We all start somewhere – maybe it’s a dream we had since childhood, or an idea that struck when we were in school, or even a side gig that turned into a full-time venture.

For Kanisha Harwell, owner of Balance Cheer and Gymnastics, her dream started early on. As a young, Black gymnast, Kanisha often felt uncomfortable and isolated in a sport whose practice spaces didn’t attract many girls that looked like her. Her experience fueled her dream of owning her own gym and creating a place where no child would feel alienated the way she once did.

Today, Kanisha is the proud owner of the only Black and female-owned gym in Ohio, creating a safe haven for young gymnasts.

Kanisha’s journey wasn’t easy. She started small, cautious not to stretch herself too thin while navigating the early stages of her business, but she had no idea how much the community needed what she was offering. Operating out of a 3,500 square foot facility, managing a growing waitlist and looking to expand her services, she needed help. As a small, minority-owned gymnastics center with a unique business model, she faced bigger hurdles than most.

Struggling to find mentorship and business advice from within the industry, Kanisha reached out to JumpStart. She applied and was accepted to JumpStart’s Small Business Impact Program, a 12-week accelerator that helps local entrepreneurs grow their businesses and plan for long-term success.

Through the Impact Program, Kanisha worked primarily with JumpStart team member Rayne Elder, who provided support and advice throughout the course. “Rayne went above and beyond,” Kanisha says. “She showed such immense concern for me and all her other clients. The level of support she provided was invaluable.”

Kanisha credits JumpStart’s Phelan Spence with her newfound understanding of financial projections. “It was overwhelming at first,” she explains. “But Phelan broke down the concept and applied it to my business model in a way that really helped me feel comfortable talking about it to anyone, and that was something I struggled with before.”

Kanisha is determined to build something long-term and hopes to pass her business down to her kids one day. The $10,000 she won is earmarked for new equipment that will help her provide competitive gymnastics classes and programs.

Cheer Balance and Gymnastics is more than just a business. For Kanisha, it is the legacy that she is building for her family. For the community, it is a welcoming space that helps young people recognize their self-worth and cultivate their inner and outer strength. Through gymnastics, she hopes to instill in them the belief that with hard work, they can achieve anything in life. Kanisha is not just building a business; she is transforming her community in meaningful ways.

Thanks to the resources and counsel provided by JumpStart, Balance Cheer and Gymnastics has become a pillar in the community, providing hope and opportunity for many young athletes.

Kanisha’s story is just one example of how our collective efforts can create lasting change. This is why we do the work that we do at JumpStart. Join us – make a tax-deductible donation now. Your donation will provide funding and free programming for the entrepreneurs that spark change in our communities. With your support, we can create a future of shared prosperity, where every community is a hub of opportunity.

This year at JumpStart Inc., we are marking a milestone: Our 20th anniversary. Since 2004, JumpStart has been empowering entrepreneurs by connecting them to opportunities that take their ideas from concept to creation, grow their businesses and secure necessary funding.

Accessing business opportunities can be difficult due to disparities in wealth accumulation. Entrepreneurs often struggle to obtain financing and support services they need to grow their businesses. Studies show that these entrepreneurs are more likely to face obstacles that limit their access to crucial resources.

According to a report from the U.S. Department of Commerce, minority-owned businesses are twice as likely to be denied loans compared to non-minority-owned firms. Furthermore, the study found that these entrepreneurs receive only a fraction of venture capital funding.

And with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that 18% of small businesses fail within their first year, and 50% after five years, support services and critical connections are essential for startup founders and small business owners. Business owners who have access to support and advising services feel less alone, more optimistic about their trajectory and more confident in their ability to navigate challenges.

Alongside our like-minded partners, we ensure every entrepreneur – regardless of their background – has the resources they need to succeed.

Startups and small businesses are the backbone of healthy economies and strong communities. Since 2010, the small businesses and tech startups we’ve supported have collectively generated more than $13.3B in economic impact. However, these figures represent more than just fiscal outcomes – they reflect the passion and determination of entrepreneurs finding solutions to real-world problems and revolutionizing industries in our region. Their successes create a ripple effect in our communities, leading to job creation, taxable income and purchasing power.

But the path to success isn’t easy. When entrepreneurs face challenges, your support enables our teams at JumpStart to step in and provide the services, connections, and access to capital needed to help them thrive.

As we light twenty celebratory candles and reflect on our legacy, we know the best is yet to come. We invite you to be a part of our next chapter.

All year long we’ll be commemorating our 20th Anniversary with special events, programs and opportunities. Join us as we celebrate the past two decades and Light the Candles, Raise the Match to ensure every entrepreneur, regardless of their background, has the resources they need to succeed.

Help us drive progress to a more sustainable future for our communities by becoming a JumpStart supporter. Click here to make your donation today.