JumpStart Inc.

Meet the Startups of the Fourth Cohort of JumpStart’s Trailblazer HealthTech Accelerator

Laura Beans Sika — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 19:28:41 +0000

JumpStart’s Trailblazer HealthTech Accelerator supports pre-seed and seed-stage startups that are solving real-world problems in the health care industry with their innovative technologies. The 3-month program offers participants the opportunity to work closely with dedicated entrepreneurs-in-residence and subject matter experts while learning best practices around quantifying clinical and economic potential, and navigating regulatory pathways.

After completing the program, the startups receive access to up to $275K in business and product development services through JumpStart’s Preferred Partner Program.

Following an in-depth screening and review process, the following 10 Ohio-based startups were chosen for the Trailblazer HealthTech Accelerator’s fourth cohort. From blood pressure monitoring to post-knee surgery physical therapy, to diabetic ulcers, these founders are revolutionizing healthcare.

CygnusMed, Inc. | Firas Al-Ali, Founder & CEO

The only medical device that allows continuous arterial blood pressure measurement while eliminating blood loss in all endovascular procedures. The Cygnus device is the first ever endovascular access system with continuous sealing to enable ongoing blood pressure monitoring while preventing clotting inside the guiding catheter.

cygnusmedinc.com

corVita | Angie Buckalew, Founder & CEO

During an emergency, every second matters. Inconsistency in AED pad connectors across different AED brands complicate the rescue process, leading to delays in life-saving treatment. CorVita is a medtech startup developing corConnect, the universal AED pad adapter that solves interoperability issues across the seven major AED manufacturers.

corvitaaed.com

Thera Logics | Dan Stein, CEO

From recovering athletes to older adults that have knee surgery, too many patients fall short of rehab goals. Thera Logics delivers smart, clinic-grade strengthening at home to improve recovery, reduce re-injury, and track progress. Thera Logics is dedicated to turning research into real-world applications by making high-quality rehabilitation techniques more accessible and removing obstacles.

theralogics.health

OneVue | Ibrahim Seven, Co-Founder & CEO

While advanced eye care technology exists today, geographic and economic barriers create a world where your location determines your access to sight-saving care. OneVue makes protecting sight as simple as wearing a device—redefining eye care with breakthrough wearable eye exam technology and telemedicine for anyone, anywhere.

onevue.io

Thermology Health | Yuval Yashiv, CEO

Diabetic foot ulcers are one of the biggest complications of diabetes affecting over 20% of all diabetics worldwide. Thermology Health uses high accuracy thermal imaging to create medically accurate temperature data, backed by published clinical studies to develop efficient solutions for early detection and prevention of diabetic foot ulcers.

thermologyhealth.com

Lighthanded Enterprises Inc. | Steven Burns, CEO

Enabling screening for the most common cause of early childhood hearing loss by laser otoscope gives pediatricians more insight by giving them an additional illumination source. This revolutionary technology can enable doctors to have more confidence in their care and referrals for treatment.

light-handed.com

U: The Mind Company | Mohammed Abouelsoud, Founder & CEO

The Mind Company develops cutting-edge Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (TES) devices for a wide range of applications, from brain optimization in healthy individuals to the treatment of various neurological and psychiatric disorders including noninvasive brain stimulation treatment for Parkinson’s Disease.

uthemind.company

Visano Theranostics | Michael Haag, CEO

Visano Theranostics is transforming the landscape of medical imaging and therapy. The startup is developing next-generation nanobubble ultrasound contrast agents, including PSMA-targeted nanobubbles, to transform cancer diagnosis and therapy through safer, more precise, and affordable imaging solutions.

visanotheranostics.com

Pudl Health | Alicia Wagner, Founder & CEO

Pudl is rewriting the pediatric playbook using AI, precision testing, and parent support to flip ‘watch and wait’ into real time root cause answers for families. From free health forecasts for kids with ADHD, allergies, autism, PANS/PANDAS, or learning struggles to spot the patterns, to targeted labs to uncover the root causes, Pudl houses step-by-step care plans conveniently stored in one platform.

pudlhealth.com

Monarch Health Systems | Josh Hampl, Co-Founder & CEO

A startup born of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Monarch Health Systems is an enterprise quality and patient safety software focused on commercializing quality and patient safety software that helps hospitals identify and reduce preventable harm.

monarchsystems.us

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Fostering the Future of Entrepreneurship: JumpStart’s Summer Interns Share Their Experience

JumpStart Team — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 13:20:37 +0000

At JumpStart, we are committed to empowering entrepreneurs throughout our community – wherever they are on their journey. To continue to move our work forward, we keep proximate to the next generation of entrepreneurs and professionals through the Verizon Community Learning Centers, partnerships with universities and events at the MidTown Collaboration Center.

This summer, our Marketing and Communications team hosted two interns; Alijah Newton, a rising third-year student at University of Cincinnati with a double major in entrepreneurship and marketing; and Erin Thomas, a rising senior at The Ohio State University with a major in marketing and a minor in studio art.

Over the course of their internship, they were given direct exposure to our daily operations. Their work focused on content development, social media planning and production.

Their eagerness to engage with our mission, learn from the department’s team members, and be involved in various projects gave them a wide range of exposure over their time at JumpStart. They share their experiences in this blog.

Alijah Newton

As a double major in entrepreneurship and marketing, it’s rare to find an opportunity that bridges both industries so seamlessly. JumpStart is unique in this regard. The organization embodies an entrepreneurial spirit not only through its internal operations but also in its support of startups and small businesses. Simultaneously, I was exposed to the intricacies of event planning, strategic communication, and project management skills that are essential across industries.

An aspect of JumpStart that deeply resonated with me is its mission-driven approach. As a nonprofit, its primary goal is to serve the surrounding community. It was fulfilling to contribute to an organization that prioritizes support, collaboration, and the growth of Ohio’s startup ecosystem.

The Trailblazer Accelerator Program (TAP) Midpoint Event was the most valuable aspect of my internship experience. I had the privilege of observing ten practice pitches from innovative startups, each showcasing their entrepreneurial vision. As an aspiring business owner, witnessing their ideas come to life was incredibly inspiring. I was particularly impressed by their responsiveness to feedback and their ability to refine their pitches in real time. This adaptability resonated deeply with me and aligned perfectly as the overarching theme of my time at JumpStart.

The most challenging part of my internship was acclimating to JumpStart’s structure and initiatives. Given the short timeframe and the fact that we joined mid-cycle, understanding the full scope of the organization’s work was initially overwhelming. However, the team’s willingness to support me made all the difference. I was welcomed into various meetings, and different departments took the time to explain their roles and responsibilities. I especially appreciated the one-on-one time with each member of the MarComm team, which gave me a comprehensive view of JumpStart’s operations and helped me envision potential career paths.

Much of what I learned during my internship came from observing those around me. The company underwent several organizational changes, and many of us were experiencing our “firsts” at JumpStart. Watching everyone quickly navigate these transitions taught me to embrace change and prioritize continuous professional development. I also gained a deeper appreciation for building transferable skills, recognizing the importance of versatility in both hard and soft skill sets.

Overall, my internship at JumpStart has been a wonderful experience, both professionally and personally. From witnessing the entrepreneurial spirit at the TAP Midpoint Event to navigating organizational changes alongside a great team, I’ve gained invaluable insights into adaptability, collaboration, and the power of community-driven work. The exposure to diverse areas of marketing and communication has broadened my understanding of potential career opportunities I can take in the future.

Erin Thomas

As a native Clevelander, I was originally drawn to JumpStart because of its strong local presence. I appreciate the organization’s commitment to giving back to the community by offering education, resources, and support for entrepreneurs, as well as working with and funding innovative startups.

I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. As a kid, I started small businesses of my own, which led to my more recent watercolor painting business. In high school and college, I participated in pitch competitions and case competitions that further developed my interest in entrepreneurship and problem solving. That experience made me especially interested in contributing to the marketing and planning for JumpStart’s Ohio VC Fest. Seeing the event production and promotion from the inside offered me a new and exciting perspective.

From day one, I was welcomed by JumpStart’s kind, collaborative, and energetic Marketing and Communications team. They foster an environment that balances structure with creativity. The office’s fast pace took some adjustment, but learning about JumpStart and its ongoing projects helped me quickly get up to speed so I could meaningfully contribute.

Over the course of my internship, I worked on a variety of projects that gave me hands-on experience with different aspects of marketing and communications. I drafted copy for Small Business Big Conversations social media posts and prepared the MarCom studio for podcast filming. I also helped set up for meetings and presentations, created social media plans for the Midtown Collaboration Center speaker series, Ohio VC Fest general admission, and supported other Ohio VC Fest-related tasks as needed.

All of this took place during a period of organization restructuring, which gave me insight into how teams adapt to change while keeping projects moving forward. Along the way, I strengthened my communication skills, learned more about Microsoft platforms, SharePoint, and Motion, and developed other transferable skills I will carry into future roles.

This internship helped me grow both professionally and personally. I discovered that I am especially drawn to project management and event planning, particularly large-scale events like Ohio VC Fest. I was able to work on projects that, while small in scope, will have a real impact on the event’s success.

Another valuable part of my experience was simply being in an office setting. Observing how professionals collaborate, communicate, and problem-solve in real time has given me a clearer understanding of workplace dynamics.

My time at JumpStart has been a meaningful step in my career journey. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and explore new areas of interest.

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Small Business, Big Conversations: Tiwanna Scott-Williams of Pearl’s Kitchen and Pearlflower Catering

Freddie Coffey — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 18:38:39 +0000

On this episode of Small Business, Big Conversations, I had the honor of sitting down with Chef Tiwanna Scott-Williams—an entrepreneur, chef, and community-builder whose journey from the ICU to the kitchen is as inspiring as it is delicious.

Rooted in Family Legacy

Tiwanna’s story begins in Cleveland, where the influence of her grandmothers, Pearline and Delores, shaped not only her love of food but her outlook on life. Their spirit of resilience and care became the foundation of everything she would later build. Even while working as a Registered Nurse in the ICU, Tiwanna found herself drawn to cooking, channeling her passion into catering on the side.

From Side Hustle to Signature Brand

What started as a small catering hustle quickly transformed into a thriving business. PearlFlower Catering became known for soulful, heartfelt food that brought people together. The demand and recognition inspired Tiwanna to take her vision further, expanding into Pearl’s Kitchen, a restaurant brand built on love, community, and grit.

Her food and leadership didn’t go unnoticed. Tiwanna soon became a featured chef at Rocket Arena and has now opened multiple Pearl’s Kitchen locations. Most recently, she launched her flagship restaurant inside Cleveland’s MidTown Collaboration Center, a milestone that marks not just growth, but permanence and legacy.

More Than Just Food

For Tiwanna, food is about more than filling plates. It’s about honoring family, serving community, and creating opportunities. Every dish carries her story, her values, and her mission to build something lasting. She’s not just feeding people, she’s feeding a movement rooted in culture and connection.

Hear Her Story

Chef Tiwanna’s journey is one of reinvention, resilience, and heart. She’s living proof that entrepreneurship isn’t always about leaving something behind… it can also be about carrying something forward, honoring the past while shaping the future.

I hope you find her story as inspiring as I did. Watch this episode of Small Business, Big Conversations below to hear Chef Tiwanna share her journey in her own words.

This season of Small Business, Big Conversations is brought to you in partnership with Erie Bank and Impressia Bank, both dedicated to helping small business owners access the capital and resources they need to grow their ventures.

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JumpStart Welcomes Joseph Rich to Board of Directors

JumpStart Team — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 13:00:24 +0000

JumpStart Inc. is pleased to announce that Joseph (Joe) Rich, JD, MBA, Managing Partner, at Cleveland Clinic Innovations, has joined its Board of Directors.

Joe is a distinguished leader in innovation strategy, venture development, and technology commercialization. With nearly two decades of experience driving enterprise-wide innovation programs, managing venture portfolios, and advancing regional economic development initiatives, he brings invaluable expertise to JumpStart’s mission.

In his role at Cleveland Clinic, Joe focuses on the strategic growth of enterprise-wide innovation programs, including investing in and exiting startup portfolio companies based on Cleveland Clinic intellectual property, administering state and federally funded programs, and leading efforts tied to the Cleveland Innovation District. He also leads Cleveland Clinic’s Ohio BioValidation Fund, which focuses on early-stage healthcare technology investments.

Joe has served as a board member and corporate officer for numerous Cleveland Clinic portfolio companies, including Centerline Biomedical, Cleveland Diagnostics, Enspire DBS, NeuroTherpia, Zehna Therapeutics, Abcon Therapeutics, and Method AI. He also chairs the Innovations Corporate Compliance Committee and is a voting member of Cleveland Clinic’s Enterprise Conflict of Interest Committee.

“Joe has a unique combination of deep industry knowledge, venture investment experience, and a passion for innovation that strengthens our work with entrepreneurs. His insight into both healthcare and technology commercialization will be an incredible asset as we continue to drive economic impact across the region.” – Lorne Novick, JumpStart Interim CEO

JumpStart Board Chair, Cindy Torres Essell added: “We are thrilled to welcome Joe Rich to our Board of Directors. His leadership in innovation and proven track record of building partnerships align perfectly with JumpStart’s mission. Joe’s appointment enhances our ability to accelerate entrepreneurship, attract investment, and strengthen Northeast Ohio’s role as a hub for innovation.”

Joe’s prior experience includes roles with the University of Akron Research Foundation, NASA Glenn Research Center, the Cleveland Clinic Research, Cleveland Clinic’s Law Department, and The University of Akron.

Joe holds a BS in Biology and a second major in Philosophy from John Carroll University, an MBA in Finance from The University of Akron, and a JD from The University of Akron School of Law.

Joe joins a distinguished group of JumpStart board members whose leadership and expertise play a vital role in advancing the organization’s mission. Together, the Board of Directors serves as a body of advisors and ambassadors, helping to shape strategy, strengthen partnerships, and champion JumpStart’s impact on economic and community development across the region.

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Ohio VC Fest 2025 Roars Back to Cleveland with $1M Investment Prize Opportunity, Star Speakers & Next-Gen Tech Showcase

JumpStart Team — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 21:06:42 +0000

Ohio VC Fest ‘25, hosted by JumpStart Inc., returns to the Huntington Convention Center in Downtown Cleveland on September 16-17. Once again, the conference will convene top-tier venture capitalists, angel investors, visionary founders and tech innovators for two days of high-impact programming, curated networking, and deal-making.

Now in its third year, Ohio VC Fest ’25 is doubling down on its mission to accelerate Ohio’s tech ecosystem and surging innovation economy with a special focus on AI and other emerging trends shaping the future of venture capital and entrepreneurship. Programming includes founder showcases, investor panels, curated 1:1 meetings and expert-led sessions about how technology, capital, and real-world impact converge.

“We’re creating a platform that brings capital and innovation together in a way that reflects Ohio’s growing role in the national tech economy,” said JumpStart Inc. Interim CEO, Lorne Novick. “This year’s agenda and speaker lineup is our most ambitious yet and we’re really excited to lead these disruptive conversations.”

This year’s highlights include:

Elite networking with curated 1:1 meetings
Exclusive deal-making opportunities with Ohio’s most promising startups
World-class thought leadership from experts shaping the innovation economy
Demo Zone showcases of tomorrow’s breakthrough companies
Two high-stakes pitch competitions featuring top startups

New in 2025:

Ohio VC Fest will serve as a regional host for the Startup World Cup, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious competitions. Ten top startups will compete live on stage on September 17 for a chance to advance to the global finals in San Francisco and the shot at a $1 million investment prize.

Expert Speakers, Keynotes & Panel Discussions

Ohio VC Fest will feature a roster of engaging panelists from diverse industries, ready to share their expertise, ideas, and innovative solutions, from healthcare and fintech to software and beyond.

This year’s Day 1 Keynote speaker is New York Times best-selling author, Amy Jo Martin. Amy Jo founded one of the first digital agencies, pioneered modern personal branding on social media and has worked with some of the biggest brands on the planet. Amy Jo is also the founder and CEO of human transformation company, Renegade Global. Their funding arm, Renegade Global Ventures, is focused on democratizing access to deal flow and the flow of capital by getting more women to the table.

Following Amy Jo’s inspiring talk, she’ll host a fireside chat and live recording of her hit podcast “Why Not Now?” featuring serial entrepreneur and investor, Michael Loeb.

Day 2 Keynote of Ohio VC Fest ‘25 is entrepreneur and investor Vivek Ramaswamy. Known for his bold ideas and leadership in technology, business and policy, Vivek will deliver the keynote address on why Ohio is at the epicenter for the future of innovation.

His talk will explore the unique opportunity Ohio presents to build and scale technologies in the Midwest that solve real-world challenges thanks to its legacy industries, skilled workforce, university-driven research, and public-private collaborations that provide the infrastructure needed to turn visionary ideas into scalable solutions.

One on One Meetups to Spark Partnerships

At Ohio VC Fest ’25, attendees can engage in exclusive one-on-one meetings curated based on industry focus, capital needs, and other criteria. Organizers will use propriety software to curate one-on-one meetings meant to cultivate new relationships and structured opportunities to explore potential partnerships and investments.

Startup founders will deliver succinct elevator pitches to potential investment partners. Participants can learn from and connect with strategic partners to foster VC deal flow and efficiently grow their networks.

Investors will be matched with pre-screened, capital-seeking entrepreneurs based on their stage, industry, and other key criteria. By providing Ohio-based founders access to capital and client connections, we can facilitate deal flow for institutional and corporate investors.

Sponsorship opportunities are now available, offering premium branding, exclusive access to investment-ready startups, and private networking with over 500 founders and investors.

This event is possible thanks to sponsors, including Cyrannus, Thompson Hine, JobsOhio, Key Bank, Rev1 Ventures, Taft, Cleveland Clinic Innovations, University Hospital Ventures, and many others. Registration is now open. To purchase tickets and learn more, visit OhioVCFest.com.

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From Impact to ScaleReady: JumpStart’s Next Chapter for Small Business Services

Patty Ajdukiewicz — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 13:00:49 +0000

For nearly a decade, JumpStart’s Small Business Impact Program has been a cornerstone of our support services for entrepreneurs in Cleveland. Across almost 10 years and 24 cohorts, this intensive 12-week experience has helped nearly 150 business owners lay strong foundations for growth – building financial fluency, refining their business models, and pitching their visions with confidence.

It’s been an incredible journey. We’ve celebrated big wins, learned countless lessons and watched bold ideas grow into thriving businesses. Thanks to the generous support of KeyBank, the Cleveland Browns, the City of Cleveland and so many others, we’ve been able to make the most of this program – and the investment has produced tangible results:

$600,000 in direct grants to Impact Program participants
$1.4 million in loans deployed to Impact Program alumni
$700,000 in follow-on grants awarded post-program

The Cleveland Small Business Impact Program was transformational, not just for the entrepreneurs who participated, but for JumpStart as an organization and perhaps even our entrepreneurial ecosystem as a whole. For JumpStart, it expanded our mission, moving us from a tech-focused investment entity to a broader economic development driver, committed to empowering startup founders and small business owners in the region.

Members of the Summer 2016 Core City Cleveland Impact Program Cohort React to Pitches

Speaking with Small Business Owners at an Impact Program Alumni Mixer

The Historic 20th Cohort of the Small Business Impact Program on Stage at the House of Blues

But as the needs of small business owners continue to evolve, so must we.

We are officially sunsetting the Cleveland Small Business Impact Program and launching something new, built directly from everything we’ve learned.

ScaleReady is a tactical, tool-forward education series designed for established small businesses that are ready to scale with intention — not just grow in size, but grow sustainably, profitably, and with the right people at the center.

This is not just a rebrand, it’s a reimagining. ScaleReady is about shifting the entrepreneurial mindset from working in the business to working on it, and equipping small business owners with the systems, metrics, leadership tools and capital strategies to support that evolution.

ScaleReady is just one of many resources available to small business owners through JumpStart. We’re committed to meeting entrepreneurs where ever they are – whether that’s refining financial strategy, planning a next hire or mapping out a growth trajectory. Within this reconfiguration, we’re expanding the continuum of education JumpStart offers entrepreneurs, identifying their specific needs and connecting them with the right programs and advisors to move forward.

As we turn this page, our hearts are full of gratitude. To every Cleveland Impact Program participant: thank you. You helped us build something meaningful.

Personally and professionally, I will never forget meeting each of you – often shy and unsure during those initial interviews only to watch you step into the spotlight, fully transformed, confidently pitching your businesses at the final showcase. From there, we’ve seen you grow even beyond the program, leveraging the ecosystem and resources available to you, and paying it forward in your communities. You will always have JumpStart in your corner, proudly cheering you on as your entrepreneurial journey continues to unfold.

Ready to Scale?

If you’re a small business owner who has moved beyond the startup stage and wants to grow with intention, ScaleReady is built for you. We’ll provide the frameworks, tools, and support. You bring the vision and the commitment to execute.

To apply click here. Let’s build what’s next, together.

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Small Business, Big Conversations: Chris Harris of Black Frog Brewery

Freddie Coffey — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 15:57:38 +0000

On this episode of Small Business, Big Conversations, I sat down with Chris Harris, the entrepreneur behind Black Frog Brewery and the man making history by opening Cleveland’s first Black-owned brewery.

From Garage Hobby to Thriving Taproom

Chris’s journey began in his garage in Holland, Ohio, where brewing beer started as nothing more than a hobby. That hobby quickly became a passion project, and before long, he was serving craft beer to an eager local community. With a name inspired by his hometown’s nickname, “Frog Town,” Chris embraced the moniker and proudly calls himself the Black Frog.

What started small has grown into a thriving taproom and a story of entrepreneurial determination.

Bringing Black Frog to Cleveland

Now, Chris is bringing his brewing expertise and community-first vision to Cleveland. Inside the MidTown Collaboration Center, Black Frog Brewery will not only pour beers brewed with heart (and his signature honey malt), but also create a welcoming space where everyone feels like family.

This expansion is more than business growth, it’s a milestone in representation, making history as the city’s first Black-owned brewery.

Collaboration and Community Impact

Chris isn’t doing it alone. He’s already planning collaborations with fellow MidTown neighbors like Chef Tiwanna Scott-Williams of Pearl’s Kitchen. Together, they’re turning the neighborhood into a destination where food, drink, culture, and community intersect.

For Chris, every pint served is about more than flavor. It’s about connection, inclusion, and creating a movement that leaves a lasting impact.

Hear His Story

Chris Harris’s journey is one of passion, pride, and purpose. From garage experiments to MidTown milestones, he’s proving that entrepreneurship can bring people together in powerful ways. I hope you find his story as inspiring as I did. Watch this episode of Small Business, Big Conversations below to hear Chris share his journey in his own words.

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JumpStart Inc. Announces Leadership Transition and Appointment of Interim CEO

JumpStart Team — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 14:55:05 +0000

JumpStart Inc. today announced that Julie Jacono has informed the Board of Directors of her decision to step down as Chief Executive Officer after accepting a new leadership opportunity aligned with her passion for advancing innovation in the healthcare sector.

Since assuming the CEO role in December 2023, Julie has led the organization through a period of strategic evolution and operational strengthening. Under her leadership, JumpStart finalized a new strategic roadmap, achieved a balanced budget, and developed a strong executive leadership team, laying a strong foundation for the organization’s long-term growth and sustainability.

Effective August 4, 2025, the Board has appointed Lorne Novick as Interim CEO. Lorne brings a deep knowledge of JumpStart’s mission, operations, and stakeholder network, and will provide steady leadership through this period of transition.

“Successful businesses drive prosperity for the owner and their community, and JumpStart truly leads in its capability and commitment to providing entrepreneurs with what they need to succeed. It has been an extraordinary privilege to lead JumpStart,” said Julie Jacono. “I’m deeply grateful to the Board, staff, founders, and partners who embraced our vision and helped strengthen the organization for the future. While it’s bittersweet to step away, I am confident that JumpStart is well positioned for continued growth. I now look forward to leading a startup, incubated through JumpStart, and seeing the world through the eyes of a founder.”

To ensure a seamless hand-off, Julie will remain engaged with the organization as a special consultant to the Interim CEO. In this role, she will support key initiatives and advise the executive leadership team while the Board undertakes a thoughtful and deliberate process to identify JumpStart’s next permanent CEO.

“We are deeply grateful to Julie for her vision, commitment, and the lasting impact she has made during her time with JumpStart,” said Cindy Torres Essell, Board Chair of JumpStart Inc. “She has strengthened the organization from the inside out, and we’re confident that under Lorne’s interim leadership, we will maintain our forward momentum while preparing for the next phase of leadership.”

JumpStart’s operations, programs, and investment activities remain strong and uninterrupted. The organization continues to advance its mission to drive economic vitality by connecting entrepreneurs to the opportunities and resources they need to succeed.

No further details are available at this time; additional information will be shared as the transition progresses.

About JumpStart Inc.
JumpStart Inc. is a nationally recognized entrepreneur support organization that equips Ohio’s tech startups and small businesses with the skills, services and support they need to grow and thrive. For more than 20 years, JumpStart has invested in innovation, bridged gaps in access and strengthened the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem to drive economic transformation and strengthen communities throughout Ohio and beyond.

Media Contact
Nicki Hubbard
Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
nicki.hubbard@jumpstartinc.org

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Meet the 10 Innovative Startups in Cohort 3 of JumpStart’s Trailblazer Software Accelerator

JumpStart Team — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 14:48:44 +0000

The third cohort of the Trailblazer Software Accelerator, one of Ohio’s leading technology incubator programs, has begun. The 10 up-and-coming software startups have embarked on a three-month program led by JumpStart’s services team and entrepreneurs-in-residence (EIRs). Participants will receive hands-on support as they navigate the key areas of business needed to scale their companies.

JumpStart’s Trailblazer Software Accelerator is a targeted program for pre-seed and seed-stage Ohio-based startups with innovative software technologies that solve real-world problems.

The Trailblazer Accelerator also provides two additional months of post-program support. Participants can access up to $275,000 in non-dilutive, ad-hoc services in areas like legal, financial, marketing and more.

We’re excited to present the startups and founding teams that make up the third cohort of the Trailblazer Software Accelerator.

Blueprint Crusher

Blueprint Crusher is an AI assistant that automates and accelerates the bidding process in the construction industry. Their AI-powered platform translates complex construction files like blueprints, bills of materials, specifications, and more into structured, actionable insights. Estimators no longer need to spend days parsing PDFs or chasing down details. Instead, they get a clean, intuitive dashboard that helps them prioritize the right bids, reduce risk, and win more work.

blueprintcrusher.com | Jason Park, CEO

SellAnalytix, LLC

SellAnalytix automates accounting and financial analysis for eCommerce companies by allowing users to take control of their eCommerce accounting, inventory, profit analysis, and more. Users can connect directly to sales channels and view reconciled financial statements prepared by the SellAnalytix bookkeeping team.

sellanalytix.com | Ryan Hurley, Founder & CEO

WireBee, LLC

WireBee is the AI-powered communications platform for the logistics industry that empowers brokers to streamline operations, enhance security, and connect seamlessly with trusted carriers.

wirebee.com | Solomiya Tomkiv, COO / Andre Temnorod, CEO / Alex Boruz, CTO

Carbon Copy Assets

Carbon Copy Assets’ TapIn platform allows organizations to deliver unique engagement opportunities direct to customer mobile phones at events and venues.

carboncopyassets.io | Joel Edgerton, Co-Founder & CEO / Jordan Tate, Co-Founder / Michael Jones, Co-Founder

Envisify Global Intelligence

Envisify is an AI-enabled cultural and business intelligence platform and data-driven marketing solutions to help businesses identify new market opportunities, drive innovation and improve talent acquisition.

envisifygi.com | Natasha Pongonis, Co-Founder & CEO / Kyle Simpson, Co-Founder & CTO / Roland Medrano, Co-Founder & CIO

Little Tusk LLC

Today’s American youth are entering adulthood lacking the essential financial literacy skills to succeed in the modern world. Little Tusk is a gamified learning platform empowering kids to master real-world money skills through interactive play and engaging challenges.

littletusk.com | Lauran Woolley, CEO & Co-Founder / Jordan Woolley, CMO & Co-Founder

Moleculynx Inc

Moleculynx offers cloud-based software solutions for chemical inventory, lab management, and safety compliance.

Valentin Rodionov, Founder

Steadywell

Steadywell is a supportive care platform that empowers patients and providers, enhances quality of life, and improves outcomes. Steadywell is unlocking abundance in healthcare for patients with serious illness.

getsteadywell.com | Josh Kermisch, Founder & CEO

Tappi

Tappi equips independent musicians with NFC ‘Music Loyalty Cards,’ an immersive story-building CMS, and AI-powered marketing tools that turn casual listeners into lifelong superfans.

tappi.music | Matt Kovelan, Co-Founder / Mike Farona, Co-Founder

SupplyNow Inc

An optimized logistics network for commercial cold distribution and production companies, SupplyNow empowers restaurants with fast, affordable same-day delivery, driven by their trusted fleet operators.

supplynow.io | Aaron George, CEO

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Ohio’s Rise As A Business Powerhouse And Why It Matters For Entrepreneurs

JumpStart Team — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 17:21:08 +0000

Ohio has officially been deemed a top five state for business, according to CNBC’s 2025 Top States for Business rankings. This is the first time Ohio has made it into the top five and marks the state’s highest ranking since the index began in 2007. Previously positioned as #7 in 2024 and as #12 in 2023, this significant leap forward validates JumpStart’s core belief that Ohio is at the forefront of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic prosperity.

In addition to snagging spot #5, Ohio received the following additional achievements:

#1 for public/private infrastructure investment
#2 for cost of doing business
Top 3 for both economic development projects and megaproject investments
# 6 in technology and innovation
# 7 in both cost of living and access to capital

The Buckeye State’s low cost of living, collaborative business ecosystem, and noteworthy infrastructure work in tandem to provide up-and-coming ventures with the foundation needed to not only take form but also thrive.

For over 20 years, JumpStart has worked to ensure entrepreneurs have the tools they need to unlock their full potential and, in turn, transform their communities. From venture capital investments to hands-on business support, we’re proud to play a part in building a stronger, more competitive Ohio.

This nationally recognized achievement serves as a call to action, proving that when we invest in early-stage companies and remove barriers to success, we are helping to ensure the future of Ohio.

Rankings such as CNBC’s Top States for Business hold significance because they provide a data-backed signal that Ohio is primed for entrepreneurial success. For founders, a top five ranking means better access to capital, talent, infrastructure, and supportive policies—all of which are critical to creating and growing a business. High-ranking status also helps to attract investors, validate the strength of the business ecosystem, and help inform entrepreneurs on decisions about how and where to grow.

Whether you’re looking to speak with a business advisor or have questions about a JumpStart| program or service, we encourage you to reach out to us at jumpstartinc.org/contact.

And if you want to experience Ohio’s momentum firsthand, join us at Ohio VC Fest on September 16–17 in Cleveland. This premier event brings together founders, investors, and innovation leaders from across the Midwest and beyond to explore what’s next in venture capital, entrepreneurship, and the future of work.

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