Scale with the best accelerators and incubators in Ohio

This prominent startup accelerator aims to cultivate novel software solutions to address global challenges. In partnership with a top research university, the program focuses on fostering innovation in several key domains, including generative AI, cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, healthcareespecially in mental health and accessibilityfintech, agtech, climate tech, and software supporting deeptech and quantum innovation. The accelerator runs twice a year in 13-week cohorts, providing startups with access to mentorship, a global network of industry experts, and innovation resources. Each cohort culminates in a Demo Day, allowing participants to showcase their progress to potential investors. Founders can receive $120,000 for 6% equity, enabling early-stage startups to gain valuable funding. Notable figures like Brad Feld, Chisa Egbelu, Daniel Mason, David Brown, David Cohen, and Jared Polis are associated with the program, enhancing its credibility and reach. The upcoming program timeline includes application windows for March and September cohorts in 2024, fostering continued support for founders dedicated to utilizing technology for societal improvement.

Techstars Columbus Powered by The Ohio State University's Website

This prominent seed-stage venture capital provider, located in Columbus, Ohio, is dedicated to propelling innovation and supporting startups. Operating as an investor startup studio, it integrates capital and strategic services to facilitate the scaling of new businesses and the innovation of corporates. The institution aims to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills and knowledge to craft effective business plans and compelling pitches. In 2023, it hosted the 'Business Planning for Profitability Accelerator,' featuring four cohorts. A total of 34 entrepreneurs successfully completed the intensive program out of 80 applications received, with 62 participants accepted. The graduation ceremony for these participants was held on December 6, 2023. Specializing in a diverse range of industries including biotech, fintech, and SaaS, the organization offers early-stage funding along with a collaborative community, mentorship, and resources delivered by a team of seasoned builders, investors, and corporate innovators. Tom Walker is a key founder leading this dynamic accelerator, which is committed to fostering a supportive environment for startups to thrive and transition to further funding sources as they grow.

Rev1 Ventures's Website

Queen City Angels is the longest-established organized angel group in the Midwest, committed to accelerating the growth of early-stage businesses. Operating for 23 years, it has made 237 investments in 110 companies, totaling $110 million in funding. Their mission is to empower entrepreneurs, recognizing their crucial role in driving the economy, creating jobs, and implementing innovative solutions. To enhance the chances of success for startups, the organization provides smart capital, mentorship, and experienced counsel from a network of accredited investors. Specializing in sectors such as biotech, general technology, and healthcare technology, they make strategic investments across these domains. Under the leadership of notable founders Kim Banham and Tony Shipley, the group also offers valuable business relationships by connecting sponsors with their network, including other angel investors and portfolio companies. The focus spans various funding types, including seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture capital. With a proven track record and unwavering dedication to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, it continues to play a significant role in fostering innovation and business development.

Queen City Angels's Website

This high-tech startup accelerator is designed to support early-stage founders in building venture-backable companies through a comprehensive 17-week program. It uniquely focuses on purpose-driven entrepreneurship, integrating elements such as faith, purpose, relationships, and holistic health into the startup journey. Founders receive seed funding, mentorship, education, and professional services aimed at refining business strategies and preparing for due diligence. Alumni consistently outpace typical high-tech startup survival rates, where 90% fail within 18 months, and 60% fail due to misreading market demand. The organization supports a diverse range of industries, including General Tech, Healthcare Tech, Mobile Apps, and SaaS. Key personnel involved in the program include founders Chad Reynolds, Tim Brunk, and Tim Metzner. They emphasize a people-centric approach, providing a safe and supportive environment for entrepreneurs, ensuring that their overall well-being is prioritized alongside business aspirations.

OCEAN Accelerator's Website

This Cleveland-based startup accelerator and venture fund focuses on early-stage software startups, with a specialization in Fintech, Healthcare Tech, General Tech, and SaaS. It provides essential resources, capital, and guidance to entrepreneurs, leveraging an expert and intern-powered model to accelerate innovative software solutions. From 2013 to 2019, it significantly impacted the entrepreneurial ecosystem, supporting hundreds of entrepreneurs and helping portfolio companies raise over $45 million in follow-on capital. The founders, Charles Stack and Jennifer Keiser Neundorfer, have played a crucial role in shaping the institution's vision. After seven years of nurturing startups, it pivoted to also offer consulting services, utilizing extensive experience to assist businesses in innovating and adapting to technological advancements. The overall influence and evolution of this organization reinforce its position as a vital player in fostering early-stage technology ventures.

FlashStarts's Website

The accelerator program is dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, with a particular emphasis on deep tech fields including artificial intelligence, blockchain, biotechnology, and edtech. It provides startups, inventors, and experts with essential resources, mentorship, and guidance, enabling them to build and expand their ventures through lean methodologies and expert insights. Participants benefit from valuable opportunities for workspace sharing, project management for innovative developments, and a comprehensive catalog of training sessions across various disciplines. Networking is a crucial aspect, connecting participants with a diverse network of experts, potential partners, and like-minded individuals. Additionally, the institution supports cryptocurrency crowdfunding, appealing to tech-savvy startups looking to navigate modern financing avenues. Through its focused approach and resourceful environment, it aims to empower entrepreneurs to turn their visionary ideas into impactful actions and drive real social change.

Launch U's Website

The program is a 24-week milestone-driven initiative designed to empower early-stage companies in the domains of IoT, urban mobility, and connectivity. In partnership with Aviva Canada, it invites startups with products in the market and early traction to apply. The initiative aims to overcome the critical challenge of scaling by providing a low-risk platform for connecting with enterprise partners to validate technologies and strategies. Through tailored programming and one-on-one coaching, participants are assisted in reaching proof-of-concept or pilot stages more rapidly, enabling access to enterprise-scale opportunities. The extensive network of smart city and mobility collaborators offers a distinct advantage, enhancing brand awareness and fueling growth. Importantly, the accelerator presents potential funding avenues and institutional investor access through the Highline Beta network, while also providing paid pilots without taking equity for participation. Founders of the program include Benjamin Yoskovitz, Lauren Robinson, and Marcus Daniels, who are committed to fostering innovation in the connected cities sector.

Safe x Connected Cities Accelerator's Website

Based in Cleveland, this startup accelerator and venture fund specializes in early-stage software startups, emphasizing innovative applications of technology. Founded in October 2012, the organization launched its first accelerator program in 2013, investing in 15 startups during its inaugural year. Typically spanning several months, the accelerator program provides essential resources, capital, and guidance to entrepreneurs. Over the years, they have supported hundreds of startups across various industries, including entertainment, fintech, healthcare tech, mobile apps, and SaaS. Led by founders Charles Stack and Jennifer Keiser Neundorfer, the institution values young talent through an internship program. The firm organizes Demo Days, allowing startups to present their ideas to potential investors, and has established Startmart, a collaborative space for startup development. Additionally, it created the Cleveland200 Fund to equip startups with necessary investments for growth. With a commitment to fostering innovation, the organization plays a crucial role in the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Cleveland.

Flashstarts's Website

Located in Northeast Ohio, this comprehensive 15-week business accelerator aims to support minority and women entrepreneurs in developing their business acumen and strategies. The program is tailored for those with non-technology business ideas and offers a culturally competent curriculum that promotes collaboration among participants. Each cohort follows a structured format, starting with foundational principles, advancing to core business knowledge, and culminating in practical applications of learning. Activities include guest speaker sessions, mentoring, and opportunities for entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to community leaders. Noteworthy participants include founders such as Charise Bryant of My World Studios and Davida Pantuso of Fit after Pink LLC. This initiative is part of the Bounce Innovation Hub, which plays a pivotal role in fostering local startups and small businesses. With mentorship, ongoing support, and a focus on job creation and economic growth, the organization is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs to positively impact their communities and succeed in their ventures.

Mortar at Bounce's Website

The regional innovation center, business hub, and incubator space located in Elyria, Ohio, serves as a catalyst for economic and job growth in Lorain County and the broader Northeast Ohio region. Established in 2001 through a collaboration between the Lorain County Commissioners, the Lorain County Chamber of Commerce, and Lorain County Community College, it emphasizes support for technology-focused startups. Comprehensive support includes business advisory services, a collaborative incubator environment, access to qualified student interns, and funding opportunities from the Innovation Fund. The leadership team consists of Jim Walborn as Director, overseeing activities, and Russ Donda as Entrepreneur-in-Residence, who aids founders in assessing technology feasibility and developing actionable plans. This institution supports a diverse range of industries including biotech, clean energy, consumer electronics, edtech, renewable energy, and social media. Notable founders associated with the organization include Janice Mirikitani and Reverend Cecil Williams. Through its efforts, it aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, contributing to the region's competitiveness in the global technological economy.

Great Lakes Innovation and Development Enterprise's Website

Founded in 2010, this nonprofit organization is dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs by providing essential education, resources, and connections crucial for business success. With a significant focus on business mentorship, coaching, and access to capital, it has directly assisted 888 women in 2023 alone and has educated over 4,000 women through comprehensive programs. The organization boasts an impressive 80% business success rate, has created over 15,000 jobs, and facilitated more than $1,000,000 in loans, alongside securing over $15,000,000 in follow-on funding. The combined revenue of businesses supported exceeds $1 billion. One of its standout initiatives is the Momentum Accelerator, a 10-week, in-person program aimed at accelerating business growth, held weekly in the evenings. The institution provides a supportive community that fosters networking opportunities and collaboration among women across various industries, including fintech and personal finance. Key individuals such as founder Candace Klein have been instrumental in steering it toward its mission of aiding bold women entrepreneurs in their journey to success.

Aviatra Accelerator's Website

The Technology Commercialization Office is a pivotal entity aimed at advancing research from the university by transforming innovations into viable business opportunities. Operating in Columbus, Ohio, it serves as the primary resource for university inventors, offering support in evaluating, protecting, and marketing intellectual property. This includes facilitating licensing and launching startup companies. The office runs the Accelerator Awards program, providing grants of up to $150,000 per project to faculty and staff for external validation activities to prove a technology's commercial potential. The accelerator actively contributes to the creation and funding of new ventures, engaging in technology, life sciences, and engineering. Moreover, the program promotes economic growth in Ohio by licensing successful technologies to local startups. With roots in a broader historical context linked to notable figures like Rutherford B. Hayes, the organization is essential for fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs aiming to bring groundbreaking research to the market.

Ohio State University Technology Commercialization Office's Website

The Center for Entrepreneurship serves as a pivotal institution for nurturing student founders and fostering innovation. At the heart of its offerings lies the Presidents Buckeye Accelerator, specifically designed to prepare student-owned startups for launch. The program includes a six-week Boost Camp, leading to the selection of six promising ventures for a year-long accelerator experience. Initiated in 2015, it has successfully distributed over $7.4 million through the Accelerator Awards to 90 diverse projects, resulting in the establishment of over 20 startup companies. Participants benefit from extensive skill-building training, mentorship, and networking opportunities within the local startup ecosystem. These cover key areas such as commercial excellence, customer centricity, and financial acumen. Funding originates from Ohio State University, Ohio Third Frontier Technology Validation, and the Start-up Fund, with administration handled by the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship. Specializing in various industries including Edtech and General Tech, the structured approach of the accelerator facilitates the validation, building, testing, and commercialization of ideas. Notable figures such as Rutherford B. Hayes are part of its history, underlining a longstanding commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation.

Ohio State University - Center for Entrepreneurship's Website

Established in January 2018, this institution is the first open innovation hub in northeast Ohio, dedicated to supporting the entrepreneurial and innovation community in the region. Located in downtown Akron, it boasts over 300,000 square feet of coworking, event, meeting, and professional office space. The organization runs the Bounce Software Accelerator, a minimum three-month program tailored for startups developing software products across various industries, including General Tech, Mobile Apps, and SaaS. This program emphasizes guiding founders towards building, launching, and growing their startups with a focus on revenue and investment readiness. The application process is ongoing, and continued participation depends on the startups' progress and potential. In addition to the accelerator, there is an incubator and mentoring programs, along with access to a network of advisors and potential investors. The hub builds on the experience of The Bit Factory, which previously supported over 20 founders across 12 startups. Daniel Hampu is a key figure associated with it. By fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, the institution is instrumental in the growth of startups in the region.

Bounce Innovation Hub's Website

The Entrepreneurial Biotechnology (EB) program at Case Western Reserve University is a two-year professional Master of Science (MS) program in Biology, offered in collaboration with the CWRU School of Law and the Case School of Medicine. It aims to equip individuals with biotechnology knowledge, business skills, and technology innovation expertise. The program attracts students with biology-related degrees, strong work ethic, and a passion for entrepreneurship. Graduates pursue careers in research or technology-centered roles such as CTO, Program Manager, and Business Development Associate, with an average salary of $70,000 according to a 2009 survey. EB benefits from partnerships with organizations like JumpStart and BioEnterprise, offering real-world experiences and internship opportunities. Specializing in biotechnology fields like vaccine development and forensics, the program provides a flexible curriculum, industry networks, paid internships, and access to cutting-edge facilities. Founded by Leonard Case Jr., the university also offers a Regenerative Medicine and Entrepreneurship program, highlighting its commitment to interdisciplinary education and innovation in industries like Biotech and Edtech.

Case Western University - MS Entrepreneurial Biotechnology's Website

The L. William Crotty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership offers a distinctive approach to entrepreneurship education. This center features a multidisciplinary entrepreneurship major that allows students to initiate real microbusinesses, gain exposure to rapid growth companies, and network with successful entrepreneurs. Participants engage in various real-world experiences, including business consulting, microlending, angel investing, internships, mentorship, and student competitions, further enhancing their practical skills. Emphasizing entrepreneurship for the common good, learners are equipped to create profitable ventures that positively impact the community. Recognized as one of the top 50 entrepreneurship programs in the nation by the Princeton Review, the institution boasts an impressive 100% of its students starting and running businesses. It operates the sixth largest student-run business in the country, generating $2.1 million in revenue. The Hub Powered by PNC Bank, located at the Dayton Arcade, serves as one of the largest university-anchored innovation hubs in the country, complementing initiatives like the Greater West Dayton Incubator that engage students in developing new businesses. With a focus on industries such as Edtech, Fintech, and Real Estate Tech, this center stands as a vital resource for aspiring entrepreneurs.

University of Dayton - Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership's Website

The Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship (MEIE) program at Wright State University, located in Fairborn, OH, is an interdisciplinary initiative offered by the Department of Biomedical, Industrial, and Human Factors Engineering in collaboration with the Raj Soin College of Business. This program is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of innovation and entrepreneurship, integrating business and engineering perspectives. It emphasizes problem-solving, creative thinking, and practical experience by developing business plans and engaging with high-tech entrepreneurs in the Dayton area. Candidates are encouraged from diverse undergraduate backgrounds, although those with engineering, business, or science majors find themselves better prepared. Regular admission requires a completed bachelors degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7 and acceptable GRE or GMAT scores. The curriculum includes courses on the economics of innovation, technology-based ventures, and entrepreneurship, bolstering graduates' technical expertise and business acumen. Notably, the institution is not currently accepting new students; however, a graduate certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship in High Technology remains available, maintaining a focus on the essential skills required in the Edtech and General Tech industries.

Wright State University - Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship's Website

The Ohio University Center for Entrepreneurship is a collaborative effort between Ohio University's College of Business and the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs. Their mission is to equip every student, graduate, and partner with an entrepreneurial mindset and skills. The center focuses on solving problems and improving people's lives through entrepreneurship by providing coaching, mentorship, and access to experiences that develop resourcefulness, courage, creativity, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and leadership skills. The center offers a Certificate in Entrepreneurship aimed at fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among students, including non-business majors. In 2018, the CoLab space was opened on the third floor of Alden Library, offering a physical space for ideation, collaboration, meetings, classes, prototype development, and venture launches. Additionally, the Voinovich School APEX Accelerator works with businesses in 62 Ohio counties to identify and pursue opportunities to contract with government agencies. The center focuses on various domains such as technology, social impact, and business development, supporting ventures across diverse industries. Founded by Manasseh Cutler, their aim is to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, provide practical skills, and foster innovation across disciplines in industries like Edtech and General Tech.

Ohio University - Center for Entrepreneurship's Website

A prominent business incubator located in Youngstown, Ohio, it focuses on developing successful digital businesses while advancing womens and minority entrepreneurship, and fostering advanced manufacturing technologies. Specializing in the creation and growth of B2B software application companies, information technology, and startups engaged in advanced manufacturing methodologies like 3D printing and additive manufacturing, the organization provides tailored support for women-owned and minority-owned small businesses through its Women in Entrepreneurship Program and Minority Business Assistance Center. Numerous startups are nurtured within its facilities, which include five renovated buildings in the Tech Block of Downtown Youngstown, especially the additive manufacturing headquarters, Tech Block Building 5. Entrepreneurs benefit from comprehensive support, including pitch deck development, business plan assistance, and access to funding sources. Additionally, connections for product commercialization and technology integration with Ohio manufacturers are facilitated. The Minority Business Assistance Center helps minority entrepreneurs obtain crucial certifications such as Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women-Owned Enterprise (WBE). Overall, the institution plays a vital role in boosting entrepreneurship and technological innovation in the region.

Youngstown Business Incubator's Website

This institution serves as a pivotal hub for advancing the manufacturing sector in Northeast Ohio, aiming to transform the region into a global center for smart manufacturing. Its vision includes creating 30,000 jobs and boosting the Gross Regional Product (GRP) by $40 billion by 2032. The organization focuses on supporting small- and mid-sized manufacturers through various services, including innovation, talent development, and leadership initiatives that drive industry growth. They assist companies in building working prototypes, developing manufacturing processes, and crafting effective go-to-market strategies. Additionally, a $20 million Manufacturing Innovation, Technology & Job Center has been established in Cleveland's historic Hough neighborhood, offering valuable resources, training, and collaborative opportunities. Events like lunch and learn sessions provide professionals with insights into industry best practices and training. The center continues to be instrumental in fostering economic growth and enhancing the competitiveness of manufacturing in the region, with a specialization in cybersecurity among other domains.

Magnet Innovation Center's Website

This leading Social Enterprise Accelerator, located in Northeast Ohio, is dedicated to empowering social entrepreneurs to create sustainable impact. The program offers a comprehensive 16-week curriculum, both in-person and online, designed to help participants develop their business models, determine their social impact, and access necessary resources for a successful launch. Since its inception in 2015, the institution has supported 353 alumni, which includes notable companies such as Aunt Flow, BESA, POINT, and Peaceful Fruits, contributing to diverse fields such as Clean Energy, Fintech, and Renewable Energy. Alumni benefit from refined business models, funding opportunities, and exposure, including appearances on prominent platforms like Shark Tank. The accelerator prioritizes ingraining social impact from Day 1, preparing entrepreneurs to integrate meaningful contributions into their business efforts. It extends its reach beyond Northeast Ohio, also operating in Central Ohio and Colorado, with additional opportunities for entrepreneurs to run cohorts in their cities through an affiliate program. By facilitating connections between social enterprises and advisors as well as funders, the organization plays a pivotal role in nurturing local ecosystems focused on sustainability and social innovation.

SEA Change's Website

Dedicated to accelerating the XR ecosystem, this institution invests in and supports top startups globally. With a significant fund of $100 million, the program focuses on early-stage companies in the Seed, Series A, and Series B stages, particularly within the virtual reality domain. Each four-month cohort includes 33 selected startups, fostering innovation in various industries such as gaming, education, healthcare, and consumer electronics. Operating in major cities like San Francisco, London, Taipei, Shenzhen, Beijing, and Tel Aviv, the organization provides tailored programs that allow startups to collaborate remotely. Participating companies benefit from access to notable investors and mentors, including Robert Scoble and Charles Huang, along with opportunities for networking and presenting at significant conferences, such as the Virtual Reality Venture Capital Alliance conference in Beijing. Collaboration is emphasized, enabling teams to share resources and insights while receiving regular feedback from executives to refine their products. Founded by Thomas Dabarno, this accelerator plays a pivotal role in supporting startups navigating the complexities of the XR landscape, enhancing their growth potential and industry impact.

ViveX VR Accelerator's Website

This 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is dedicated to addressing critical national security and prosperity challenges through innovation and technology development. It fosters strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academic institutions, particularly in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, and general technology. In June 2022, a notable $97.5 million contract was secured from the Air Force Research Laboratory for the Mission Analytics Technology and Research for Innovative eXploitation (MATRIX) program. This initiative aims to enhance military defense capabilities through advanced scientific research in areas such as human-machine teaming and psychological processes. The impact of the contract is significant, with an expected contribution of $87 million in payroll over the next seven years, bolstering both the local and state economy. Congressman Mike Turner has emphasized the importance of this initiative in ensuring the safety of military personnel. By leveraging collaborations with diverse partners, the organization not only accelerates innovation but also supports advancements in technology and solutions that benefit both the local community and national security efforts.

Parallax Advanced Research's Website

An accelerator program designed as a launchpad for social impact startups, it fosters sustainable solutions to community challenges. By bringing together individuals to discuss social issues, the program encourages both brand-new ideas and partially-vetted concepts. Participants can submit their ideas in advance or pitch them directly during the event, facilitating team formation and collaborative innovation. Accepted ideas receive a free ticket, offering an early advantage by allowing team members to be recruited in advance. The accelerator specializes in social impact initiatives, incorporating domains like Artificial Intelligence, Renewable Energy, and Social Media. The organization emphasizes the importance of innovation, collaboration, and positive change, equipping participants with resources, valuable connections, and access to funding opportunities. The supportive alumni community further bolsters the journey from ideation to impactful solutions, ensuring that entrepreneurs have the tools necessary to make a meaningful difference. This commitment to social entrepreneurship positions the institution as a pivotal player in transforming innovative ideas into sustainable actions that effectively address pressing social problems.

GiveBackHack's Website

Located in Southwest Ohio, this nationally-recognized startup business incubator has been established since 1989 and has evolved into one of the largest and most successful incubators in the U.S. It has supported over 360 ideas in transitioning into products or scalable businesses in the last 25+ years. Specializing in technology-oriented businesses, the institution provides crucial access to capital, facilitating significant investments totaling $500 million. It offers a variety of resources including coaching, mentorship, and business growth programming, such as 'Morning Mentoring' and 'eKickStart.' Moreover, it fosters a collaborative atmosphere where entrepreneurs can exchange ideas and support one another. The organization also provides diverse office spaces ranging from 150 sq ft to 1200 sq ft, alongside a CoWorks Program for shared working environments equipped with full amenities. By nurturing startups, it plays an essential role in driving economic growth in the Greater Cincinnati region.

HCDC's Business Center's Website

Horizon Two Labs is a venture studio that collaborates with entrepreneurs, inventors, and corporations to transform innovative concepts into successful companies. It specializes in assisting technology startups by offering comprehensive services that include research, technology scouting, market intelligence, product strategy, engineering, web development, and product design. The primary objective of the organization is to launch groundbreaking ideas through coordinated programs, which encompass accelerator programs, startup bootcamps, and joint ventures supported by partner sponsorships. Founded by Matt Armstead, the studio has a strong focus on building digital products and has nurtured ideas across diverse sectors, including general tech, mobile apps, and SaaS (Software as a Service). Its extensive suite of services positions it as a pivotal player in the tech startup ecosystem, dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Horizon Two Labs's Website

Start:ME Evanston is an intensive 14-week accelerator program that supports micro-entrepreneurs in the Evanston area. The program offers business training, mentorship, and early-stage financing to promising micro-entrepreneurs running businesses with 1-4 employees. Participants benefit from hands-on learning, business acumen, networking opportunities with local professionals, tailored mentorship, and community events. The program aims to create a supportive ecosystem where micro-entrepreneurs can thrive and grow their businesses. Start:ME Evanston caters to various industry domains and focuses on building a solid foundation for small businesses. Selected ventures receive guaranteed, low-cost loans chosen by the entrepreneurs. While specific investor details are not available, the program ensures access to early-stage financing through a dedicated loan fund. Notable individuals leading this initiative include the program's key people. Over the course of 14 weeks, micro-entrepreneurs receive the necessary support and resources to take their businesses to the next level.

Start:ME Evanston's Website

This incubation and entrepreneurship program is dedicated to supporting early-stage technology companies primarily in the greater Mansfield and Ashland areas. Established in 1986, it has played a pivotal role in assisting numerous startups by providing essential resources such as business planning, intellectual property guidance, pitch preparation, and market validation. The organization fosters a collaborative environment with incubation and coworking spaces located in Ashland and Mansfield. It actively promotes networking through events like Caffeinated Ideas, which supports business ideas, and SunDown RunDown, a regional pitch competition. Specializing in a diverse range of industries, it covers areas including Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, General Tech, Mobile Apps, and Software as a Service (SaaS). Financing options are also available through Appleseed Microfinance and the Tech Sprout Fund, further enhancing support for emerging businesses.

Braintree Business Development Center's Website

AD Stretch, powered by Avery Dennison, is an innovative accelerator program dedicated to fostering collaboration with startup innovators to tackle real business challenges within the labels and packaging industry. The initiative focuses on three primary challenge areas: Customer Engagement, Sustainability, and Materials Innovation, aiming to enhance innovation capabilities industry-wide. Organized in cohorts, the program launches regionally, starting in Asia Pacific and Latin America, followed by expansions into Europe and the U.S. It endeavors to connect with promising global startups and inventors. Key themes of this initiative include connecting consumers to brands to create new experiences, developing sustainable and efficient value chains, and innovating materials and packaging solutions. Collaborating with venture studio Highline Beta, the organization seeks to attract top talent and startups before selecting 10 finalists to execute pilot projects. This initiative marks a significant step towards driving impactful solutions that contribute to sustainability and business relevancy across Environmental Tech, Logistics, and Supply Chain sectors.

AD Stretch's Website

Founded in 2019 and based in Ohio, this pioneering accelerator focuses on innovating in the wellness industry. Renowned for transforming a leading CBD skincare line into a multi-million dollar brand, the organization specializes in developing Hemp Infused Brands across diverse sectors, including Functional Beverages, Skincare, Personal Care, Pet Lifestyle, and Women's Mental Wellness products. Committed to meeting the rising consumer demand for hemp-derived products, they are strategically positioned in the market. With robust control over their supply chain, they create high-value brands and promote mass distribution opportunities. Additionally, the accelerator actively seeks merger opportunities with like-minded entrepreneurs to foster collaboration and strategic partnerships. Through a forward-thinking approach, the institution stands out as an influential player in the Fitness and Wellness as well as Food and Beverage industries, driving innovation and value within the hemp-infused consumer package goods space.

The Ideation Lab's Website