CyberSafely.ai supports schools and parents in keeping kids safe online
After many years in the security industry, Neal Alexander was looking for his next venture. “As a former coach, I knew I wanted to do something that helps kids, as well as work with friends and family,” he said. Alexander thought about motivational speaking or putting together football camps, but his son, Nick, the head […]
Creating personal development products for youth leads to self-discovery for Smile Inside’s founder
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. Vanessa Abraham is a graduate of the ninth cohort of the MORTAR at Bounce program, our 15-week business accelerator. Vanessa Abraham has devoted much of her career to developing educational […]
LaJAshley combines nature and science to elevate hair care
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. Laura Manning is in our Next Level Business Incubator. As the founder of LaJAshley, Laura Manning, didn’t set out to create a hair and body care company. “I was frustrated with my own […]
LGBTQ+ Needs Assessment Promises Brighter Future for Akron
The Akron Art Museum hosted a group of over 200 on Aug. 18 in an evening of celebration for the release of the LGBTQ+ Community Needs Assessment, a survey created by Kent State University and the greater Akron community. The assessment is intended to determine the most pressing issues faced by members of the LGBTQ+ […]
Member Spotlight: Néna Roy, Executive Director, Akron Promise
This month, we sat down with Néna Roy, executive director of Akron Promise to discuss her organization and what working at Bounce means to her. Néna rents a reserved desk on the first floor in the Generator. Akron Promise facilitates connections, scholarships and enrichment activities to improve education opportunities in Akron. This can include activities […]
Ecosystem Connections Benefit Small Businesses
MORTAR at Bounce is a 15-week small business accelerator that helps established entrepreneurs take a deeper dive into the nuances of business ownership. It focuses on serving minority- and women-owned businesses. An entrepreneurial ecosystem is invaluable to anyone starting a business. Between various partners, including many right here in Greater Akron, entrepreneurs can find inspiration, […]
CEO Doug Weintraub to retire; COO Jessica Sublett named successor
Akron, Ohio (May 4, 2022): Bounce Innovation Hub has announced that Douglas Weintraub, chief executive officer, will retire at the end of 2022. The board of directors has appointed Jessica Sublett, chief operating officer, to succeed Weintraub as CEO on Jan. 1, 2023. “On behalf of the board of directors and the Bounce team, clients […]
Member Spotlight: Barbara Parker, Owner, BF Empowerment Center
This month, we sat down with Barbara Parker, owner of BF Empowerment Center to discuss her business and what working at Bounce means to her. Barbara rents office space for her company on the first floor in the Generator. BF Empowerment Center is focused on creating systemic change and serves all 88 counties in Ohio […]
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 […]
20 Business Terms Entrepreneurs Should Know
Ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship? Running your own business is tough enough but trying to understand the lingo is an added headache. Knowing some key business terms can make it easier to navigate the business world. Not only that but it can you speak confidently with investors, lenders and others to build strong […]