A recent report by the Upjohn Institute and Cleveland State University Center for Economic Development, with support from the E.M. Kauffman Foundation, sheds light on the strengths and areas for improvement in support services for minority entrepreneurs in the Dayton, Ohio, region.
Based on interviews with representatives from the Launch Dayton Network and Dayton’s broader entrepreneurship ecosystem, the report highlights Dayton's vibrant culture of entrepreneurship. Respondents emphasized the city's affordability, quality of life, ample support to entrepreneurs and an active community that makes Dayton a “great place to work and live.” Interviewees noted that the entrepreneurial spirit is thriving, with a “groundswell of innovative and creative people” fueling this culture.
Key Takeaways
Strong Community Support: Dayton’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is characterized by a spirit of camaraderie and mutual support, which is especially evident during events like the annual Start-Up Week. This event is widely recognized for fostering a unified community around minority entrepreneurship.
Need for Enhanced Evaluation Metrics: Establishing a common, robust evaluation matrix that tracks explicit business growth metrics could help service organizations align their efforts and provide continuity, even as leadership changes within the ecosystem.
Emphasis on Foundational Business Skills: The report calls for a stronger focus on teaching foundational business skills—the "vocabulary of business." These skills should be taught and mentored respectfully, with an understanding of the varied backgrounds of minority entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs should be open to honest feedback on essential skills for business success.
Benefits of Case Management Models: As coaching services expand, the benefits of a case management approach in supporting minority entrepreneurs are beginning to be realized, helping ensure that entrepreneurs receive tailored, ongoing support.
Focus on Long-Term Sustainability: The report highlights the need for the ecosystem to move beyond an emphasis on short-term achievements to also focus on long-term sustainability for minority owned businesses. This includes providing access to resources that support generational success and developing technology and entrepreneurship skills among minority youth to create a sustainable pipeline for future businesses.
“There is a solid foundation in place in Dayton,” said Iryna Lendel, senior director of Upjohn Regional. “By addressing these recommendations, the entrepreneurial ecosystem can better support the growth and long-term success of minority-owned businesses, contributing to a more inclusive and resilient economy.”
About Upjohn Regional
Upjohn Regional focuses on applied economic research and technical assistance. The group addresses issues in regional economies, economic development, workforce/occupational development, evaluation, public policy development, and economic impact modeling and analysis. The team assists corporate, nonprofit, economic, and workforce development entities, along with all levels of government, in problem resolution and strategic decision-making. In addition to offering a comprehensive set of economic development services, the Upjohn Regional team also provides land use and resource planning, mapping capabilities, and the Regional Datahub.