Resources and funding opportunities
Youngstown Business Incubator provides added value to portfolio companies by connecting entrepreneurs with the tools, support and funding sources to cultivate their ideas into thriving businesses.
Microsoft BizSpark partner
YBI has access to codes for its startup entities to become BizSpark clients, which allows them to access Microsoft programs, OS downloads, tools for software development and so much more.
HubSpot for startups
As are a “HubSpot for Startups” incubator, we’ve partnered with HubSpot to offer a 90 percent scholarship on their marketing and sales tools.
(UI/UX) user interface/user experience testing
We will arrange volunteer focus groups to test a company’s website and the experience they had during the process. You bring the interface, we bring the users.
Intros to movers and shakers
Our extensive internal and external networks allow us to make high-level introductions to customers and investors.
Pitch deck development
We can expertly assist you in developing fundable pitch deck presentations.
LeadFeeder
LeadFeeder is a software that utilizes Google Analytics to show you what prospects and customers do on your website so you can feed high-quality leads to your sales team. It also integrates to your CRM and email marketing tools to increase your sales intelligence.
Everyone gets a mentor
We assign each client an entrepreneur-in-residence, or EIR, to assist them in developing their pitch deck, raising funds, hiring key team members, and setting and achieving milestones critical to their success.
A network of resources who share your goals
YBI, as part of the Northeast Ohio Entrepreneurial Signature Program (NEO ESP) funded by the Ohio Third Frontier Program, has access to a network of incubators, accelerators and funding organizations. These organizations are all after the same goal - growing your idea, creating jobs and creating wealth in our communities.
Ugly baby sessions
Let’s face it, no one will ever come out and tell you your baby (your big idea) is ugly. Put you down in front of a room of experts and complete strangers? There is where your real, honest feedback is.
Refer to our blog on 3rd party market validation to find out why your mom and grandma think your idea is the ‘next big thing,’ but in reality no one really needs a Bluetooth Enabled Dog Leash with a heated handle.
Marketing
YBI has an in-house marketing and communications coordinator resource to assist portfolio companies with the development and maintenance of marketing materials, websites and social media presence.
Bookkeeping and accounting
YBI’s in-house accountant offers basic bookkeeping and accounting support to its clients at a low cost, if not free.
In-house technical expertise
Developers, designers and engineers, oh my! We’ve got them all. We have a little black book of trusted software, web and app developers, graphic and interactive designers, and engineers to fit any of your projects.
Valley Growth Ventures
Vgv is a for-profit investment fund created to support high-growth companies. The plan is to leverage the industry expertise, personnel, facilities, talent network, and operations of the partner organizations.
The goal is to achieve strong returns to investors while creating high-paying technology jobs.