We are excited to welcome the third cohort to our Core City: Cleveland Impact Program! As the name implies, the 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.

The free program accepted five aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners from the city of Cleveland into the spring 2017 cohort. Over the next three months, these individuals will be learning and working together alongside JumpStart’s Core City: Cleveland team. The culminating event will be a demo day-style competition where program participants will use their new knowledge and skills to pitch to a panel of judges for a chance to take home up to $10,000 to grow their business.

Meet the spring 2017 Core City: Cleveland Impact Program cohort:

Image Voice Productions
Founder: Dana Simmons

Founded in 1998 by Dana Simmons, Image Voice Productions is a multi-media company specializing in high-resolution professional photography, videography and editing for both B2B and B2C clients.

GrooveRyde
Founder: Anjua Maximo

Inspired by studios in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City, husband and wife team Zosimo and Anjua Maximo founded GrooveRyde, a group fitness facility consisting of three studios for cycling, circuit training, kickboxing and more. GrooveRyde was voted Best Indoor Cycle Class by CLE Hot List.

Original Cleveland Watch Company
Founder: Amparo Vega

After retiring from the Cleveland Police force, Amparo Vega founded the Original Cleveland Watch Company, a designer of creative, colorful and customized wristwatches that showcase the talent of local artists. The Original Cleveland Watch Company was the official wristwatch vendor of the Republican National Convention.

The Healthy Living Kitchen
Founder: Alysha Ellis

Founded by Cleveland State University MBA student Alysha Ellis, The Healthy Living Kitchen is a foundational vehicle aimed at empowering individuals to make healthy food and lifestyle choices that can be sustained throughout their lives.

Simply Betsy Company
Founder: Betsy Gates

Founded in 2010 by Betsy Gates, Simply Betsy Company is a retailer of handcrafted, small-batch skincare and body products that are created with locally grown natural and organic ingredients. Simply Betsy Company was voted Best Gift Shop by CLE Hot List.

Stay tuned for detailed profiles of our Core City: Cleveland Impact Program entrepreneurs and their businesses. In the meantime, RSVP to attend their demo day showcase.