LIGHTSHIP OHIO
LIGHTSHIP IN THE QUEEN CITY
Born and based right here in the Queen City, Lightship Foundation is an impact-driven organization serving remarkable entrepreneurs & ecosystems across the United States.
We leverage corporate partnerships, specialized programming and capital investments to drive growth within the minority innovation economy. Since 2017, Lightship Foundation has guided over 200 companies led by women, FOC (Founders of Color), and those representing the LGBTIQ+ and disabled communities to more than $120M in venture funding.
INNOVATING IN CINCINNATI
At Lightship we are working to build a thriving startup economy in Greater Cincinnati.
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With its strong business community, lower cost-of-living, central Midwest location and amazing support the city provides entrepreneurs, startups and workers– Cincinnati is becoming a relocation destination for founders and their small businesses nationwide. In fact, Cincy is #1 among Ohio cities for startup activity!
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Cincinnati is also home to several Fortune 500 companies including: Procter and Gamble, Kroger, Fifth Third Bank, Macys, American Financial, Western and Southern, and Cintas – along with three professional sports teams: Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Bengals, and FC Cincinnati– and the University of Cincinnati, one of the highest rated public institutions in Ohio.
To maximize reach and impact, Lightship partners with National and Ohio based corporations, foundations and universities to implement programming and facilitate partnership opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Lightship is partnered with multiple organizations in Ohio that will help bridge the gap between minority led high-growth startups and meaningful opportunities including:
JobsOhio offers solutions for companies and Ohioans that enable economic prosperity across the state from grants, buildings, talent and more
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Black Tech Week is an inclusive ecosystem-building experience driven by community and corporate collaboration. BTW connects investors, entrepreneurs, tech professionals and creatives across five days of curated content, meaningful connection and incredible energy.
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Ohio Third Frontier is an internationally recognized, technology-based economic development initiative that is successfully changing the trajectory of Ohio’s economy. They work with innovative startup companies across the state, making Ohio the destination for technology entrepreneurs.
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Main Street Ventures’ funding programs support local entrepreneurs in the idea/prototype and revenue stages with equity-free business start-up funding, rather than traditional investments.
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Cincinnati has a rich ecosystem of accelerators, incubators, and angel investors are actively looking to work with startups just like yours. Explore the list of Cincinnati’s startup resources:
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Cincinnati's startup ecosystem is home to dozens of accelerators, incubators, and angel investors that are actively looking for startups just like yours. Cintrifuse's network of subject matter experts, strategic partner agencies, and ecosystem stakeholders are excited to work with you as your ideas continue to grow.
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These groups help us successfully execute our programming and mission in Cincinnati as well as add value to the Ohio Startup Ecosystem.
LIGHTSHIP BOOTCAMP
Lightship Bootcamp is a comprehensive early stage business advancement program. We offer structured educational content, as well as numerous networking opportunities with key strategic partners, advisors, mentors, and corporate customers. Founders are also extended access to our robust investor network, having gone on to raise more than $120 million in funding.
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Upcoming Bootcamps:
Dayton, OH: February 26th - 28th, 2024
Columbus, OH: April 15th - 17th, 2024
Cleveland, OH: June 3rd - 5th, 2024
Cincinnati, OH: September 9th -11th, 2024
WORKFLOW WEDNESDAY
Connect with the Cincinnati Startup Community at Workflow Wednesday!
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Workflow Wednesday is a networking and educational event we host monthly. These events are focused on connecting the city's diverse startup and small business community. In addition to networking, we provide founders information and resources around building, operating, and scaling businesses.
Upcoming Workflow Wednesdays:
Dayton, OH: February 28th, 2024
Cleveland, OH: June 5th, 2024
Cincinnati, OH: September 11th, 2024
Toledo, OH: September 25, 2024
Youngstown, OH: October 23, 2024
Athens, OH: November 13, 2024
OFFICE HOURS
Working on an idea, fundraising, or interested in learning more about Lightship? Connect with our Director of Programming, Charlton Cunningham, during one of his Office Hours slots:
FOUNDER RESOURCES
Thank you to our sponsors and partners!
© 2021 LIGHTSHIP FOUNDATION