For Saidah Farrell, owner of Marshmallow of the Month Club, growing her company that creates subscription boxes of artisan marshmallows, freshly baked graham crackers and chef-inspired sipping cocoas, meant the ability to expand her operations and hire employees.

“For four years, I’d been doing every marshmallow, every graham cracker all by myself,” Farrell recalled. “So last year was all about education – learning how to grow my business.”

She started the first iteration of the Marshmallow of the Month Club back in 2013 and in the years since, learned a lot from trial and error, one-off trainings and her peers. This time though, she needed something different.

“I’m not interested in a cookie-cutter course. I didn’t want to just watch a video; I really wanted a personalized, hands-on experience.”

After attending a JumpStart pitch competition and connecting with a mentor, Farrell applied for and was accepted into the Small Business Impact Program last summer. Farrell says that’s where she found what she was looking for: a customized approach.

“Whether we were working on value proposition or financial planning, we weren’t using a template,” she explains. “It was your value proposition; the class was looking at your finances.”

For the 12-week accelerator, alongside seven other like-minded entrepreneurs, Farrell sharpened her business skills through hands-on education. Every Impact Program ends with a pitch competition where participants present their businesses to a panel of judges. For Saidah’s graduating class, their finale event was co-hosted by the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium.

“Just being at the Browns’ stadium felt really special,” Farrell says of her experience. That sentiment was ultimately the goal of the organizations’ collaboration: to create elevated events that would inspire local entrepreneurs to take their businesses to new heights.

Farrell Shines at the Small Business Showcase

At the pitch competition, Farrell and her classmates put what they learned to the test and took to the stage for the chance to take home up to $10,000 in grant capital.

“After we finished our presentations, there was an intermission and people were coming up to me saying, ‘you’ve got this, you’ve got this.’”

The judges agreed and Farrell was announced as the grand prize winner. Not only did she walk away from the Impact Program with a newfound knowledge of practical business strategies, industry-specific mentoring and $10K, but the limelight also led to a critical connection: the Cleveland Browns later reached out to purchase holiday gifts from the Marshmallow of the Month Club for their corporate partners.

Farrell says she used the prize money to hire seasonal staff and move production from her house to a commercial kitchen, where she was able to prepare and package 210 gift boxes for the Browns, her largest order to date.

To pull off the special requests and personalized touches for the Browns, Farrell tapped into the entrepreneurial network, reconnecting with artists and suppliers across the city.

“It was cool to be able to source all the different pieces and parts from other local businesses and coordinate a super customized box that was really well-made,” Farrell says.

Inside each tailor-made box, the team requested that Farrell enclose an insert that they were printing and would be sending over.

“I thought it was going to be a Christmas card,” she says. “And when I finally received them, it was a very humbling moment because the insert was actually about me – with my picture, introducing my company to all of the executives that they were sending the boxes to.”

JumpStart provides startups and small businesses with the capital, services and connections they need to grow. It is the combination of these resources that allows entrepreneurs like Farrell to gain traction and take their businesses to new heights.

The post Entrepreneur Spotlight: Saidah Farrell, Marshmallow of the Month Club appeared first on JumpStart Inc..

On Wednesday, September 9, Cleveland Small Business Impact Program participant Mondie Gonzales delivered the winning pitch for her business, Escape In 60, during the program’s culminating entrepreneur showcase—taking home the top prize of $10,000.

Escape In 60 is a traditional escape room and teambuilding venue, offering thrill-seekers five fully immersive escape room experiences as well as unique, customizable events. Mondie and her co-founder plan to use the $10,000 award to continue to grow the teambuilding side of their business and possibly hire a new manager for their downtown Cleveland location.

After the competition, we had a chance to catch up with Mondie to learn about her Impact Program experience and how the intensive 12-week program helped her look at the business in a whole new way.

The post [Video] Mondie Gonzales Of Escape In 60 Wins $10,000 Grand Prize At Our Summer 2021 Cleveland Small Business Impact Program Showcase appeared first on JumpStart Inc..

JumpStart’s Focus Fund recently led Inphlu’s $500K funding round, along with participation from angel investors.

Inphlu is a Dayton-based social media management platform that helps marketers automate content creation and posting as well as view real-time analytics.

The company was founded by Josh Reid, who ran his own digital marketing agency and knew there was a gap in the market his solution could fill.

We sat down with Josh to talk about his new AI-driven content curation and social marketing platform. Learn more about how the Inphlu team will use their investment and what the future holds for this exciting new startup.

Watch the video above to meet Josh and learn more about Inphlu.

The post [VIDEO] Portfolio Company Spotlight: Inphlu appeared first on JumpStart Inc..

On Wednesday, September 9, the 12th cohort of the Cleveland Small Business Impact Program participated in a virtual version of their culminating showcase event.

This event was an online demo-day-style competition where program participants used their new knowledge and skills to present their pitch to a panel of judges for a chance to take home up to $10,000 to grow their business.

In the end, Mondie Gonzales of Escape in 60 was awarded the top prize of $10,000. All other participants received $2,500 in funding.

Watch the full video of the showcase above or skip ahead to 2:05:50 for the winner’s announcement.

The post [VIDEO] Cleveland Small Business Impact Program Summer 2021 Entrepreneur Showcase appeared first on JumpStart Inc..

We caught up with Shantae to learn more about her and her business as she readies to present in the culminating showcase of our summer 2021 Small Business Impact Program cohort.

What motivated you to apply for the Impact Program?

I knew we needed help in the areas that the Impact program was offering.

What is something that the Impact Program taught you about your business or entrepreneurship in general?

I learned that we are not the only ones that need help.  I also learned that with systems and routines, things will start to smooth out.

What is something that you learned during your time in the Impact Program that made a difference in your business right away?

Learning to develop a financial report is something that I was able to implement right away. I also learned how to understand my target customer.

How was it working with other local business owners in your cohort?

I really enjoyed interacting and learning from other businesses. We were able to share what we were doing. Sometimes it can seem like being a business owner is lonely. But, in fact, there are others out there willing to help and share their knowledge.

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

I would tell aspiring entrepreneurs to do as much research as possible for their industry. I would tell them to get involved in local programs such as the one’s JumpStart offers. I would also encourage them to give back to the city as much as possible.

The post 5 Questions With Shantae Lipscomb of Roll On In appeared first on JumpStart Inc..

We caught up with owner Stacey Ferguson to learn more about her and her business as she readies to present in the culminating showcase of our summer 2021 Small Business Impact Program cohort.

How did you get your idea or concept for your business?

I had already been customizing things, sewing and crocheting, but not to this level. When the pandemic hit, I began making masks which turned out to be a game-changer for me.  Stores began to close and the demand for custom items began to rise. With holidays, graduations and birthdays, the demand increased.

What motivated you to apply for the Impact Program?

I had a couple of friends who were graduates of the Impact Program who thought I could benefit from the training and encouraged me to apply.

What were your goals or something that you were hoping to learn?

To get a better handle on my finances.  I can talk about my business all day, but knowing where my  money was going and how to project it was a different thing.

What was your favorite or most enjoyable part of your time in the program?

My advisors.  They have pushed me and made me think bigger and I appreciate that.

Where do you see your business 5 years from now? 10 Years from Now?

Five years from now, I hope to open a training facility for individuals with special needs. Ten years from now, we hope to have opened a second location with a warehouse for production.

The post 5 Questions With Stacey Ferguson of Lookfabulous LLC appeared first on JumpStart Inc..

We caught up with founder Tina Haldiman to learn more about her and her business as she readies to present in the culminating showcase of our summer 2021 Small Business Impact Program cohort.

How did you get your idea or concept for your business?

I learned glassblowing at a west-side studio. They taught me the hands-on technique that is rare in our field. With the little bit of business knowledge I had, I realized I could do better and be my own boss. My partner adds a unique niche with blacksmithing classes. Our Glassblowing and Blacksmithing Combo Class is one-of-a-kind in our local and border state areas.

What motivated you to apply for the Impact Program?

I have gotten my business off of the ground and survived the first 5 years with very little help. I knew in order to take it further, I needed more education in the business end of things. Now that the Impact Program has ended, I realize I needed it more than I had thought! I am excited to continue taking advantage of the other programs offered at JumpStart.

What is something that the Impact Program taught you about your business or entrepreneurship in general?

I learned from my advisors that I should be thinking bigger! I was content in my little space and sure that we could grow here. After doing my projections, I know we could do so much more if we had the space.

What was the most challenging concept that you learned?

I still am in awe of Phelan‘s Spreadsheet Magic! I liked math in school but this is not just numbers and I have appreciated all of the help to figure it out.

Where do you see your business 5 years from now? 10 years from now?

Five years from now, we will be in a large space. We will be a venue for events and will have multiple art mediums represented. We will have a full gallery with local art. We will also have at least six full-time employees and a few part-time employees.

Ten years from now, we will be running smoothly with others doing the day-to-day shop upkeep. My partner and I can focus on teaching and being the face of our business at off-site events.

The post 5 Questions with Tina Haldiman of Larchmere Fire Works appeared first on JumpStart Inc..

We caught up with owner Allison Craig to learn more about her and her business as she readies to present in the culminating showcase of our summer 2021 Small Business Impact Program cohort.

How did you get your idea or concept for your business?

The idea or concept for the business was a family decision.  My husband, oldest son and I originally started a home-based business called Craig’s Divine Desserts.  When the opportunity presented itself, because of encouragement from some of his family members who were already in the restaurant business, we decided to open a storefront under a new name.

What is something that you learned during your time in the Impact Program that made a difference in your business right away?

Learning about and reviewing finances with Phelan, made a difference in my business right away.

What was your favorite or most enjoyable part of your time in the program?

My favorite part of the program was being in a small group. It has been great for everyone to have a chance to participate and ask questions.  In addition, the fact that the classes are all virtual is a definite plus.

Where do you see your business 5 years from now? 10 years from now?

In 5 years, we expect the Sweet Fix will have added a bakery truck to use for events all over the city of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.  We will also open another location, which will create job growth.

In 10 years, we see Sweet Fix having a warehouse to employ team members in the distribution process. Many of our items will be featured in stores and restaurants all over the country.

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

I would tell an aspiring entrepreneur to never give up on your dream.  Network, network, network and take advantage of any educational opportunities that come your way.  I think it is important to have faith. Faith in God, faith in yourself and faith in your immediate team.

The post 5 Questions With Allison Craig Of The Sweet Fix Bakery appeared first on JumpStart Inc..

This 12-week business accelerator program is designed to help individuals overcome the obstacles of entrepreneurship through hands-on advising and industry-specific mentoring. Over the course of the program, these entrepreneurs worked together alongside JumpStart’s Impact Program team to tackle key business issues, with significant emphasis on financial projections and capital pitches.

The program culminates in a demo day-style competition on September 8, 2021, where program participants pitch their business to a panel of judges. The grand prize pitch will take home $10,000, and each of the other participants will receive $2,500 to help them grow their businesses.

The Sweet Fix Bakery
Allison Craig
Located in the Cleveland Heights neighborhood, The Sweet Fix Bakery offers its customers a variety of delicious desserts and sweet treats through their retail, wholesale and catering services.

Roll On In 
Shantae Lipscomb
Shante’s Roll On In franchise offers its customers unique sushi and burrito creations made with fresh, multi-cultural ingredients that bring their food flavors to new levels. Lipscomb’s fast-casual restaurant serves a variety of sushi-inspired dishes such as sushi tacos and donuts.

LookFabulous LLC
Stacey Ferguson
Inspired by Stacey’s love of crochet, the Lookfabulous online shop was created to provide customized apparel and specialized gifts to customers who want to look and live “outside of the box”.

Memento Memorials
Chris Harvan
Artists Chris and Shelley Harvan created Memento Memorials to provide handmade, heartfelt cremation urns for those looking for modern and personalized memorialization keepsakes.

Larchmere Fire Works
Tina Haldiman
Dedicated to the thriving art district in Cleveland, Larchmere Fire Works provides one-of-a-kind blacksmithing and glassblowing combo classes as part of a distinctly unique art experience.  

JDL Treat and Flower Shoppe
Dyanne Singleton
JDL Treat and Flower Shoppe is a full-service florist serving the Cleveland community. Family-owned and operated, JDL Treat and Flower Shoppe offers custom bouquet designs and floral arrangements for any special occasion.

Escape in 60 Cleveland
Mondie Gonzales
Created from Mondie and her friend’s love of escape rooms, Escape in 60 Cleveland offers thrill-seekers five fully immersive and unique escape room experiences along with event planning services and customizable events.

The post Meet Cohort Twelve Of The Cleveland Small Business Impact Program appeared first on JumpStart Inc..

How did you get the idea for your business?

My uncle needed some security cameras installed at his residence. His friend offered to pay me to install his system as well. I figured, why not start a business out of this.

What were your goals coming into the impact Program?

My goal was to meet people who were once where I was in my business so I could acquire some knowledge on the steps it takes to scale my business.

What was The most enjoyable part of your time in the program?

The most enjoyable part of the program to me was the 5-minute pitch. It was fun creating it and also sharing it amongst the other participants.  

How was it working with other local business owners in your cohort?

It was enjoyable to experience other people that had strong entrepreneurial spirits like myself. Learning about their businesses and how they grew was something terrific to experience.

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Be completely confident about what your business has to offer the world. 

Want to take your business to the next level? Join the dozens of successful business owners like Leatron who have benefited from the Small Business Impact Program. Click here to find out more.

Learn more about My Smart Home Ohio at mysmarthomeohio.com.

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