Entrepreneur Ecosystem
Entrepreneur Ecosystem
Youngstown State University (YSU), through the YSU Foundation, received $10,000 from the Burton D. Morgan Foundation (BDMF) in January 2023 to be used to award microgrants to YSU student entrepreneurs. The money will be awarded to eligible students through two different avenues; a general application process and through a pitch competition, Penguin Shark Tank.
Read more here: Excellence Training Center at YSU receives Burton D. Morgan Foundation Grant
While Youngstown has many wonderful entrepreneurial resources available, students may not be aware of them. This website has been created to highlight the many assets available to YSU student entrepreneurs. For almost 35 years, the Youngstown Business Incubator has provided expertise in this area through their programs to support TECH entrepreneurs. YSU has an outstanding Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) that for over 30 years has supplied consulting and training to existing companies and new start-ups. YSU’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), now the APEX Accelerator, offers companies support in the area of government contracting. The College of Business Administration offers a minor/certificate program in entrepreneurship for those that would like broad understanding of the entrepreneurial process. The Excellence Training Center (ETC) has advanced manufacturing equipment, such as 3D printers, available for those businesses that may want to create a prototype of their product.
The hope is that this inaugural pitch event and marketing of resources will be the beginning of many years of unique and innovative new businesses that will come out of YSU.
Resources
williamson college of business administration
The Williamson College of Business Administration (WCBA) at Youngstown State University is preparing students to be successful professionals and leaders. WCBA is committed to engaging students in innovative programs that impact their professional development and our community.
Entrepreneurship programs at Youngstown State University
YSU's Entrepreneurship minor can help take you further into your career as entrepreneur so you're ready to tackle the challenges that come with starting a business or transforming an idea into reality.
Ohio Small Business Development Center at YSU
For over thirty years, the Ohio Small Business Development Center at YSU has accelerated business growth, helped to create jobs and contributed to the economy by providing consulting and training to existing companies and new start-ups. Through its Export Assistance Network, the Center also helps companies with initiating or expanding international trade and exporting opportunities to compete in the global marketplace.
the excellence training center at ysu
The ETC is a one-of-a-kind workforce, education, research and commercial project center focused on advanced manufacturing. Career pathways for all types of students include traditional and non-traditional certifications and industry recognized credentials offered in a wide range of areas such as manual and CNC machining, industrial maintenance, robotics, automation and additive manufacturing.
Take a virtual tour of the Excellence Training Center: Here
For more information contact: Cynthia Manofsky, ccmanofsky@ysu.edu, 330.941.2358
youngstown business incubator (ybi)
The Youngstown Business Incubator focuses on developing successful digital businesses, advancing women's & minority entrepreneurship, and furthering advanced manufacturing technologies.
For more information contact: Chandler Fiffick, cfiffick@ybi.org, 330.746.5003
OHIO APEX ACCELERATOR AT ysu
Whether a seasoned government contractor or entirely new to the market, the Ohio APEX Accelerator at YSU is here to help you every step of the way. Our personalized one-on-one counseling includes everything from determining your business readiness level and identifying potential opportunities to competing to win bids and understanding contract clauses and compliance. Not sure where to start? We can help with that too.
For more information contact: Scot Loveland, swloveland@ysu.edu, 330.941.2146
CLIFFE COLLEGE OF CREATIVE ARTS
The Cliffe College of Creative Arts (CCCA) is a dynamic component of the Youngstown State University campus and is a major regional arts resource. Thevibrant and inclusive community of artists, educators, and scholars is engaged in nationally accredited programs of instruction, innovative and immersive experiences, and professional performances and exhibitions.
MAGNET
MAGNET New Ventures: Startup resources for manufactured products
The New Ventures team helps startups with physical tech products looking to manufacture a product or understand their value proposition, design and make prototypes. Our team of startup and engineering experts meets founders where they are to develop a business around a burning consumer problem.
Scalerator NEO
Scalerator NEO is for companies with roughly $3M to $15M in annual revenue with the potential to scale their business. Companies from all sectors will benefit from the six-month, seven-workshop curriculum, and each meeting is a working sessions where the President/CEO is expected to come to with his/her leaders to work on specific aspects of the business (i.e. HR, Sales, Finance). In between sessions, there are peer-to-peer gatherings for Presidents/CEOs to work on homework assignments. Finally, there are one-on-one mentoring meetings between the instructors and each President/CEO. The President/CEO must also have an ownership stake in the company or the owner must also participate.
Scalerator NEO is supported by the Burton D. Morgan Foundation and Richard J. Fasenmyer Fund and the Burton D. Morgan Foundation, as the Foundation is committed to supporting entrepreneurship and free enterprise in our region.
Upcoming Events
Penguin Shark Tank Competition
March 21st 5:30pm- 7:30pm
The Penguin Shark Tank Competition is a pitch competition made possible through a financial gift from the Burton D. Morgan Foundation.
Join Us for the Event
The competition will be held on March 21, 2024 from 5:30-7:30 pm in the Williamson College of Business auditorium, room 1171.
Come cheer on your favorite entrepreneur and be part of the Fan Favorite Vote! Attendees will have the chance to cast a vote for their favorite entrepreneur in the Penguin Shark Tank Competition. The entrepreneur with the most votes will ultimately be named the Fan Favorite winner and receive $500. We will be giving out Handel's Ice Cream to celebrate our guest speaker Leonard "Lenny" Fisher. Find out more about our guest speaker below!
Registration is encouraged for this event as seating is limited.
Guest Speaker
Leonard "Lenny" Fisher
Chairman of the Board, Handel's Ice Cream and Yogurt
Leonard J. “Lenny” Fisher is the Chairman of the Board of Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream and Yogurt. Lenny was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and started at an early age in the food business, working side by side with his grandparents in a family-owned luncheonette in Brooklyn.He moved to Youngstown in 1975 to open the Yellow Submarine Sub Shop. He ventured into a few other businesses until he was introduced to Handel’s Ice Cream and its founder Alice Handel in 1984. The two became fast friends and he purchased Handel’s from her in 1985.
Lenny’s generosity is second nature, and he views philanthropy as simply the right thing to do. In 2021 and 2022, Lenny participated as both a Shark and sponsor of the Youngstown Business Incubator’s annual Shark Tank. After making a major gift in 2021, YBI honored Lenny by naming a space in its Tech Block Building 5 the Leonard J. Fisher Family Foundation Executive Conference Room. Partnering with YBI client company Fitz Frames, Lenny has contributed to Sight for All United to provide eyeglasses for local students.
In 2021, Lenny made a major gift to support the expansion of Akron Children’s Hospital’s Mahoning Valley Emergency Department. Lenny’s support has included the Vision for our Valley’s Children Campaign Fund, the Pediatric Cardiology Fund, the Mahoning Valley Fund, and the Koins 4 Kids Campaign.
As a Vietnam War veteran, Lenny has honored fellow veterans with the Let Us Serve You! event, which provides free ice cream to military personnel. Assisting fellow veterans further, Lenny has made major gifts to the Freedom Warriors Charitable Fund to provide resources for veterans from the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys.
In 2022, Lenny made a major gift to Youngstown State University’s McDonough Museum. In recognition of the gift, the museum’s main gallery balcony was named the Leonard J. Fisher Family Balcony. In addition, Lenny has been a loyal donor to Heritage Manor, a rehabilitation and retirement community with adult day services operated by the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation.
In his spare time, Lenny enjoys cooking, baking, and of course making homemade ice cream. His biggest joy is creating new flavors. Lenny is proud to call Youngstown home and owes the success of Handel’s to their many fans both in the Mahoning Valley and around the country.
Meet the Sharks
Barb Ewing
CEO of Youngstown Business Incubator
Danny Catullo
Vice President, Ecommerce at PPX Hospitality, Legal Sea Foods, Smith & Wollensky, Strega Italiano
Leonard "Lenny" Fisher
Chairman of the Board, Handel's Ice Cream and Yogurt
Mara Cunningham
Owner/Operator, Yo! Crash Mobile Rage Room
Penguin Shark Tank Competition
Applications for the 2024 Penguin Shark Tank Competition are currently CLOSED.
Students will compete for business investments from a pool of more than $10,000 with a top prize in each category. If chosen, competitors will be given 5 minutes (6-8 slide max) to pitch your idea to the sharks. Your presentation must include a budget and how much you are requesting the panel to invest in your business.
What are the pitch categories?
Applicants who want to participate in the Penguin Shark Tank Competition may apply to pitch one of two categories. The two categories are:
1. Business Idea
Imagining - (The idea generation phase where an applicant conceives the idea and links it to a market need. A vision is created with colleagues and partners. The end of this stage is a well-reasoned concept.)
Incubating - (Testing business assumptions and design features and a business plan is put into place. Variations of a products may be tested. The end result of this phase is a business plan.)
2. Established business
Demonstrating - (The business has a product, service, platform, business model, and is ready to be introduced to customers. If a standalone product, the first commercial quantities are produced. Limited testing may occur.)
Market Entry - (Product/service sales are occurring. Beginning to persuade people to purchase products/services. Broader promotion and testing are occurring.)
Growth & Sustainability - (Profitability/proven financial stability, continuing long-term income streams, or exit strategy development.)
MICROGRANT APPLICANTS
As stated above, the Burton D. Morgan foundation has given YSU money to support student entrepreneurs. Students not participating in the Penguin Shark Tank event, may still apply for a financial investment through the microgrant program. The maximum grant available through this application process is $500. Students must provide a budget, quotes, and complete the application to be eligible.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR Business Idea MICROGRANTS
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR Established Business MICROGRANTS
*Please note, that procurement of materials, equipment, services, etc. for all business investments awarded as a result of the Penguin Shark Tank event, may be purchased through YSU.
For additional information please contact:
Cynthia Manofsky, ccmanofsky@ysu.edu, 330.941.2358Past Events
YBI Shark Tank, October 19, 2023
The Youngstown Business Incubator is excited to present this year’s fundraising event, “Shark Tank” — an opportunity to showcase entrepreneurship and innovation while promoting economic development across the Mahoning Valley and Northeast Ohio.
Shark Tank invites businesses and entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to a live audience in order to gain exposure and potential investment. The YBI’s presence in the community starts with promoting economic development to keep our communities thriving. By hosting this event, we continue to cultivate relationships with regional entrepreneurs and community leaders, AND we welcome your attendance!
Find out more HERE
Entrepreneur Mentorship Panel, October 26th
Join us at the Excellence Training Center in Kohli Hall for a unique opportunity for exposure to Entrepreneurs in Residence and the EVOLVE Technology Entrepreneurship Program from Youngstown Business Incubator who will be available to answer any questions you as an Entrepreneur may have when it comes to developing or scaling your business.
Attend virtually by using this WebEx link
MSPIRE: Ohio's pitch challenge for Manufacturing-focused Entrepreneurs
Applications are open for Mspire, MAGNET’s annual pitch competition exclusively for Ohio manufacturing focused entrepreneurs, till August 10th.
There will be up to $75,000 worth of prizes awarded such as engineering design, operations support, sales and marketing support, and a new prize specifically for diverse founders.
The competition is open to entrepreneurs and startups based in Ohio that have an innovation in hard tech, advanced materials, or who have a physical product or idea.
If you have a physical product or idea that can help to advance the manufacturing industry, go to www.mspire.org. Competition will take place on September 21st, 2023.
Penguin Shark Tank Competition
April 26th 5:30pm- 7:30pm
The Penguin Shark Tank Competition is a pitch competition made possible through a financial gift from the Burton D. Morgan Foundation.
The competition will be held on April 26, 2023 from 5:30-7:30 pm in the Williamson College of Business auditorium, room 1171.
Join Us for the Event
Come cheer on your favorite entrepreneur and be part of the Fan Favorite Vote! Attendees will have the chance to cast a vote for their favorite entrepreneur in the Penguin Shark Tank Competition. The entrepreneur with the most votes will ultimately be named the Fan Favorite winner and receive $500. Registration is encouraged for this event as seating is limited. To register Click Here. Anyone who registers for the event will receive an extra ticket for the door prize drawing!
Guest Speaker
Danny Catullo
Vice President, Ecommerce at PPX Hospitality, Legal Sea Foods, Smith & Wollensky, Strega Italiano
Danny is a successful start-up founder, passionate about helping businesses of all sizes scale to the next level, and beyond. Danny has over sixteen years of perishable ecommerce and logistics experience and enjoys solving complex business challenges. After taking over his family's butcher shop, Catullo Prime Meats, Danny decided to take the business online as one of the first perishable food companies to do e-commerce. Using his learnings, Danny cofounded Perishable Shipping Solutions which helped emerging brands like Unreal Snacks, Impossible Foods and Van Leeuwan Ice Cream ship and grow their online businesses. Danny recently scaled PSS to $25M in sales and exited with an acquisition to Lineage Logistics in 2021. Danny is currently the Vice President of E-Commerce for PPX Hospitality Brands and is tasked with taking the Legal Sea Foods brand online. Danny has two boys, Antonio and Luciano, and enjoys an active lifestyle with his partner Diane.
Penguin Shark Tank Competition
Students will compete for business investments from a pool of $8,000 with the top prize in each category being up to $1500. Applications for the event are closed. If chosen, you will be given 5 minutes (6-8 slide max) to pitch your idea to the panel of judges. Your presentation must include a budget and how much you are requesting the panel to invest in your business.
Anyone applying for the Penguin Shark Tank Competition who is not chosen to participate in the pitch competition will automatically be considered for a microgrant. (more information below)
What are the pitch categories?
Applicants who want to participate in the Penguin Shark Tank Competition may apply to pitch one of two categories. The two categories are:
1. Business Idea
Imagining - (The idea generation phase where an applicant conceives the idea and links it to a market need. A vision is created with colleagues and partners. The end of this stage is a well-reasoned concept.)
Incubating - (Testing business assumptions and design features and a business plan is put into place. Variations of a products may be tested. The end result of this phase is a business plan.)
2. Established business
Demonstrating - (The business has a product, service, platform, business model, and is ready to be introduced to customers. If a standalone product, the first commercial quantities are produced. Limited testing may occur.)
Market Entry - (Product/service sales are occurring. Beginning to persuade people to purchase products/services. Broader promotion and testing are occurring.)
Growth & Sustainability - (Profitability/proven financial stability, continuing long-term income streams, or exit strategy development.)
microgrant applicants
As stated above, the Burton D. Morgan foundation has given YSU money to support student entrepreneurs. Students not interested in participating in the Penguin Shark Tank event, may still apply for a financial investment through the new microgrant program. The maximum grant available through this application process is $500. Students must provide a budget, quotes, and complete the application to be eligible.
Click Here to Apply for microgrants
*Please note, that procurement of materials, equipment, services, etc. for all business investments awarded as a result of the Penguin Shark Tank event, may be purchased through YSU.
For additional information please contact:
Cynthia Manofsky, ccmanofsky@ysu.edu, 330.941.2358
Meet the Sharks
Barb Ewing
CEO of Youngstown Business Incubator
Ellen Tressel
Philanthropist
Maeson green
CEO of Relaced 330, YSU Alumni
Hear Maeson's story and words of advice for our competitors during his presentation at the ETC on April 7th Here Password: MaesonGreen1Upcoming Training Sessions
Entrepreneurship 101
March 14th at 1pm Excellence Training Center Classroom 249 Did you miss this training session?Find the recording Here
Password: PenguinSharkTank2023How to Prepare a Pitch Deck
March 16th at 1pm Excellence Training Center Classroom 249 Did you miss this training session?Find the Recording Here
Password: PenguinSharkTank2023
Meet the Presenter
Chandler Fiffick, Director, EVOLVE Technology Program
Chandler Fiffick, Director for the EVOLVE Technology Program, has been part of the YBI team since 2020. Chandler brings an exceptional set of skills to the team having experience in startup operations, nonprofit leadership, design, service, and hospitality administration.
After graduating college from Auburn University, Chandler moved to New York City where she worked in business operations/administration within the luxury hotel industry, leading her to then follow suit in high-end interior design. After relocating to Chicago, Chandler worked in project management and operations for a Design Firm and Corporate Restaurant Group until landing the position of Executive Director at the Chicago Music & Performing Arts Foundation, a nonprofit startup organization. Chandler's role was instrumental in standing that organization up from ground zero.
While living in Chicago, Chandler met her husband, and together they decided to settle back in the Youngstown area to raise their children. Chandler's role as Director for the EVOLVE Technology Program allows for her unique set of business skills to be strategically channeled in order to optimize existing business practices while developing new resources and connections for YBI portfolio companies
For additional information please contact:
Cynthia Manofsky, ccmanofsky@ysu.edu, 330.941.2358
Penguin Shark Tank Microgrants
Thanks to generous support from the Burton D. Morgan Foundation, Penguin Shark Tank is offering funding via microgrants to help Youngstown State University student and alumni entrepreneurs move their businesses forward and reach their goals.
Current YSU Student Microgrant Opportunities
Business Ideas
Business Idea microgrants are awards of up to $500 to support current Youngstown State students in the idea or pre-revenue phase of their ventures. This funding is available to support inventory, capital, product, manufacturing, legal services, market research, web design, concept testing/development, and other related services.
Established Business
Established Business microgrants are awards of up to $1,250 to support current Youngstown State students in the revenue generating phase of their ventures. This funding is available to support inventory, capital, product, manufacturing, legal services, market research, web design, concept testing/development, and other related services.
YSU Alumni Microgrant Opportunities
The Penguin Shark Tank alumni microgrant program is focused on helping alumni entrepreneurs move their businesses forward with inventory, capital, product, or other related purchases.
- Grants range from $500-3,000
- Applicant must be a Youngstown State University alumni
- Business must be based in Ohio
- Open to revenue generating businesses with $200K or less in gross revenue
Microgrants will be distributed through the Youngstown State University. Award winners will be required to complete a W9 form including business name, entity, address and EIN.
Applications will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis until funding runs out. We are unable to provide notice for the depletion of the fund and encourage early applications.
If you have questions about the microgrants please email Cynthia Manofsky at ccmanofsky@ysu.edu or call 330.941.2358