Dayton has always been full of innovators, builders, and creators. Too often, though, their talent goes unseen. The Innovative Business Resource Opportunity Center (IBROC) was built to change that.
On Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 3:00–5:30 pm at The Arcade Innovation Hub, you’re invited to the public launch of IBROC—a new collaborative hub powered by the Entrepreneurs’ Center and the Miami Valley Urban League. This space is designed to remove barriers, streamline resources, and make sure every entrepreneur has a clear path to grow.
A Community Celebration
The IBROC launch is more than an open house—it’s a chance to be part of a movement. When you step inside, you’ll discover resources designed to guide your business journey, meet trusted Business Support Organizations (BSOs), and connect with other entrepreneurs who share your same drive.
And of course, it wouldn’t be a Dayton event without conversation, community, and good food. Expect light bites, plenty of networking, and the chance to build relationships that matter.
#NoHiddenGems
At the heart of IBROC is a simple belief: there are no hidden gems in Dayton. Every founder, dreamer, and doer deserves to be seen and celebrated. By bringing together support, guidance, and opportunity under one roof, IBROC is here to ensure your work gets the visibility and the resources it deserves.
Be part of the launch
Seats for this event are limited, and we want you there. Join us as we celebrate the beginning of a new chapter for Dayton’s entrepreneurs and small businesses.
IBROC Launch Event
Thursday, September 25, 2025
3:00 pm – 5:30 pm
The Arcade Innovation Hub, 31 S. Main St., Dayton, OH 45402
A Record-Breaking Anniversary
The 10th anniversary of Launch Dayton Startup Week Presented by Fifth Third Bank was the largest gathering in the event’s history. On September 9–10, 57 speakers led 46 sessions across two packed days at The Hub, bringing together entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community leaders for the most-attended Startup Week yet.
Setting the Stage
The event kicked off with a surge of energy in The Square, where the excitement was tangible as the community came together to celebrate a decade of Startup Week. That momentum carried straight into the first session of the day, led by Nate Sowder of Fifth Third Bank. His talk, “Vibe is a Balance Sheet,” challenged attendees to think beyond the numbers: “If people can’t feel you, they can’t fund you. Everyone here tracks a balance sheet. Cash in, cash out. But the one that decides if you make it or not isn’t financial. It’s emotional.” It was the perfect tone-setter for two days of learning and connection.
Keynotes That Inspired
Among the highlights were this year’s keynote sessions. Amit Gupta of Aeroseal shared the company’s remarkable journey from Dayton roots to raising more than $100 million in venture capital to expand globally, underscoring why the founders chose to build in Dayton and the impact their work continues to make. Brent Johnson and Josh Stucky of Square One Salons and Spas & RubiGirls brought 25 years of small business experience to the stage, offering powerful insights on leadership, team building, and how great businesses are built on people first.
A Packed Pitch Competition
Another standout moment was the Startup Week Pitch Competition, held at Yellow Cab Tavern. The venue was a packed house as founders competed for top prizes in both Tech and Main Street categories. Lunnie secured the $15,000 first-place prize in the Tech track, with Travelling Pendants earning $5,000 in second. On the Main Street side, Victory Medical Alliance took home the $2,500 top prize, and Rent to Home earned $500 for second place. The energy and excitement reflected Dayton’s deep commitment to backing its entrepreneurs.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, the Launch Dayton team is excited to continue building year-round momentum in 2026. From LaunchPad events that provide tools and connections to Startup Weekend, where ideas come alive in 54 hours, every program builds toward Startup Week—the region’s biggest celebration of entrepreneurship and the place where ideas grow into lasting businesses.
Stay ahead of the game and be the first to know about our 2026 event dates by subscribing to the Launch Dayton newsletter.
31 S. Main St.
Dayton, OH 45402
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