Entrepreneurship thrives in the Miami Valley, where a rich manufacturing heritage meets modern innovation to create diverse business opportunities. WYSO's entrepreneur coverage celebrates the risk-takers, problem-solvers, and visionaries who are building tomorrow's economy in southwestern Ohio.
Our stories span the entrepreneurial spectrum—from tech startups emerging from University of Dayton and Wright State research to veteran-owned businesses leveraging military experience, from family-owned manufacturers adapting to global markets to social entrepreneurs addressing community challenges through innovative business models.
We explore the unique advantages and obstacles facing Miami Valley entrepreneurs, including access to capital, workforce development, regulatory environments, and the region's industrial infrastructure. Coverage includes success stories of businesses that have grown from local startups to regional employers, as well as lessons learned from ventures that faced setbacks.
Our reporting examines the entrepreneurial ecosystem, featuring business incubators, mentorship programs, investment networks, and the role of organizations like the Dayton Development Coalition in supporting new ventures. We highlight how entrepreneurs contribute to community revitalization, from downtown Dayton's startup scene to rural innovation in surrounding counties.
Stories also focus on diverse entrepreneurship, showcasing women-owned businesses, minority entrepreneurs, and young founders who are reshaping traditional industries or creating entirely new markets. We examine how demographic shifts, technological advances, and changing consumer preferences create opportunities for innovative business models.
Whether covering individual founder journeys, industry trends, or policy changes affecting small business development, our entrepreneur coverage reflects the dynamic spirit of innovation that continues to drive the Miami Valley's economic evolution.
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MilitaryAfter struggling with post-military depression, Air Force veteran William Bowers now helps fellow veterans start businesses, using his military skills to fuel success.
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Army veteran Jeremy Turner shares how military skills shape his success as an entrepreneur in Dayton, OH, and offers advice for other vets launching their own businesses.
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In the new season of Veterans Voices, Army vets Dave and Diamond Smith share stories of entrepreneur Veterans navigating life after service, from struggle to success.
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Beyond Grocery opened in April and offers a grab and go concept for visitors to the Arcade.
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Several West Dayton entrepreneurs told WYSO that artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT can help boost their business and close the gaps that Black-owned businesses can face.
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Montgomery County has awarded The Entrepreneurs Center in Dayton $150,000 to support small tech businesses.
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The former Willman Furniture building is set to be remodeled by the end of 2024.
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Launch Dayton is launching the Business Toolkit, a link that’ll offer free, online entrepreneur and business training courses.
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Dayton non-profit, WestSide Makerspace has received over a million dollars from the City. The plan is to use this money to get a new space by 2025.
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The Ohio Third Frontier has awarded a non-profit, Aviatra Accelerators in Dayton, over $200,000 to expand its services.
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The Hub in the former Dayton arcade is marking its two year anniversary. The space hosts over 70 private offices and 100 companies for office co-working.
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Wilberforce University is teaming up with a federal agency to create a new generation of minority entrepreneurs.