YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Twelve local entrepreneurs recently graduated from the second cohort of Opportunity Ready, a small business accelerator program supported by the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber and its community partners.
The event, held June 26 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Youngstown Downtown, recognized the graduates and brought together business and community leaders, as well as supporters, for a celebration and networking mixer.
The entrepreneurs in the second cohort are:
- Maureen Lauer-Gatta, mindful leadership and wellness strategist at Maureen Lauer-Gatta LLC.
- Bryant Youngblood, executive director of Evolve Innovation.
- Akeera Kelley, president of Key Relaxation Therapeutic Massage LLC.
- Paul Guzman, president of Smart Solutions Unlimited Inc.
- Lashara Kornegay, founder and director of Shining Stars Care System.
- Julie Swauger, co-owner of Wayfinder Business Solutions.
- Rev. Shane K. Floyd, founder of Warren Food Cooperative.
- Monica Vega, artist and founder of Gallery 18.
- John-Michael Oliver, executive director of African American Male Wellness Agency.
- Matthew Longmire, business resource manager at Valley Economic Development Partners.
- Brittany Overton, owner and CEO of BrittNe & Co. LLC.
- Dionne Dowdy-Lacey, co-founder and executive director of United Returning Citizens.
Opportunity Ready helps equip late-stage startups and early-stage growth companies with the tools, coaching and resources needed to expand. The program is part of the Regional Chamber’s broader commitment to building a strong, inclusive regional economy.
So far, the Opportunity Ready program has graduated 20 members.
Pictured at top: From left are Maureen Lauer-Gatta, Bryant Youngblood, Akeera Kelley, Paul Guzman, Lashara Kornegay, Julie Swauger, Rev. Shane K. Floyd, Monica Vega, John-Michael Oliver, Matthew Longmire, Brittany Overton and Dionne Dowdy-Lacey.