By Elizabeth Jadue
Under CEO Barb Ewing’s leadership, YBI delivered significant economic impact across the region in 2025, supporting small businesses, minority business efforts, manufacturers, and tech startups through its programs and strategic partnerships.
To better reflect its broader regional reach, the Youngstown Business Incubator has officially rebranded as YBI. This acknowledges YBI’s evolution from a tech incubator to a multifaceted economic development organization. The rebrand includes a new tagline – “Where Grit Meets Growth” – that honors the organization’s Youngstown roots and the character cultivated through its growth in the city.
In addition to rebranding, YBI underwent significant renovations to its main campus building located at 241 W. Federal St. in Youngstown. In November, a ribbon-cutting ceremony honored donors and celebrated the building’s transformation.
Among the high-profile projects this year is the Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace and Defense, led by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining through America Makes. YBI plays an essential role in this initiative, as it will operate the Hub, oversee facility management, provide entrepreneurship services, support company growth, and provide supply chain services for
manufacturers.
YBI also contributed to the design of the 110,000-square-foot facility, which is expected to create 450 new jobs by 2029 and expand opportunities for aerospace and defense startups.
The organization’s advanced manufacturing program continued to move initiatives forward in 2025. In May, the program hosted its inaugural Advanced Manufacturing User eXpo at Eastwood Event Centre, bringing together YBI clients, staff, and regional manufacturing leaders for panel discussions and peer-to-peer engagement.
Last year, YBI’s Rising Tides Initiative supported LeapFast Manufacturing Inc. by establishing operations in its Tech Block Building 5 downtown. The project also supported Defense and Energy Systems LLC, Youngstown Phoenix Tool and Die, and Kilar Fabrication Inc.
Through YBI’s Drive AM initiative, the YBI placed on loan its UltiMaker S7 3D printer to REM Electronics in Warren and Kiraly Tool and Die Inc. in Youngstown for sampling and testing. The Digital Engineering Workforce program also helped Rimeco Products Inc. implement systems enhancing Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) capability, operational efficiency, quality control, and data-driven decision-making. In addition, Automation Tool and Die Inc. received support to upscale software, while Humtown Additive participated in a three-day on-site training on advanced scanning and digital modeling.
Building on the momentum of its advanced manufacturing initiatives, YBI continued its support for entrepreneurs and growing companies through the YBI Engine Tech Incubator. In 2025, the program attracted three startups: Nivalon Medical, an innovative spinal implant developer; LeapFast Manufacturing, an advanced manufacturing company; and Agilis Air, a drone technology firm.
All 2025 YBI Shark Tank finalists were Engine portfolio companies, with each receiving $5,000 for advancing to the finals. LeapFast Manufacturing won the competition, while Gizmo and Trinket received the Audience Choice Award.
YBI was also designated Ohio’s hub for the Center of Excellence for Advanced Manufacturing, driving innovation and commercialization in advanced manufacturing.
Alongside its manufacturing and startup initiatives, YBI continued to drive regional community impact through the Ohio Department of Development’s Minority Business Assistance Center.
The MBAC team was recognized as the number one performer in the state, despite operating with the smallest budget and population base. In 2025, the team helped clients secure $448,923 in contracts, supported the creation of 63 jobs, and contributed $171,000 in capital to client companies.
To further highlight and celebrate minority-owned businesses, MBAC also announced the inaugural EmpowerUS Awards. The first EmpowerUS Awards will take place Feb. 26 at Stambaugh Auditorium. It recognizes leadership, impact, and growth within the region’s minority business community.
Throughout the year, MBAC clients continued to experience growth. Uncle Crunch, a woman-owned freeze-dried treats company, expanded distribution to 96 stores across Ohio and Pennsylvania. Jasmine Neal, founder of Healing Hearts CPR, a CPR training company, received a microloan from the Ohio Department of Development to purchase equipment.
Meanwhile, YBI’s Explore VR – a education program that engages young people through virtual reality platforms – reached more than 2,400 students across Ashtabula, Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties in 2025 through STEM-focused career exploration.
Explore VR partnered with regional organizations, including the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition and the Better Business Bureau, as well as local companies, including Humtown, #1 Cochran Cars, and Novelis, to develop virtual reality experiences showcasing career pathways in the Mahoning Valley. To support this work, Explore VR secured $55,000 from the Taco Bell Foundation, additional funding from Bank of America, and a $35,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
