AKRON, Ohio — Small businesses are often the lifeline of the local economy. Data shows they account for 44 percent of U.S. economic activity.
In downtown Akron, dozens of small business and entrepreneurs are working under one roof to invest in a new tomorrow.
Bounce Innovation Hub houses 60 start-up companies and helps entrepreneurs of all types.
- It’s transforming the workforce in Northeast Ohio
- Helps grow businesses by offering support, professional development and a space to test and build products
- They’re seeing a huge influx of minority and women entrepreneurs
"It's like the front door of innovation for Akron. It's a place that companies can come, set up shop, they can get reduced costs as far as rent is concerned, but most importantly they can get entrepreneurs and residents that can help them with their businesses," said Bounce Innovation Hub CEO, Doug Weintraub.
From tech start-ups, to software developers and even barber shops and car lots, Bounce Innovation Hub is transforming the workforce in Northeast Ohio.
"This is what's separating the daydreams to the doers, if you will," said Ace Epps, Director of Inclusive Entrepreneurship at Bounce Innovation Hub.
Epps assists minority and women entrepreneurs. He says nearly half of them are African American and about 70 percent are women.
"There's a great deal of women-started businesses just jumping up. I think being able to fulfill a need that the public's been asking for, I think that's why this is important," said Epps.
Bounce Innovation Hub is open to anyone who wants to grow their business. It offers support, professional development and a space to test and build products.
Kevin Nelson uses the space to grow his company Nelderm. He develops and sells hypoallergenic bandages that treat wounds on fragile and sensitive skin, an idea he came up with in high school.
"To have people who have been there, done that and they have the connections and know how, that are here to help you and want to see you succeed as a person, as a company, as a product, that's number one," said Nelson.
Former pastor Ann Davis, says the hub has helped her launch a brand new business called Imela, a unique event center offering certified programs for the neighborhood.
"It has guided me in things I knew not. I think we get a chance to feed off of each other, we get a chance to brainstorm and say oh, I've never thought about that," said Davis.
As more and more people look to pursue their passion, Bounce Innovation offers a culture, turning big ideas into reality.
"I think that's kind of the trend, they want to kind of control their own destiny and come up with their own ideas," said Weintraub.