YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The first cohort within the Opportunity Ready small business accelerator program has graduated.
The initiative, supported by the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, provides economic opportunities to bolster late-stage startups and early-stage growth companies through a 10-week program that helps owners scale their business and build capacity, as well as promote vendor and supplier diversity.
The eight members of the cohort are:
- Corey Patrick, YoGo Bikeshare.
- Marcus Tsilimos, Premier Painting and Finishing Co. LLC.
- Michael MacEwen, Wayfinder Business Solutions.
- Hasheen Wilson, New Behavioral Health Services.
- Stacey Grant, Divine Beauty Supply Co.
- Syl Frazzini, American Business Center.
- Andrea Mahone-Blackmon, Just In Time Employment Agency.
- Leah Beatty, Furrever & After Cat Sanctuary.
A graduation ceremony was held March 28 at the Apollo Event Center, downtown.
The program, a combination of online and in-person learning, provides guidance, mentorship and training, while giving participants access to the Regional Chamber’s resources and support.
Opportunity Ready is led by Vern Richberg, the chamber’s director of economic opportunity and inclusion initiatives.
More information about the program is available HERE.
Pictured at top: From left are Corey Patrick, Marcus Tsilimos, Michael MacEwen, Hasheen Wilson, Stacey Grant, Syl Frazzini, Andrea Mahone-Blackmon and Leah Beatty.