The Rotary Club of Akron had the pleasure of listening to Jessica Sublett as she discussed the history and purpose of Bounce Innovation Hub, during our Tuesday, November 8, 2022 Club meeting. View the meeting by clicking here.
As the Chief Operating Officer at Bounce, Jessica focuses her work on ensuring that the organization has the wherewithal to execute on its strategic plan. Jessica has led the organization’s efforts to secure nearly $9M in grant funds since 2018 to sustain the organization’s financial health and has led programming structure and team development to implement and execute on strategic initiatives. In her role, she oversees the daily operations of the organization, which includes financial forecasting and management; HR management; strategic plan execution and reporting; governance and compliance activities; programming oversight; facility management; and resource development.
Jessica will become the CEO of Bounce beginning January 1, 2023.What is Bounce?
Bounce is the first stop for entrepreneurship in Greater Akron
• Founded in January 2018
• Serve entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses at various stages
• Provide programming, mentorship and advising
• Offer a physical location that promotes collaboration and connectivity
• Foster an inclusive community where everyone is welcome
• Currently serve more than 170 clients in northeast Ohio
Bounce catalyzes entrepreneurship and innovation by providing connections, resources, and expertise to build a vibrant community for all.
Where is Bounce located?
Bounce is an old factory turned into a exciting, modern space designed to get work done
- Former BF Goodrich tire plant
- Nearly 100 years old
- Located in downtown Akron
- 300,000 sq. ft. and nine stories
- 60 resident organizations
- 300 people working and creating
- First-floor Generator open to the public
- Co-working and Office Space
- Meeting and Event Space
Why Does Bounce Exist?
Bounce believes it has a role in the community that is even bigger
than their immediate focus of serving entrepreneurs. Bounce seeks to:
• Build the entrepreneur, first
• Provide a vibrant, inclusive space for connection and collaboration
• Support ecosystem building throughout the community and in league with their partners
What are some of the Programs at Bounce?
Entrepreneurial Programs:
- Incubator – Bounce’s signature program for qualified technology companies that need business assistance and mentorship.
- Accelerator – Three-month-long program for early-stage start-ups that focuses on building and launching a software product.
GROW (Generating Real Opportunity and Wealth:
For entrepreneurs and small businesses, with a focus on minorities and women.
- Aspiring Entrepreneur: a 10-week cohort for those just starting out
- MORTAR at Bounce: a 15-week accelerator for early small businesses
- Next Level: an incubator program for Black-owned, established small businesses that offers expert entrepreneur-in-residence support
General Programs and Services:
- Coworking and Office Space
- Event and Meeting Space/Conference Center
- The Workshop: A Creative Co-op
- Café and Coffee Shop
To learn more about any of the programs listed above, funding sources, Bounce’s impact and results, and how you can help spread the word about this community resource, view Ms. Sublett’s presentation and/or check out Bounce’s website at www.bouncehub.org
Yours in service
Terry Dalton
Club Secretary and Scholarship Chairperson
