You're Invited!

Burton D. Morgan Foundation 

Fifth-Annual Startup Showcase

Presented by Akron Energy Systems and PNC Bank
Benefiting Bounce Innovation Hub

Join us for a celebration of our programs and companies at the 2023 Bounce Startup Showcase!

You’re invited to Bounce Innovation Hub’s biggest event of the year! We’re showcasing our outstanding companies and programs, while treating our guests to a night of food, music and networking. Connect with our companies, team and each other. Entrepreneurs can also look forward to connecting with potential mentors, customers and investors. This year, we’re also offering our annual VIP dinner, office hours and two entrepreneur-focused workshops. 

Keynote Speaker

Amy Mucha, owner and chief pop artist, Daisy Pops

Featured-Keynote-Amy-Mucha-owner-daisy-pops

Amy Mucha lives in Kent, OH with her husband Nate and her three kids Peter the mathlete, Charlie the clown and Daisy the company namesake. As a former high school math teacher turned professional pop artist, Amy still tries to use all of that educational and math knowledge to run Daisy Pops in the most efficient, fun and organized way. After five years of running the cake pop empire out of Amy’s home, Daisy Pops moved out this past April to the Pop Shop in downtown Kent where a dedicated team of 15 pop artists create these delightful and delicious treats.

Featured Companies

2023 Startup Showcase

TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES 

DenTemp, Jizal Seikali

LEAF, Evan Haug

LinkedXL, Billy Taylor

Notus Labs, Evan Davies

GROW COMPANIES

CDK’s Greener Flame Candles Co., Caliyah Hogan

Julia Belle’s Seasonings, Tanya Green

LaJAshley, Laura Manning

Aurea Puer Apparel, Justice Anderson

AGENDA

Free Coworking Day 
  • 8 a.m.-5 p.m. – Join us in our Generator space for a special Free Coworking Day 
Office Hours sponsored by Fifth Third Bank 
  • 1-5 p.m. – Office hours
    • Akron Urban League
    • Fifth Third Bank
    • HJK Digital (marketing)
    • Silverline Consulting (HR)
    • Leonard & Terzola Co. (legal)
    • University of Akron Research Foundation
2023 Startup Showcase 
  • 4:45-5:20 p.m. – Doors open for registration and networking. 
  • 5:30-6:15 p.m. – GROW (small business) and Tech workshops
    • GROW: Fireside Chat with Ecosystem Partners
    • Tech: Funded Founders Q&A
  • 5:30-6:30 – VIP dinner
  • 6:30-7:15 – Networking and Company Tabling 
  • 7:15-8:30 p.m. – Program begins  

    • Keynote speaker Amy Mucha, Daisy Pops 
    • Fireside chats with GROW and Tech programs 
    • Featured companies 
  • 8:30-9 p.m. – Networking and Company Tabling

TICKETING DETAILS

Showcase & Workshop – $15/person (to RSVP for a Workshop, select a free add-on during checkout) 

Showcase tickets are $15  and include admission to the Showcase, a complimentary, optional Workshop and one drink ticket. Workshop attendees will select an add-on during checkout based on the workshop they plan to attend (tech or small-business-focused workshop).  Please review the agenda for the timeline.  See below for descriptions of workshop topics.   

Showcase & VIP Dinner – $75/person

VIP Dinner Tickets are $75 and are limited. They include admission to the Showcase; an exclusive, sit-down dinner; two drink tickets to use throughout the night; and networking.  

All proceeds benefit programs and services at Bounce Innovation Hub.  

Please contact thegenerator@bouncehub.org with any questions.

Workshop Descriptions

GROW (Small Business) Workshop 

Fireside Chat with Ecosystem Partners:  Learn more about the resources for small businesses in our local community.

Featuring partners: 

  • Community Banking: Chase Bank – Ace Epps, community manager 
  • Personal Finance: Financial Empowerment Center – Antoinette Dudley, director
  • Funding: Western Reserve Community Fund, Kyle Julien 
  • Food Entrepreneurship: The Well, Kyle Koerner 

 

Moderated by Asha Zayn, GROW director at Bounce Innovation Hub. 

Tech Workshop 

Funded Founders:  an authentic, unfiltered conversation with founders who have raised capital from VC to grants.

Featuring panelists: 

  • Harmoni – Adam Ellis, CEO and founder
  • Notus Labs – Evan Davies, CEO and co-found
  • SweatID – Dr. Chelsea Monty-Bromer, CTO and founder
  • TonDone – Matt Crowley, CEO and co-founder

 

Moderated by James Hilton, sr. director of entrepreneurial services at Bounce Innovation Hub. 

Sponsors