Ohio to launch initiative to help minority-owned businesses in northeast Ohio

"JumpStart Launch100" is a pilot project established by the Ohio Department of Development's Minority Business Enterprise Division and JumpStart, Inc., aimed at assisting high-growth minority-owned businesses and high-potential firms based within Ohio's urban areas.

The initiative will begin in 21 counties of northeast Ohio and be evaluated for statewide expansion after 18 months. The goal is to impact 100 high-potential minority and urban-based businesses across Ohio over the next five years.

"JumpStart Launch100 will undoubtedly be a critical component of the economic revitalization plans for northeast Ohio," Governor Ted Strickland said. "This program is designed to support the growth of minority businesses that have the potential to not only expand operations in the state, but also create good-paying jobs for Ohioans."

The JumpStart Launch100 initiative will identify promising early-stage companies across a broad spectrum of industries that demonstrate significant growth potential and sustainable job creation. The program is designed to attract a greater share of the capital, talent, federal resources and other economic advantages associated with being a national best practice.