Business & Startup Scene in Akron, Ohio, United States
1. Akron Global Business Accelerator (AGBA)
AGBA provides resources and mentorship to startups in various industries. Solves the challenge of limited access to business development resources.
- Industry Diversity: Supports businesses from diverse industries such as technology, healthcare, and manufacturing.
- Resource Provision: Offers resources like workspace, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
- Mentorship Programs: Provides experienced mentors to guide startups through critical stages of business development.
2. Akron RubberDucks Entrepreneurship Center
Located within Canal Park, this center hosts workshops and networking events for entrepreneurs. Solves the challenge of finding a supportive community.
- Networking Opportunities: Provides opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs, potential investors, and business leaders.
- Workshops and Seminars: Offers educational workshops on various aspects of entrepreneurship.
- Location Advantage: Based in Canal Park, offering a lively atmosphere with the RubberDucks minor league baseball games.
3. Akron Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The SBDC offers free business consulting and training to startups and small businesses. Solves the challenge of inadequate business guidance.
- Business Consulting: Provides free, confidential, one-on-one business consulting.
- Training Programs: Offers training programs on topics such as marketing, financial management, and strategic planning.
- Resource Library: Provides access to a vast resource library including business plan templates and market research data.
4. The Foundry
A coworking space designed for startups and entrepreneurs in the tech and innovation sectors. Solves the challenge of high office rental costs.
- Affordable Workspace: Offers flexible, affordable workspace options to startups and entrepreneurs.
- Networking Opportunities: Provides opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals in the tech and innovation sectors.
- Amenities: Includes amenities such as high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and event spaces.
5. Akron Idea Works
An incubator providing resources for startups in the cleantech, advanced materials, and energy sectors. Solves the challenge of limited resources for these specific industries.
- Industry Focus: Supports startups in the cleantech, advanced materials, and energy sectors.
- Resource Provision: Offers resources like workspace, mentorship, and access to industry-specific equipment.
- Networking Opportunities: Provides opportunities to connect with other startups, investors, and business leaders in the same industries.
6. Akron Inventors Alliance (AIA)
A community of inventors and entrepreneurs who collaborate on product development. Solves the challenge of limited resources for individual inventors.
- Collaborative Environment: Provides a collaborative environment where inventors can work together on product development.
- Workshops and Events: Offers workshops, events, and seminars focused on product design, prototyping, and patenting.
- Prototyping Facilities: Provides access to prototyping facilities and equipment for members.
7. Akron Global Business Magazine
A publication featuring local business news, profiles, and resources. Solves the challenge of limited information on Akron's business scene.
- Local Business News: Covers local business news, trends, and developments.
- Profiles of Local Entrepreneurs: Features profiles of successful local entrepreneurs and their businesses.
- Business Resources: Provides information on various business resources available in Akron.
8. Akron Global Business Park
A business park offering office and industrial spaces for businesses. Solves the challenge of limited commercial real estate options.
- Office Spaces: Offers various office space sizes to suit different business needs.
- Industrial Spaces: Provides industrial spaces for businesses requiring large workspace.
- Amenities: Includes amenities such as parking, security, and maintenance services.
9. Akron Global Business Council (AGBC)
An organization advocating for business-friendly policies in Akron. Solves the challenge of limited representation for local businesses.
- Business Advocacy: Advocates for business-friendly policies and regulations.
- Networking Opportunities: Provides opportunities to connect with other local businesses and business leaders.
- Business Resources: Offers information on various business resources available in Akron.
10. Akron Innovation Fund
An investment fund providing capital to early-stage startups. Solves the challenge of limited funding options for local startups.
- Capital Investment: Provides capital investments to early-stage startups.
- Mentorship: Offers mentorship opportunities from experienced entrepreneurs and investors.
- Networking Opportunities: Provides opportunities to connect with other startups, investors, and business leaders.
11. Akron Startup Weekend
An annual event where participants form teams to create and pitch new business ideas. Solves the challenge of limited opportunities for idea validation and collaboration.
- Idea Validation: Provides a platform for validating business ideas through customer feedback.
- Collaboration Opportunities: Offers opportunities to collaborate with other entrepreneurs and developers.
- Pitch Competition: Features a pitch competition where teams present their ideas to judges and potential investors.
12. Akron Makerspace
A community workshop offering tools and resources for makers and entrepreneurs. Solves the challenge of limited access to prototyping equipment.
- Tools and Equipment: Offers a variety of tools and equipment for prototyping and product development.
- Community Workshops: Hosts workshops on various topics such as electronics, woodworking, and metalworking.
- Collaborative Environment: Provides a collaborative environment where makers can work together on projects.
13. Akron Entrepreneur Meetup
A monthly meetup for entrepreneurs to network, share ideas, and learn from each other. Solves the challenge of limited opportunities for networking.
- Networking Opportunities: Provides opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs.
- Idea Sharing: Allows entrepreneurs to share their ideas and seek feedback from others.
- Guest Speakers: Features guest speakers who share their experiences and insights on entrepreneurship.
14. Akron Small Business Expo
An annual event showcasing local businesses, products, and services. Solves the challenge of limited exposure for local businesses.
- Local Business Exposure: Provides exposure to local businesses and their products and services.
- Networking Opportunities: Offers opportunities to connect with other local businesses and business leaders.
- Workshops and Seminars: Features workshops and seminars on various aspects of entrepreneurship.
15. Akron Business Journal
A local publication covering Akron's business news and developments. Solves the challenge of limited information on Akron's business scene.
- Local Business News: Covers local business news, trends, and developments.
- Profiles of Local Entrepreneurs: Features profiles of successful local entrepreneurs and their businesses.
- Business Resources: Provides information on various business resources available in Akron.