Entrepreneurs in Dayton, OH, Receive Strong Support

Jordan Freshour Photography

Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. Fortunately, aspiring entrepreneurs in Dayton and the surrounding communities have resources at their fingertips to help ease the stress of launching a startup. 

As part of The Hub at the Arcade, the Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC) offers a range of services including one-on-one business advising, access to capital and specialized support for technology commercialization. 

High-tech startups looking for help with funding, mentorship and commercialization assistance can take advantage of EC’s Entrepreneurial Services Provider (ESP) program. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC), co-located with EC, also offers expertise to a broader range of emerging local businesses. 

“Entrepreneurship is challenging – it takes vision, resilience and the right support system. That’s where the EC comes in,” says EC President Scott Koorndyk. “We provide not just expertise and resources, but also a network of mentors, investors and peers, who can help entrepreneurs overcome obstacles and seize opportunities.” 

Enjoy a “Go-for-It” Culture 

The EC’s presence in Dayton made all the difference for two of its incubated startups. 

Katie Hill is the founder of UNLISTED, a database that matches buyers and off-market homeowners, so they can explore property plans without the pressure of traditional listings. Hill was a transplant to the Dayton region from Chicago when she first took advantage of all the EC had to offer. 

“The business was able to launch on day one with a folding table, two folding chairs and two laptops with the EC’s turnkey office infrastructure,” Hill says. 

Courtesy of the Entrepreneurs’ Center

Jamie Bowerman is the founder of BowerBags, a line of customizable, modular storage packs. Early in his business, he sought crucial guidance from the EC. 

“I met these amazing small business advocates as well as other startups at a program that used to be hosted by the Air Force Research Laboratory to demonstrate new technologies to the war fighters for feedback,” Bowerman says. 

The EC isn’t alone in the region’s complex and evolving array of incubators and small business support services. Local colleges and universities, accelerator programs, angel investors, chambers of commerce and governmental agencies all contribute unique aspects to help develop the Dayton region’s robust entrepreneurial scene. 

“What makes Dayton’s ecosystem stand out is its accessibility,” Koorndyk says. “Entrepreneurs don’t have to fight through layers of bureaucracy to get the help they need. Whether it’s mentorship, funding or connections, the ecosystem is designed to be supportive and collaborative.” 

Hill agrees: “There’s a collaborative spirit here. You’re not just another entrepreneur, you’re part of a small community that genuinely wants to see you succeed.” 

Research-focused powerhouses like the Air Force Research Laboratory, the Air Force Institute of Technology and the University of Dayton Research Institute make an impact. “There are a lot of really smart, talented people operating on the bleeding edge that create a go-for-it culture,” she says. 

Bowerman says Dayton is “hands down” the best place in the U.S. to start a consumer-packaged goods company with a defense focus. 

“Trust me, I’ve done my research,” Bowerman says. “The city’s proximity to a major military base, combined with an unmatched network of business mentors and startup resources, makes it a standout hub for innovation and growth.” 

Leverage the Business Resources 

Koorndyk offers this advice to business owners or startups looking to gain traction in the Miami Valley: Take advantage of the resources available. 

“Organizations like the EC exist to help you navigate challenges, connect with the right people and access capital. You don’t have to do it alone,” he says. 

Secondly, he suggests being open to collaboration. Dayton’s strength lies in its community, and the most successful entrepreneurs here are the ones who engage with the ecosystem, attend events, seek mentorship and support other founders. 

“Business success comes from learning, iterating and pivoting when necessary,” Koorndyk says. “Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your business, I encourage you to reach out to the EC, attend a Launch Dayton event and tap into this incredible community. We’re here to help you turn your vision into reality.” 

Coming Soon to Dayton: onMain

OnMain is a unique collaboration between Premier Health and the University of Dayton to redevelop a 38-acre site that was the original location of the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. “The goal is to create a collaborative ecosystem that combines research, education, technology and community engagement to drive lasting economic and social impact,” says Brian Heitkamp, CEO of onMain Inc. 

The site is nestled in the Greater Downtown Dayton footprint, with easy access to many of the region’s best amenities. 

“Strategically, the site sits at the heart of Dayton’s expanding tech corridor and is well-positioned to connect talent pipelines from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, regional businesses and higher education institutions,” Heitkamp says. “The site also honors Dayton’s history of invention while positioning the city for a vibrant, tech-driven future.” 

The onMain project was bolstered by a $35 million investment from the state through the Innovation Hubs program. According to a release from the governor’s office, the project is also supported with a local match of at least $23 million and a private sector investment of up to $37 million. 

One of the first projects is the Digital Transformation Center (DTC). Designed to foster innovation, the DTC provides technology companies, startups and research teams with flexible office space and cutting-edge resources. These include collaborative workspaces, hardware prototyping labs, training classrooms, AR/VR labs and secure data management areas. 

“The perfect tenant would be a high-growth company seeking access to cutting-edge research and a talented workforce or a startup looking to scale within a supportive innovation ecosystem,” Heitkamp says.