Recapping some big successes on the local startup scene

This year has been a big one for Main Street Ventures, as it celebrated grant recipients, new programs, and supported the community in major ways. The organization, which aims to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs in the Queen City, wants to make owning a business a possibility for everyone.

Main Street Ventures is well on its way after launching two new programs this year: Launch It: Cincy and the Inventure Entrepreneurship Academy.

Launch It: Cincy is a pitch competition geared exclusively for undergraduate students in the Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Greater Dayton region. Those who win the competition are awarded a unique prize package that supports the winning teams to stay in Cincinnati over the summer, build relationships within the Startup Ecosystem, and focus on building their business.

Meanwhile the Inventure Entrepreneurship Academy is a week-long immersive experience for high school students who are interested in entrepreneurship. It takes students through the ideation process, teaches them leadership skills, and provides business education from regional experts. Then, at the end of the experience, students pitch their ideas in an effort to win funding toward their venture.

In addition to these wins noted by Main Street Ventures, the organization has also awarded funds to high level grant recipients. There were 41 grants distributed to regional small businesses.

The organizations partnered with Main Street Ventures have seen major wins in 2022 as well. RE-Assist was an MIT Solve and United Way Black Empowerment Fund Recipient; Nettie Pickleball is now sold in more than 80 Dicks Sporting Goods locations and online, selling on Amazing, was featured in Reese Witherspoon's Holiday Gift Guide, Men's health, Forbes, and on the Drew Barrymore Show; Lulu's Sweets boutique opened their first storefront at 7745 Cox Lane in West Chester, Sweet Mae's Cookie Company is selling in more than 150 Target stores in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois; MadCheese and Tickety Boo Treats partnered to bring a plant-based and gluten-free holiday dinner menu; uGOgelato opened their first storefront at 1733 Elm St. in Cincinnati; Lucca opened their second location at 124 E. 13th St. in Cincinnati; and Passion Plate teamed up with the Sam Hubbard Foundation to provide more than 100 families with Thanksgiving meals this holiday season.

Overall, since 2018, Main Street Ventures has distributed more than $2.8 million into the Startup Ecosystem with more than 132 companies and organizations that have been impacted.

To learn more about Main Street Ventures and how you can support their mission or benefit from their grants, visit here.