JumpStart’s Small Business Impact Program is a 12-week business accelerator designed to help individuals overcome the obstacles of entrepreneurship through hands-on advising and industry-specific mentoring. Over the course of the program, these entrepreneurs will work together, alongside JumpStart’s Impact Program team, to tackle key business issues with significant emphasis on financial projections and capital pitches.

The program will culminate in a demo day-style competition on Monday, August 29 at Cleveland Browns Stadium, where program participants will pitch their business to a live audience and panel of judges. The grand prize pitch will take home $10,000, and all other participants will receive $2,500 to help grow their businesses.

Get to know each participant and their businesses below.

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Village Trends Boutique
Elizabeth Tarkowsky

Village Trends Boutique is a small woman-owned business that specializes in offering fun, trendy and affordable apparel, accessories, gifts and handmade items. Village Trends Boutique rallies around the community and strives to create a welcoming atmosphere that makes customers feel like family.

 

Rhonda Crowder & Associates
Rhonda Crowder

Rhonda Crowder & Associates is a creative services agency that specializes in developing and executing messaging and design strategies for marketing, advertising, public awareness and fundraising campaigns that target minority audiences.

 

Concession Stand
Justin Boyd

Concession Stand is a local sneaker and apparel company that offers expert shoe cleaning and restoration, apparel and lifestyle merchandise. The company aims to offer clients the premier sneaker experience.

 

Cure Nail Gallery
Chanell Boyd

Cure Nail Gallery is an exclusive Gel nail salon that provides an environmentally friendly and therapeutic approach to nail fashion. The company also holds space for young artists, enthusiasts, and creatives while providing a safe and trauma informed outlet.

 

Lonnie’s Boy Soul Cookin’
Melissa & Marlon Coles

Lonnie’s Boy Soul Cookin’ is a delivery and takeout food service that offers a variety of options with a southern, Creole fusion feel.

 

CoCo D. Luxe Beauty
Courtney Dorsey

CoCo D. Luxe Beauty offers a wide variety of beauty services including facials, body waxing, makeup, lash extensions, nail care and much more. The company’s mission is to teach women that self-care improves your overall wellness.

 

Marshmallow Club of the Month Club
Saidah Farrell

The Marshmallow of the Month Club is a subscription box for Marshmallow lovers. Each box is filled with artisan marshmallows, fresh basked graham crackers, and chef-inspired sipping cocoas. Unbox and savor small bites of bliss for those days when you just need to unwind.

 

Sauce The City
Victor Searcy

Sauce The City specializes in premium hand-crafted chicken sandwiches. The signature Cleveland Hot Chicken Sandwich is held as Cleveland’s #1 sandwich. The company also specializes in wraps, wings, tenders and cheesesteaks. Sauce The City is also featured in First Energy Stadium and Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.