In 2015, Parallax Advanced Research led efforts to write a $7M Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment grant to build and support Dayton’s startup community. That effort brought together a community of entrepreneurs across the Dayton region. As this community grew, so did the organizations supporting those entrepreneurs, and in 2019, 10 organizations came together with a shared vision that grew into Launch Dayton.
Nine years later, the Launch Dayton program has supported nearly 500 entrepreneurs, organized eight Startup Week conferences, trained 126 entrepreneurs in foundational business skills, created a free online curriculum featuring more than a dozen courses, hosted 200+ events to connect the region’s entrepreneur community, and published more than 900 stories celebrating entrepreneurs and sharing opportunities for them to move their businesses forward.
And on June 1, the Launch Dayton program, which has been hosted by Parallax Advanced Research since inception, will move to its new home at the Entrepreneurs’ Center.
Launch Dayton will continue to play its critical role as the entry point for new and established entrepreneurs, who will have even greater access to connect to the full range of resources and support provided by the Entrepreneurs’ Center and its partners.
“It’s been a joy to watch a shared idea become a real program — especially one that has come to mean so much to our community. The Entrepreneurs’ Center is eager to build on the legacy of Launch Dayton to support the explosion of entrepreneurial energy that we’ve witnessed over the last eight years,” said Scott Koorndyk, President of the Entrepreneurs’ Center.
As the EC steps in to lead Launch Dayton program, they remain committed to meeting entrepreneurs where they are, sharing their stories, and connecting them to our community’s wealth of support resources. During this transition, the Entrepreneur Rising Academy will be on pause, but all other Launch Dayton activities, including Startup Week, will continue as scheduled.
“Nine years ago, Parallax Advanced Research saw a need to bring density to Dayton’s startup ecosystem and built the community infrastructure for entrepreneurs to connect with area resources and each with other,” said Dennis Andersh, president and CEO of Parallax Advanced Research. “As the community grew, that infrastructure became the backbone for a collaborative effort called Launch Dayton in 2019, which Parallax has hosted for the last five years. As we transition that role to the Entrepreneurs’ Center, we carry with us the legacy of Parallax’s commitment to excellence and community building. We trust in the Entrepreneurs’ Center’s capability to continue this journey, empowering dreams, and shaping the future of Dayton’s entrepreneurial landscape.”
In a new short film, Launch Dayton team members and participants from throughout the years reflect on the impacts of the program.
“When we began this work, Dayton was on some hard times. We saw entrepreneurship as a path forward. If we could help founders commercialize tech and grow companies that could hire people in Dayton, we could better our community,” John Owen shares. “When we started having those meetings with entrepreneurs, it really became more about the individual people than the companies they were going to build.”
“People first” became a core value for the team and the community.
“Launch Dayton represents a safe and welcoming place to be an entrepreneur,” shares Matt Veryser, Director of Product at Ascend Innovation. “Being an entrepreneur is tough. You’re taking a risk, you’re putting your brand, your identity out there, and It’s so important that we have a community of like-minded people that have been there to help build you up.”
Connect with the Parallax Launch Dayton team one more at Thursday’s mixer at The Reserve on Third, Thursday, May 30, 5-7 p.m.
And make sure you mark your calendars for Launch Dayton Startup Week, Sept. 10-12!
Casey Nickole’s entrepreneur journey began behind a salon chair in DERAILED in Dayton’s Oregon District.
A year later, she moved across the country, landed a job in a Seattle barbershop, and went on to launch her own salon, BANG, which she grew to multiple locations.
Today, she’s back home and launching a new adventure. SHAG Studios is an 11,000 square foot renovated medical center. Its 15 private studio spaces will house a variety of wellness entrepreneurs and retailers in one space.
“Honestly, I’m just that cliche person who moved home during the pandemic,” Casey recalled. “Seattle was very tumultuous at that time. Everything was boarded up. I came home and visited family and realized that I wanted to move back.”
She opened SHAG hair salon on Jefferson St. with a friend from Seattle before she found the building at 1126 S Main St.
“Our goal is to take each of those spaces and create a space that reflects the person who rents it. They can choose kind of colors or patterns or light fixtures or things that they feel like are going to enhance their business,” Casey said. “I think it’s important to give people spaces to reflect not only who they are in business, but who they are in the world. I really look forward to collaborating with people who want to spend their time in a space that feels good energetically and socially.”
Check out Erin’s full story in the latest episode in our I Am an Entrepreneur series.
Cecilia Maria Proffitt specializes in beautiful fine line tattoos. And her studio, Cecilia Maria Studio: Fine Line Tattoo & Piercing, just became Ohio’s first (and only) shop to offer Ephemeral Ink tattoos, designed to fade in about three years.
We recently caught up with Cecilia to learn more about her entrepreneur journey.
I’m Cecilia Maria, owner and tattoo artist at Cecilia Maria Studio: Fine Line Tattoo & Piercing — a female focused tattooing experience.
I am also 1 of 44 international sponsored tattoo artists for Ephemeral Tattoo Ink. Ephemeral Tattoo Ink is unique in its ability to fade in three years. So Ephemeral Tattoo Ink is a real tattoo, but “made to fade.”
Cecilia Maria Studio is located on Braown Street. We are the only place to offer Ephemeral Tattoo Ink in Ohio — the next closet tattoo artist is located in Chicago or Atlanta.
Folks can also look for “Cecilia Maria Studio PopUP Tattooing” at events in the greater Dayton area!
I wanted to establish a tattoo studio that was female focused, not only in the aesthetics of the space, but in the style and technique of tattooing.
I wanted to establish a tattooing space and practice that would closely mimic a spa environment.
Like so many others, I am an entrepreneur from necessity, not pursuit. I will afford myself opportunities that others have not/will not.
I was unwilling to accept the limits placed on myself — so I did it without “them.” I would like to work towards a world where the “them” is everyone.
I have always turned hobbies into side hustles into businesses. I enjoy almost every aspect of entrepreneurship. It encourages and requires you to bring your best game.
My willingness to believe that someone else could do what I am doing better than me.
I love assisting people to manifest their tattoo vision. It’s very satisfying to use a skill and give people such immediate happiness. Very different than making art in the studio.
You have to love what you are doing because you are going to be doing it a lot. And you have to love it enough to do undesirable tasks that support the thing you love. You need a benchmark vision and the mindset to pivot at any point.
Connect with Cecilia @ceciliamariatattoo on IG.
We’re celebrating Mary Garman, who recently launched her company ME&Garman Consulting!
This is Mary’s second entrepreneurial pursuit — but this time, she’s jumping in full-time. Read on to meet her.
My name is Mary Garman & I’m rewiring my career. After several decades in an executive leadership role in healthcare, I decided it was time to venture out on my own. I decided that leadership consulting would be a perfect pathway forward.
During the course of my career, I committed to lifelong learning. I’m constantly reading, writing and searching contemporary styles and models of leadership to compliment my experiences. I want to make sure the services, expertise and advice I offer are consistent with strategies which will be effective in the world we live in today.
I’ve been fortunate in my career, and I’d love to help others experience success. I wanted to focus on coaching, consulting, and helping those who are interested in learning, developing, and transforming their organizations.
Yes. I’ve always had an independent attitude and personality and have seen myself as an entrepreneur in many ways. I love strategy and creating new things. This is my second attempt at being an entrepreneur, but the first time I’ve had the luxury of this being my only job.
I took my first management job because I wanted to remove barriers for those who worked for me. My nurses struggled often because they had to work through barriers to accomplish all they needed to do. I continued that commitment throughout my career.
I spent more than 40 years in the complex world of healthcare. I’ve been a clinician, educator, manager, leader, board member and consumer. I’ve learned more lessons than I would have ever imagined.
I love what I do because I can see progress and growth in the leaders I work with. I love the fact that I’ve had experiences and opportunities over the course of my career which I can share with others to help them navigate their journey.
Be resourceful and patient. Identify those in your network and have the courage and confidence to ask for help and advice. Always focus on building your network and understand those are always two-way relationships. You can help others, and they’ll do the same.
Connect with Mary on LinkedIn.
Dayton-based real estate technology startup, UNLISTED, won $100,000 at Pitch HearstLab New York last week.
UNLISTED operates UnlistedHomes.com and Agents.UnlistedHomes.com. The startup developed cloud-based software that leverages AI and machine learning technology designed to reveal off-market real estate opportunities for buyers, sellers, real estate agents, and the industry as a whole.
The company is lead by founder, CEO and Daytonian Katie Hill.
“It’s an honor to be selected by such an incredible panel of judges,” Katie said. “This win is powerful validation of UNLISTED’s unique value proposition and market-changing potential.”
Changes in the real estate legal and regulatory landscape have raised questions about the future of the industry.
“While recent lawsuit settlements create new pressure on the industry, our innovative approach increases the size of the pie for everyone,” Katie said. “The timing of this investment could not be better. It will enable UNLISTED to support our buyers, homeowners, and agents in even more meaningful
ways.”
UNLISTED is experiencing rapid growth and serves U.S. customers from the Bay Area to Boston.
Pitch HearstLab is the organization’s pitch competition for early stage, women-led startups. In addition to the $100K, HearstLab will also provide Katie and her team with hands-on support. The company plans to use the funds and mentorship to accelerate sales and product development.
Pitch HearstLab is the startup pitch competition with the largest check size for women-led startups in the world. The event series is aimed at finding and funding the best high-growth B2B(2C) women-led startups in the US and select international markets. New York is the seventh event in the series, and the first time the event happened at Hearst HQ.
Hundreds of founders applied from across the country. HearstLab selected only six finalists to present in-person at the Hearst Tower on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
Each founder pitched to a live audience and a panel of expert judges. The panel of judges included including Eve Burton, Hearst EVP & HearstLab Chairwoman; Alice Vilma, Morgan Stanley Managing Director and Co-Head of the Next Level Fund; and Tom Cross, Hearst’s SVP and Group Head of Transportation.
The event was MC’ed by HearstLab Scout and ESPN Director, Kati Fernandez.
TJ Richardson and Justin Helt were some of the first producers in Ohio to grow hemp after Gov. Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 57 in 2019, legalizing hemp production in Ohio, reports Farm & Dairy.
The pair started growing 11,000 cannabinoid hemp plants, CBD plants, on three acres of land in 2020. Eventually, they transitioned to growing grain and fiber hemp plants, following the fast-growing market for fiber hemp.
Now, nearly four years after their first plants went in the ground, Richardson and Helt’s Ohio Hemp Company landed its first contract with Michigan-based Heartland Industries to produce a bio-plastic made with hemp fiber.
Buffalo-based CUBRC recently acquired Ahmic Aerospace, a Dayton-based developer and
manufacturer of innovative instrumentation and measurement techniques serving the aerospace industry.
CUBRC is an industry-leading research, development, testing, and systems integration company. This acquisition will help it expand offerings in hypersonic ground and flight testing. Focus areas include advanced computational modeling, analysis, and unique test capability development.
“Ahmic began with a bold vision to transform the way aerospace data is collected,” said founder and CEO Ryan Meritt. “Through this new synergy within CUBRC, we will be able to accelerate unique measurement technologies targeted at critical DoD test and evaluation infrastructures.”
The integration will focus on maintaining continuity, fostering collaboration, and maximizing the value for customers. Clients can expect an enhanced range of expertise, R&D services, and greater access to new and innovative testing services and sensing products, Ryan added.
“The combination of CUBRC and Ahmic Aerospace brings together two industry leaders known for our commitment to leading-edge technologies, excellence, quality, and customer satisfaction,” said CUBRC CEO Tom McMahon. “We will leverage the domain and technical expertise of both CUBRC and Ahmic to drive innovation, advance the state of the art in hypersonic ground and flight testing, and create robust engineering solutions to address the evolving threats to our nation’s security.”
Ahmic’s operations and employees will remain in Dayton, at the heart of Ohio’s Aerospace Corridor, close to many key customers both CUBRC and Ahmic already serve.
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to present your expertise, this call for speakers for the 2024 Launch Dayton Startup Week is for you!
Startup Week is the Dayton region’s biggest gathering of entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Sept. 10-12, 2024, hundreds of bold makers, innovators, dreamers and doers will converge in downtown Dayton to learn, network, and engage with both peers and resource providers. The week-long schedule includes powerful talks, impactful hands-on workshops, and vibrant networking opportunities, all designed to help entrepreneurs move their businesses forward.
This year’s theme is “The Quest for Entrepreneurial Mastery.” We believe entrepreneurs are heroes, and there are certain things every hero needs along their journey, like maps, tools, and teammates. So we’re excited to launch this call for speakers. We want YOU to share the tangible tactics, strategies and lessons you’ve learned along your business journey — bonus points if you incorporate your favorite book/game/movie hero in the process!
Every attendee should walk away from the conference with at least one piece of new knowledge or expertise they can immediately apply in their own business.
Startup Week is FREE to all attendees. One reason that’s possible is because of the Launch Dayton community’s “Give First” value. At Startup Week, this value is embodied when speakers volunteer their time.
We’re seeking both folks who want to present individually and folks who want to speak on panels. We recommend to prepare about 30 minutes of content & leave 15-20 minutes for Q&A.
DEADLINE EXTENDED! Apply by June 1. Selected speakers will be notified & confirmed in June.
Want to share your story on stage? We don’t just want to hear why you started — we want to know what tangible strategies worked for you in your journey that you can now teach others. Maybe you’ve nailed how to effectively network. Maybe you have a fool-proof marketing or sales strategy. Or maybe it’s Maybelline — Tell us! We’re looking for hands-on workshops and tutorials to help entrepreneurs implement these solutions in their businesses.
Here are some how-to topics we know our community wants to hear:
Please have a headshot and speaker bio ready to include in your speaker application. Questions about whether you should apply? Reach out to us at [email protected]. We can’t wait to hear from you!
When Erin Parrott launched After5, she and her husband packed orders together in the basement.
Today, After5 is a full-blown women’s clothing boutique in downtown Dayton’s Fireblocks District, complete with marble floors and gorgeous chandeliers. And she and her husband, Ed, now work together on a new venture — The Reserve on Third, an elevated lounge just a few blocks down Third St. that opened in January.
“It was a process, and that’s why I always encourage people, don’t give up,” Erin said. “Because it can it can look bleak. But if you remain the forever optimist, and you put positivity in the forefront, just know that the road will pave itself. You just got to stay on it.”
For Erin, the road to entrepreneurship was a long time coming.
“I’ve always been very independent because of how I grew up,” she recalled. “My mother was a single mother. I just saw her get so much done alone. And she came from such a gentle, kind woman, my gammy.”
Her grandmother, Marlene, grew up poor in Tennessee. She became the first of her many siblings to graduate high school and go on to college. She met Erin’s grandfather at Ohio University, where they part of one of the first graduating Black classes. After college, she became the first Black speech pathologist in Dayton.
On her father’s side, Erin’s grandmother was an educator, and her grandfather was an engineer, “at a time when there weren’t a lot of Black men in engineering,” Erin said, recalling the thick island accent he brought with him from growing up in Saint Thomas.
“I think because I come from families that kind of have made a choice to do the difficult thing, and made a choice to go the difficult route, and made a choice to not give up, that it’s almost instilled in me,” she said.”I’ve also had a sense of independence and a bit of a hustle mentality.”
Check out Erin’s full story in the latest episode in our I Am an Entrepreneur series.
A team seeking to tackle the complexities of scheduling for sand volleyball leagues stole the show Sunday at the final pitch competition for the 2024 LaunchHack Startup Weekend!
The 54-hour event starts Friday nights when participants pitch ideas, vote on their favorites and form teams. Saturday and Sunday, teams work on market research, customer validation, business models and presentations. Then Sunday afternoon, they pitch their concepts for new startup companies.
Sand volleyball organizers currently spend upwards of 400 hours a year scheduling leagues. The process is complicated because there are womens, mens, and co-ed leagues, which all require different net heights. There are also different team sizes — doubles, quads, and the traditional 6 v 6. Often, individual players join multiple teams, so organizers are tasked with ensuring those teams schedules don’t overlap.
Waldo Rabie, Bulent Tastan, Paul Schmidt and Glen Fisher teamed up Friday night. Their goal: to develop a scheduling algorithm that handle handle sand leagues’ specific complexities.
“I love that this is happening here in Dayton. It’s such a great experience. A lot of people got so much value out of it and learned a lot,” Waldo shared. “Even though I’ve been through the ringer a few times, Startup Weekend really cements and drives home a lot of these core principles that are essential to founding a good startup.”
Key to the Startup Weekend journey is that teams actually get out and talk with potential customers. In that process, the “Sporty” team connected with league organizers across the region who are interested in testing the team’s app if they move forward with the project.
Team Conscious Consumer won second place — team members Vinny Martin and Corey Tanis pitched a browser plugin that would help consumers check if the companies they’re shopping with align with their personal values.
Team Spine Clamp won third place. Angela Wymer, Lirim Sopaj, Owen Myers, Wesley Giles, and Allen May want to develop a new device for spinal surgeries to clamp spinal discs rather than drilling into bone.
Other pitches included customized trail mix for high-intensity athletes, a meal prep service, and an app to connect networking event attendees ahead of the event.
This eventful was possible thanks to generous support from our sponsors. Thank you Mile Two, Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Ohio, Tenet 3, The EC, University of Dayton, & The Hub! & thank you to Pedal Wagon Dayton, Green Light Improv and iHeart Radio for your in-kind support!
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