JumpStart Inc.

Founders & Friends
2026-03-13 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Detroit) | Limelight | Tremont, 425 Literary Rd,, Cleveland, OH, 44113, United States
Founders & Friends is a networking social designed to connect and inspire the Cleveland business community.
What is Founders & Friends?
A night where relationships begin, partnerships form, and Cleveland’s next big ideas get their start.
Founders & Friends is a curated networking event designed to bring together some of Cleveland’s top founders, innovators, and business leaders for an evening of meaningful connection.
This event gives attendees rare access to high-impact entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of Cleveland – providing opportunities to meet, learn from, and spark collaborations with the people building the city’s most exciting companies.

Caffeinated Ideas at Braintree
2026-03-11 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.

Let's Talk: Woman In Business
2026-03-06 09:30 - 11:00 | Metro West Community Development Organization, 3466 ST Roccos CT, Cleveland, OH, 44109, United States
✨ Let’s Talk: Women in Business ✨
Celebrate International Women’s Day with an honest, empowering conversation, created by women, for women.
🗓 March 6
⏰ 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM EST
📍 Cleveland, OH
💬 Work-Life Balance & the Real Challenges Women Entrepreneurs Face
Join us for real talk about balance, boundaries, burnout, and the barriers women face in business, plus practical strategies to thrive without losing yourself.

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.

Old Brooklyn Commercial Corridor Collab
2026-02-18 18:00 - 20:00 | 787 Cafe, 6105 Memphis Ave,, Cleveland, 44144, United States
Connect with small businesses and commercial property owners of Old Brooklyn at OBCDC’s Commercial Corridor Collab hosted at 787 Market & Cafe!

Jose Colon from JumpStart will be sharing about their programs!
Share about your recent experiences as a business or property owner and see how the community can support you.
Learn from OBCDC about resources, events, grant opportunities, and other relevant information.
Network with your peers to build a deeper connection.
Stay tuned for more quarterly meetings in 2026.

The Commercial Corridor Collab is generously sponsored by Dollar Bank.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Scaling Beyond Yourself: Staying Visible, Adaptive, and Sustainable
2026-01-28 12:00 - 13:30, 2025-12-11 08:00 - 17:00 | Zoom Webinar
As your business grows, sales challenges change with it. In this final session of our January series with Viking Sales Consultants, entrepreneurs will learn how to remain visible, flexible, and effective… even as markets shift, resources tighten, or new internal bottlenecks emerge.
This session focuses on the systems, partnerships, and alignment needed to sustain sales performance over time. Participants will explore practical strategies for navigating change, protecting revenue, and building a growth flywheel that strengthens both the business and the team behind it.
Topics Covered:

Aligning sales and marketing for greater impact
LinkedIn for sales (a strategic and counterintuitive approach)
Staying visible through market shifts
Why sales fail or stall
External sales vs. internal sales (battling for time and resources)
The Better Clients → Better Service → Better Staff flywheel
Strategies for navigating internal bottlenecks

Attendees Will Learn:

How to protect revenue during changing conditions
How to stay visible to buyers during quiet or difficult periods
How internal alignment improves sales outcomes
How to build a long-term flywheel for better clients and sustainable growth

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

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.

Human Resource Basics for Startups with Ted Hahn
2026-01-21 11:00 - 12:30 | 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.

The Road You’re Really Driving On: Why Sales Work (or Don’t)
2026-01-14 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom Webinar
Building a reliable sales engine isn’t just about scripts or pipelines, it starts with understanding how buyers think, behave, and make decisions. In this first session of our three-part January series with Viking Sales Consultants, we’ll explore the real forces that shape sales outcomes and why certain conversations create opportunity while others hit a dead end.
You’ll walk away with a clearer view of the emotional and strategic road they’re truly driving on… and a simple framework for generating momentum, even without a large pipeline or a dedicated sales team.
Topics Covered:

Why some sales conversations spark opportunity—and why others fall flat
Buyer motivation (Fear vs. FOMO)
The five buyer types
The Ping-Pong Conversation Method
The 50/50 Rule (instinct vs. data)
How to earn visibility with prospects who don’t know you yet
What actually happens inside a sales funnel (and why deals stall)
Keeping referral partners engaged and sending opportunities

Attendees Will Learn:

How buyers think, decide, and respond
Why clarity drives stronger conversions
How visibility fuels early-stage sales success
A simple approach to diagnosing and correcting stalled deals

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

Pitch Deck Workshop with Canva
2026-01-07 16:00 - 18:00 | CSU Learning Center, 2485 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH, 44115, United States
Create or refine your pitch deck using Canva templates and storytelling techniques that appeal to funders and partners.

Trailblazer Accelerator Fall Showcase - HealthTech
2025-12-11 10:30 - 18:00 | Midtown Collaboration Center, 1974 East 66th Street, Cleveland, OH, 44103, United States
JumpStart’s three-month Trailblazer Accelerator programs empower startups to fast-track their growth and prepare to raise venture capital.
Join other influential investors and industry influencers for the HealthTech Accelerator Startup Showcase on December 11, where graduates will demo their innovations and present their company pitches. From blood pressure monitoring to physical therapy to diabetic ulcers, these 10 founders are looking for feedback and are ready for venture capital investment.
Take part in the 1:1 Ventures Connection meetings and stick around for a panel discussion with subject matter experts and a casual happy hour where attendees will be able to network and keep the conversations going.

Stark County Small Business Impact Program Showcase
2025-12-09 17:00 - 20:00 | Hall of Fame Village, 2101 Champions Gateway, Canton, OH, 44708, United States
You’re invited to meet the graduating cohort of JumpStart’s Stark County Small Business Impact Program at their showcase presentation.
This event will feature a live pitch competition as the five Impact Program participants present their businesses to a panel of judges for the chance to take home up to $10,000. All other participants will receive $2,500.
After 12 weeks of intensive learning and preparation, these entrepreneurs will take to the stage and show their stuff in the hopes of winning the grand prize.
Cheer on the participants and show your support for the local business owners whose shops and services strengthen our diverse communities.

Tech for Small Businesses
2025-12-05 17:00 - 19:00 | Union-Miles Learning Center, 11300 Miles Ave., Cleveland, OH, 44105, United States
An overview of digital tools every small business should be using for efficiency, marketing, and customer engagement.

Tech for Small Businesses
2025-12-03 16:00 - 18:00 | CSU Learning Center, 2485 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH, 44115, United States

Creating Engaging Content with Canva
2025-11-19 16:00 - 18:00 | CSU Learning Center, 2485 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH, 44115, United States
Master the basics of using Canva to create eye-catching marketing materials, social posts, and presentations.

Creating Engaging Content with Canva
2025-11-14 17:00 - 19:00 | Union-Miles Learning Center, 11300 Miles Ave., Cleveland, OH, 44105, United States

Creating Engaging Content with Canva
2025-11-13 16:00 - 18:00 | Fulton Library Learning Center, 3545 Fulton Rd., Cleveland, OH, 44109, United States
Master the basics of using Canva to create eye-catching marketing materials, social posts, and presentations.
No registration required. Just show up!

Entrepreneurial Readiness Workshop
2025-11-06 17:00 - 19:00 | CSE Federal Credit Union, 4104 Shuffel St. NW, Suite A, North Canton, OH, 44720, United States
Ready to take the first step toward launching your business? Join us for a hands-on, 90-minute workshop designed to help you assess your entrepreneurial readiness, sketch out your business idea, and connect with local resources. You’ll walk away with tangible resources, reflect on your strengths and challenges, and explore the tools and support JumpStart offers to new founders.
Whether you’re just exploring the idea of entrepreneurship or already have a concept you’d like to validate, this session gives you structure, clarity, and a roadmap forward. Walk away with practical action items, access to further learning modules, and the opportunity to meet advisors who can help you scale your next steps.

2025 Startup Symposium
2025-11-05 09:00 - 16:00 | University City Science Center, 3675 Market St STE 400, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States
Early-stage Medtech companies are expected to navigate the complex process of bringing an idea into reality, but they rarely have the expertise, experience, or resources to ensure success.
Project Medtech and our Network of industry thought leaders have organized an interactive event to help founders build a successful medical technology company.
The Symposium will include 1:1 time with subject matter experts, industry networking events, educational presentations, and thought leader panel discussions.

Social Media Basics
2025-10-30 10:00 - 13:00 | Fulton Library Learning Center, 3545 Fulton Rd., Cleveland, OH, 44109, United States
An introduction to using social media platforms professionally for personal branding and business promotion.
No registration required. Just show up!

4th Annual Osborne ETA Symposium
2025-10-29 08:00 - 17:00 | Tinkham Veale University Center, 11038 Bellflower Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106, United States
Thinking about buying a business—or ready to grow the one you own? Join us for the 4th Annual Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Symposium: the premier event for aspiring and experienced operators looking to act on opportunity.
ETA is a powerful path to business ownership—acquiring and growing an existing company, not starting from scratch. What makes our approach different? We focus on helping individuals become credible buyers outside the narrow confines of the traditional search fund model. Our proven method supports aspiring entrepreneurs in gaining traction, earning trust, and ultimately closing deals.

Registration and Networking: 9:45 am – 10:15 am
Main Event: 10:15 am – 5:15 pm
Networking Social: 5:15 – 6:00 pm

WHY ATTEND:
Now in its fourth year, the Symposium consistently sells out and is rated 9 out of 10 by attendees. Programming spans the full ETA lifecycle—from first-time exploration to post-acquisition growth—and includes valuable opportunities to connect with the network that supports successful ETA deals.
This full-day program will feature general sessions and workshops (3 tracks) about ETA served up in an interactive format.

Resilience and Impact: How Small Businesses Turn Setbacks into Success
2025-10-24 16:00 - 18:00 | CentroVilla25, 3140 West 25th Street, Cleveland, OH, 44109, United States
In addition to ample time for networking, this session will explore the theme of setbacks. While setbacks are inevitable, they don’t define you or your business. Attendees will hear an inspiring keynote from Marcia Moreno, President & Founder of AmMore Consulting LLC, who will share strategies for turning challenges into wins that strengthen ventures and communities.
Join us for an inspiring and purposeful event! Connect with new friends, enjoy delicious food, and have a little fun while reflecting upon the opportunities to make your business even stronger. The Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development is proud to present this session at CentroVilla25.

Caffeinated Ideas at Braintree
2025-10-23 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.

Unlocking Resources: How Entrepreneurs Can Use JumpStart’s Verizon Learning Centers
2025-10-22 12:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
JumpStart is excited to host a special webinar showcasing how entrepreneurs and small business owners can tap into the resources of the Verizon Community Forward Learning Centers. Through virtual tours and real-world examples, attendees will discover how these centers—and the dedicated team behind them—are designed to accelerate business growth, provide cutting-edge technology, and connect entrepreneurs to tailored support.
Whether you’re seeking a place to record your podcast, explore translation services, or learn how to apply JumpStart programming directly to your business, this session will highlight practical ways to get started and grow.
The facilitators will dive into the following topics:

Virtual tour of the Earl B. Turner, Clark Fulton, and Cleveland State University centers, including available resources, technology, programming, and services
• Podcast production resources for entrepreneurs
• Success stories and testimonials from local businesses who’ve leveraged the centers
• Step-by-step guidance on how to access the centers, programs, and team

Webinar attendees will leave with:

Clear understanding of what the Verizon Community Forward Learning Centers offer
• How the team and programming can support business growth
• Inspiration from real client success stories
• Easy next steps to access technology, space, and resources for your business

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

AI Assistants for the Overworked Entrepreneur
2025-10-08 17:00 - 19:00 | CSU Learning Center, 2485 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH, 44115, United States
Discover AI tools that automate tasks, streamline communication, and support your daily business operations.
No registration required. Just show up!
