Akron’s Bounce Innovation Hub starts year with executive leadership changes
AKRON, Ohio, (Feb. 2, 2023) – Bounce Innovation Hub is pleased to announce the following leadership changes, promotions and additions: Jessica Sublett officially took over as CEO on Jan. 1. Since January 2018, she served as COO of Bounce under now-retired CEO Doug Weintraub. Jeanine Black was promoted to chief strategy and communications officer as […]
2022 Year in Review – Bounce
It’s always important for our team to reflect on the previous year’s highlights and accomplishments. 2022 brought new team members, clients, events and more to our organization and for that, we are extremely grateful! We have a lot to celebrate as we head into this year! Entrepreneurial programming and clients served Here at Bounce, our […]
CEO Doug Weintraub retires, Jessica Sublett to lead Bounce
On Dec. 31, Bounce Innovation Hub’s first chief executive officer, Doug Weintraub, will retire after serving the organization for five years. Current chief operating officer Jessica Sublett will succeed him. As CEO, Weintraub has been passionate about helping entrepreneurs succeed. He also knows what it’s like to be in their shoes, having started several companies […]
Reflections from Black Tech Week
Ace Epps, director of inclusive entrepreneurship at Bounce, attended the 2022 Black Tech Week in Cincinnati, OH in late summer. Black Tech Week serves tech professionals and enthusiasts, funders, allies, and all members of the global Black tech community. Black Tech Week was founded by Felecia Hatcher and Derick Pearson in Miami in 2016 and […]
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 […]
Juneteenth: A Celebration of Black Joy
Even though the official Juneteenth holiday is now behind us for 2022, the work is not; it continues every day. Thank you to Bounce program manager, Asha Zayn, for sharing their thoughts about the holiday, its history and its meaning to Black Americans. On June 19, 1865, in Galveston Bay, Texas, approximately 2,000 Black Union […]
City of Akron and Bounce Innovation Hub Receive $2 Million Grant to Support Entrepreneurs in Akron
Akron, Ohio, May 16, 2022 — Today, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and Bounce Innovation Hub announced a $2 million grant from the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has been awarded to the city of Akron to expand and renovate the second floor of Bounce. Bounce is a nonprofit organization, housed in a 300,000 […]
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 […]
Women’s History Month
As we close out March, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on and honor women’s contributions to our history during Women’s History Month. It wasn’t that long ago that our rights and our stories went unnoticed despite our achievements and our leadership. Did you know that until 1988 women entrepreneurs couldn’t get […]
Bounce Announces New Board Chair, Director Changes
AKRON, Ohio (Feb. 22, 2022) – Bounce Innovation Hub announces several changes to its board of directors, effective Jan. 1. Hans Dorfi, senior vice president of engineering at Bridgestone Americas, has been named chair after serving as a member for two years. Dorfi replaces founding chairperson, Deborah Hoover, president and CEO of the Burton D. […]