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 […]
Bounce Strengthens Program for Black Entrepreneurs
(pictured left to right, Dr. Constance Peek-Longmire, Lucas Tindell and Da’Shika Street) AKRON, Ohio (March 23, 2022) – Bounce Innovation Hub announces that it has hired three business owners and advisors to serve as the organization’s first entrepreneurs in residence (EIRs) working with clients in the Next Level Business Incubator, part of the GROW program […]
MORTAR winners talk success, challenges
In celebration of Black History Month, we spoke with five of our MORTAR at Bounce “Life’s a Pitch” competition winners – who also happen to all be Black women. We learned what motivates them and if they have any advice for others trying to start their own business. Jacqueline Achadu, owner of Hunny Bunny’s Confections, […]
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 […]
2021 Retrospective and Future Goals
Can you believe Bounce will be in its fifth year in 2022? We’ve supported so many entrepreneurs this year through meaningful programming, and connections. We wanted to reflect on our biggest and proudest accomplishments this past year and our hopes for the new one. And if you’re still at a loss for gift-giving, we even […]
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 […]
Incubator vs. accelerator: Which one is right for your tech startup?
Although every incubator and accelerator program may be different, they all share the same goal of helping new technology startups succeed. There are also key differences in each type of program and how they help entrepreneurs take their start-ups to the next level. How do you determine which program is right for you? When is […]
Web developer, designer taking business to the next level
Jason Edwards has always had an entrepreneurial spirit – from cutting hair at the age of 13 to building websites on the side while working as a webmaster at ohio.com. Ten years ago, he left the security of his full-time job at ohio.com to focus on Shoo.In, his web development and graphic design company, which […]
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 […]