 14-county region.

Beyond Startup: Getting a Grip on Your Business: EOS 101
2026-07-15 10:00 - 11:30 | Bounce Innovation Hub, 526 South Main Street, Akron, OH, 44311, United States
Struggling to gain control, focus, and consistent progress in your entrepreneurial business?
Join this EOS 101 Workshop to master the proven EOS Model and its six key components—Vision, People, Data, Issues, Process, and Traction. Through interactive exercises and a provided workbook, you’ll apply two tangible tools live: the Vision/Traction Organizer (VTO) and Quarterly Rocks.
Leave ready to implement changes that deliver immediate clarity, discipline, and accountability.

AI Governance, Ethics & Trust: Navigating the Human Side of Intelligent Tech
2026-07-22 08:30 - 10:00 | United Way of Greater Cleveland, 1331 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44115, United States
AI’s rise brings new questions about ethics, equity, privacy, copyright, and trust.
This roundtable focuses on responsible use, data protection, hallucination management, governance frameworks, and transparent policies that help organizations innovate confidently while protecting people, customers, and intellectual assets.

OhioX Morning Tech: Cleveland
2026-07-24 08:30 - 10:00 | Warren E. Anderson MidTown Collaboration Center, 1974 E. 66th Street, Cleveland, OH, 44103, United States
Morning Tech, powered by OhioX, jumpstarts your day with the tech conversations that matter. These coffee-hour gatherings blend casual networking with local insights, creating an approachable space to plug into Ohio’s technology and innovation community.
Each event features unstructured networking followed by a live, casual interview discussing the developments and real-world opportunities shaping the local ecosystem. Whether you want to catch up with peers, meet new partners, or simply keep a pulse on the region’s growth, Morning Tech is the perfect place to start your day.
Featured Fireside Chat
Our featured conversation is with Shane McRann Bigelow, Co-Founder and CEO of CHAMP Titles, a market-leading digital solution provider serving over 35 million Americans. Under his leadership, CHAMP has raised over $100 million and earned spots on the Inc. 5000 and Forbes America’s Best Startup Employers. Previously, Shane held senior leadership roles at Bernstein Global Wealth Management and Cisco Systems Capital. He holds degrees from Notre Dame and Fordham University, was named Greater Cleveland Partnership’s “Best of Tech” CEO of the Year, and chairs multiple civic boards.

From Chatbots to Co-Workers: Making AI Work for Your Business
2026-08-12 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom Webinar
JumpStart is pleased to welcome Pradeep Giri for a practical webinar designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners move beyond using AI as a simple chatbot and begin leveraging it as a true business partner.
AI is evolving quickly. Today’s tools can do far more than answer questions or generate content—they can help manage workflows, complete repetitive tasks, support decision-making, and automate parts of your business. This session will show you what that means in practice and how to begin taking advantage of these capabilities without needing technical expertise.
Through live demonstrations and interactive discussion, participants will explore practical ways to use AI in everyday business operations, identify opportunities for automation, and build simple AI-powered tools that can save time and increase productivity. Whether you’re just beginning to explore AI or looking to get more value from the tools you’re already using, you’ll leave with actionable ideas you can implement right away.
Topics covered:

How AI has evolved from chatbots to autonomous assistants and agents
Practical ways AI can support daily business operations
Building simple AI-powered tools without coding
Introduction to AI agents and workflow automation
Identifying repetitive tasks that AI can handle
Creating a practical roadmap for AI adoption in your business

Attendees will learn how to:

Use AI as a productivity partner across day-to-day business activities
Build simple AI tools and automated workflows without technical experience
Identify high-impact opportunities to save time and improve efficiency
Assess their organization’s readiness for more advanced AI capabilities
Develop a practical next-step plan for integrating AI into their business

Webinars are open to all JumpStart clients, partners, and community businesses. Registration is required to attend.
