Small business owners in Southeast Ohio have a unique opportunity to step away from the day-to-day grind and make big changes for their future. Lightship Foundation, in partnership with the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce, is hosting an immersive three-day boot camp in Chillicothe, Ohio from August 25-27, offering practical, hands-on support to help businesses sharpen their strategies, boost sales, and prepare for growth – at no cost.

Lightship Foundation, an impact-driven organization serving remarkable entrepreneurs and ecosystems, established its headquarters in the Cincinnati Innovation District in 2021. The organization has played an integral role in making Ohio more inclusive for minority- and women-owned businesses and helps drive the state’s growing startup ecosystem.

“Partnering with Lightship Foundation, JobsOhio, and OhioSE to bring this bootcamp to Chillicothe is an exciting step in strengthening our entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Mike Throne, President and CEO of the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce. “Our goal at the Chamber is to connect local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and resources they need to succeed. Lightship’s proven programs provide practical guidance and fresh perspectives that can help our small business community grow, adapt, and thrive in today’s economy. We’re proud to help create opportunities that will have a lasting impact on our local economy and the people who drive it.”

Lightship’s Bootcamp program includes a thoughtfully constructed curriculum and exercises, including investment deck audit and revision, pitch audit and revision consultation, abbreviated financial audit and guidance, legal guidance, brand audit and workshop, customer insight report, business model canvas, product landing page audit and revision, and more. JobsOhio is supporting the expansion of the Lightship Bootcamp program as part of the economic development corporation’s growing strategy to support small businesses in Ohio.

“Having completed the bootcamp, my business is now visible to many reputable organizations Lightship is connected with,” said Veronica Blue, CEO of Phenomenal Foods in Euclid, Ohio. “This has translated into tangible new opportunities for my business. I’m always grateful when these opportunities hit my inbox because it shows they truly care about the success of our businesses.”

Lightship Bootcamp is designed to help business owners leave with a stronger plan, a sharper message, and a network of support they can rely on.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our regional economy, but it’s easy to get stuck in the day-to-day,” said Matt Abbott, President and CEO of OhioSE. “This bootcamp gives owners the space, tools, and expert advice to step back, refocus, and make changes that can truly transform their business. For some, it could be the turning point that takes them from surviving to thriving - and it’s right here in our region.”

Business owners, entrepreneurs, and innovators can visit Lightship Foundation’s website to learn more and apply.

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Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) is the JobsOhio Network Partner for southern, eastern, and southeastern Ohio, providing economic development work and resources in 25 rural counties. Geographically the largest of the seven regions across the state, OhioSE partners closely with regional development districts, local economic development offices, state agencies, and other entities to expand, retain, and attract businesses in the counties they serve.