The Startup Circle: A Comprehensive Development Conference

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About this Event


SPARK Akron x Beyond Startup are collaborating to bring entrepreneurs an all-day conference focused on addressing misconceptions many founders in the ecosystem face in the form of interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and more.

PARKING:

Please ensure you are parking in the designated Bounce Parking areas, reference the "Bounce member, tenant and visitor parking" areas listed below. Any parking outside of this area is not under the designation of Bounce and subject to private ticketing/fines. There is ADA accessible parking spots directly in front of the Bounce main entrance, labeled as "Bounce short-term visitor parking" on the supplied map.

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Notice of Filming & Photography

This event will be used to photograph and record video to be used to promote Bounce Innovation Hub. By your presence at this event, you consent to be photographed, filmed and/or otherwise recorded. You also grant your permission for your likeness to be included without compensation, credit or other consideration. Please contact us with any concerns.

Agenda


🕑: 08:45 AM - 09:25 AM
Doors Open, Check-in, & Networking

🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Keynote Address
Host: Emmanuel Hilton, Bounce Innovation Hub

🕑: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Workshop 1: Designing a Business with Intention
Host: Nicole Kurtz, Aducate Digital

Info: Most entrepreneurs move forward without stopping to ask what they’re really building, or why. This session is designed to interrupt that pattern. Through guided activities, you’ll take a clear-eyed look at your goals, your capacity, and your definition of success. The purpose isn’t to hand you every answer, but to give you a clearer sense of whether your business truly supports the vision you set out to create.

🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Lunch and Networking

🕑: 12:45 PM - 02:15 PM
Workshop 2: Startup Fundamentals: Exploring Revenue Models
Host: Bob Leach, Braintree Business Development Center

Info: The reality is most start-ups fail due to bad revenue models based on wrong information. This will be an interactive session exploring and developing your products’ value proposition utilizing honest, accurate and unbiased feedback through customer discovery. Leveraging this customer discovery feedback, we will translate the information to explore revenue models and barriers to profitability, increasing your chances of success.

🕑: 12:45 PM - 02:15 PM
Workshop 3: Nonprofit Startup Secrets: Questions Every Founder Should Ask
Host: Brian Reitz, Akron Community Foundation

Info: Considering a nonprofit as your next venture? This session explores the real-world hurdles, essential questions, and decision points that every entrepreneur should examine before moving forward. You’ll leave with the insights and tools to choose the model that maximizes both impact and sustainability.

🕑: 02:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Workshop 4: 5 Things to Do Before You Start Marketing
Host: Tyron Hoisten, Video 306

Info: A focused, practical workshop designed to help you lay the groundwork for a business that’s clear, purposeful, and built to last. You’ll learn how to define your vision, sharpen your message, and shape a brand story that connects—before spending a dime on marketing. Whether you're launching or relaunching, this session will help you move with confidence and direction.

🕑: 04:15 PM - 04:30 PM
Future Events, Raffle Winner, & Adjournment
Host: Nick Glavan, Bounce Innovation Hub

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