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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2024: A Year of Change

Kimalon Dixon — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 00:05:36 +0000

As 2024 winds down, JumpStart is reflecting on a year of change. Not only did we celebrate 20 years of service and welcome a new CEO this year, but we are now on the eve of a big move to the newly constructed Midtown Collaboration Center (MCC) in the heart of the Midtown neighborhood.

JumpStart’s move to this vibrant hub will harness the power of place-based proximity where we will share space with innovation and research organizations, including Case Western Reserve University, the Cleveland Institute of Art and other prominent institutions.

Change is GROWTH

Although change isn’t one of JumpStart’s six core values, one could argue that JumpStart’s ability to embrace the partnership between change and risk has been the secret sauce to its longevity and success. The founders of JumpStart began with a vision to revolutionize the entrepreneurial ecosystem by riding the risk-driven waves of venture capital to spur its altruistic mission.

The formula sometimes yielded successful returns; sometimes, it didn’t. However, one thing that has remained constant is JumpStart’s commitment to empowering individuals with keys to unlock the power of entrepreneurship as a driver of change.

I’m talking about the kind of change that leads to transformation—the kind that creates generational wealth, lifts individuals and their families out of poverty to prosperity.

Change is BOLD

For JumpStart, this move represents more than just a change of address. It is a bold statement of a commitment to collaboration and innovation.

This time, change will come with a new office on the second floor of the MCC. JumpStart, one of the nine tenant partners that will occupy the building, is the anchor, charged with activating the first-floor Innovation Hall with community-focused programming and activities. We’re also leading efforts to ensure the space has a welcoming vibe that authentically brings people together to explore and discover the connections that support purpose, passion and progress. Isn’t that the true meaning of community building?

We will utilize our new suite to provide genuine and tangible support for client entrepreneurs, foster synergy with expected and unexpected partners, and advance economic development.

Change is ACTION

As the leaves begin to fall, our office is filled with excitement and chatter about our upcoming move to a new space. We adopted the old-school McFadden & Whitehead song “Ain’t No

Stopping Us Now” as our theme to keep us energized and motivated as we purge items that no longer serve us and pack up memories, expertise and achievement while leaving room for growth and evolution.

As you can imagine, orchestrating a move like this requires teamwork, cooperation, and clear communication. We assure you that our services and support for entrepreneurs will continue throughout this transition. Our last working day in our current office will be Friday, November 22nd.

Beginning November 25th, we will work remotely from our home offices, coworking spaces around the city and the Learning Centers (in the Clark-Fulton and Union-Miles neighborhoods). JumpStart will complete its move and begin operating in our new space by Christmas.

Although we’re on the move if you need to reach our team, email us at info@jumpstartinc.org or call our general office at 216.363.3400.

Address CHANGE!

Last but not least, our new address is 1974 E. 66th Street, Suite 200, Cleveland, OH 44103.