GROW Spotlight: Peter James, Owner, Rubber City Gardens
The GROW program at Bounce supports both aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs as they bring their ideas to life. The program focuses on minorities and women. Keeping a community garden running requires effort, time and reliable volunteers. After Peter James failed to organize his own, he was inspired to start Rubber City Gardens, an urban-focused and community-driven agricultural cooperative. Its […]
Discover Next Level 2.0
(pictured left to right, Dr. Constance Peek-Longmire, Asha Zayn, Lucas Tindell and Da’Shika Street) Earlier this month, Bounce announced a revamped and expanded program for Black entrepreneurs who want to scale their established businesses. The Next Level Business Incubator, founded in 2019 by Ace Epps, Bounce’s director of inclusive entrepreneurship, includes several additional benefits and […]
CEO Doug Weintraub on growth, success
As chief executive officer of Bounce Innovation Hub, Doug Weintraub has a passion for helping new businesses succeed. He also knows what it’s like to be in their shoes, having started several companies of his own. “I’ve been a serial entrepreneur. I’ve started, ran and successfully sold some companies, while also investing in or managing […]
White Glove Cleaning Provides a Personal Touch
While attending The University of Akron with plans to become a sports medicine physician, LaQuata Williams took an elective course in entrepreneurship, where she created White Glove Cleaning Solutions as part of a class assignment. Fast forward to now and you’ll find Williams headquartered at Bounce Innovation Hub. A Next Level Incubator client, White Glove […]
RustBit Studio’s debut video game a success at Midwest conference
[ From left is Patrick Howard, CEO; Michael Wilder, CTO and lead programmer; and Lexy Alfman, lead artist. Not pictured is Ben Kanelos, lead game designer] Thanks to a successful show at this year’s GDEX Expo in Columbus, Bounce Software Accelerator company RustBit Studio is one step closer in the development of their debut game, The […]
Bounce startup joins global accelerator
Bounce technology incubator company O2 RegenTech has been accepted into the July 2021 cohort of the Newchip Startup Accelerator. O2 RegenTech is a medical device startup that specializes in cost-effective, easy-to-use wound care solutions. Their primary product, OXAID™, is an oxygenating, moist, antimicrobial dressing to promote healing of chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers. […]
OY-L graduates from Bounce Incubator; launching apothecary in Hudson
Andrea Pierce-Naymon, founder of OY-L Skincare, started making all-natural skincare products in her kids’ former playroom. After 5 1/2 years in the Bounce Incubator, she’s moving her business to Hudson where she’ll have more space to make her products, as well as a storefront inspired by Rose Apothecary from the TV show, Schitt’s Creek. Pierce-Naymon’s […]
Bounce startups use innovation to improve water quality
Two water technology companies that started in Akron are helping to ensure the safety of billions of gallons of drinking water across the U.S. and around the world. “The city of Akron, along with the entire state of Ohio, are innovators in water technology,” said Mark Van Asten, the Australian-based founder of Phytoxigene, which has […]
Local entrepreneur turns love of ice cream into new business
Denise Williams is a graduate of the third cohort of the MORTAR at Bounce program. MORTAR is a 15-week business accelerator. At the end of the 15 weeks, participants graduate and pitch for $3,000. Denise graduated in April and was the winner of the Bounce Life’s a Pitch competition on April 20. (https://bouncehub.org/2021/04/21/plant-based-ice-cream-entrepreneur-wins-mortar-pitch-competition/) Anyone […]
Local music store continues to keep the beat
When Victor and Norma Heard began dating in the 1980s, a typical date night for them was to visit one of their favorite local record stores. Now nearly 30 years since they opened their own store, 2Live Music, in September 1991, they’ve evolved with the times to stay relevant and attract a new generation of […]