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Opportunity Ready Business Accelerator Program

Welcome to Opportunity Ready—your starting point for scaling smarter and growing stronger. Whether you’re fine-tuning your business model, entering new markets, or building a more agile company culture, this is where momentum meets opportunity. Let’s scale what you’ve started!
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    About Opportunity Ready: Fueling Growth for Small Businesses

    Opportunity Ready isn’t just another business program—it’s your launchpad to scale, grow, and stand out. Backed by the Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber and a highly supportive team of community partners, this accelerator is all about helping local entrepreneurs like you break through growth barriers and build something lasting.

    Whether you're a late-stage startup ready to level up or an early growth company looking to gain momentum, Opportunity Ready is here to boost your business smarts, expand your capacity, and unlock real opportunities.

     

    The Advantage You’ve Been Looking For

    We get it—running and growing a small business is no small feat. That’s why we designed this program with you in mind. Opportunity Ready delivers practical, hands-on support tailored to the unique needs of micro and small businesses. From sharpening your strategy to opening doors for supplier diversity and local contracting, we help you reach farther, earn more, and build better.

    Selected businesses gain exclusive access to tools, guidance, and resources that make a difference—think expert support, real connections, and a game plan that actually works. You’ll walk away with a clear path to growth, strategic investment readiness, and a community that’s got your back.

     

    Why Opportunity Ready Stands Out

    Here’s what makes this program a game-changer for small business owners:

    Hybrid Learning That Works for You

    Opportunity Ready blends the best of both worlds—on-demand e-learning you can do at your own pace and powerful in-person sessions that spark real connection. Whether you’re learning from your laptop or face-to-face with other entrepreneurs, you’ll get a flexible experience that fits your schedule and fuels your growth.

    Learn With (and From) Other Business Owners

    You’re not doing this alone. Our peer-to-peer learning environment brings together ambitious, like-minded business owners who openly share insights, lessons learned, and what’s actually working. It’s collaborative, energizing, and full of real-world value—because we grow faster when we grow together.

    Strategy-Driven Growth Support

    Ready to scale up? Opportunity Ready gives you hands-on business coaching and actionable tools to sharpen your strategy, strengthen your operations, and boost your visibility. From mastering your numbers to leveling up your marketing, you’ll gain the confidence and clarity to make smart, growth-focused moves.

    Built for Local Impact

    This isn’t just about one business—it’s about the whole community. By empowering local entrepreneurs, Opportunity Ready helps build a stronger, more resilient economy in the Youngstown-Warren region. When your business grows, our entire region benefits—and we’re here to make sure you’re part of that momentum.

     

    Is This You? Then You Belong Here.

    Opportunity Ready is built for go-getters who are ready to grow. If you’ve got a vision, some traction, and the drive to scale up—we want you in the room. Whether you’re running a small business, leading a nonprofit, or just getting serious about your next big move, this program gives you the tools, connections, and clarity to make it happen.

    Who It's For:

    Entrepreneurs & Founders of late-stage startups or early-growth businesses who are ready to turn momentum into serious growth.

    Small Business Owners & Solopreneurs looking for practical, real-world guidance to level up—not textbook theory.

    Nonprofit Leaders (think Executive Directors, COOs, and mission-driven changemakers) who want to grow impact and sustainability.

    Ambitious Students (undergrad & grad) studying business or entrepreneurship and hungry to apply their ideas in the real world.

    You don’t need a fancy title or a pitch-perfect plan—you just need commitment, curiosity, and a business you’re serious about growing.

     

    Ready to Grow? Let’s Make It Happen.

    Join Opportunity Ready and kickstart a journey of discovery, innovation, and serious business momentum. Whether you're looking to fine-tune your business model, tap into new markets, or build a more energized and agile company culture—this program has your back.

    We’ll help you shift your mindset, strengthen your brand, deliver more value to your customers, and stand out in a crowded market. With the right tools, insights, and community, you won’t just keep up—you’ll lead. Opportunity Ready gives you the edge you need to grow with confidence and win in today’s competitive landscape.

     

    Program Fees

    Up to 80% of the tuition and program costs of each participant company are sponsored by the Regional Chamber and its network of funders.

    The cost per participant/company is $200.00. Payable at the time of selection.

    Program fees are not reimbursable after week two (2).

    Credits

    Each selected company will receive a $200.00 credit which may be applied towards one of these options;

    (1) a regional chamber membership, or

    (2) if you're a current member, you're next membership billing

     

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    To be eligible for Opportunity Ready applicants must meet all four of the following application requirements to participate in a cohort. 

    1. Regional Chamber members have selection priority, but a membership is NOT required to apply
    2. The business must be located within one of the Regional Chamber's MSA/W.PA counties: (Ashtabula, Columbiana, Trumbull, Mahoning, and Mercer (PA)
    3. The business applying must have been in business for at least two (2) years and submit Articles of Organization or related business registration documentation 
    4. Must have filed prior or current year tax return for the business applying 
    5. As a part of becoming "opportunity ready"; the applicant (business owner), if eligible, will be encouraged to submit documentation for certification as a Minority, Woman, or Veteran Friendly Business Enterprise. (MBE, WBE, EDGE, VFBE)

    Learn more about Ohio Minority, Women, and Veteran-Owned Business Certifications

    Do I qualify? Search the Office of Business Certifications here:

    https://development.ohio.gov/business/minority-business/business-certifications

    What required documents are needed to apply for certification?

    https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/development.ohio.gov/business/minority/Required-Documents-for-MBE-EDGE-and-WBE-Certification.pdf 

    Veteran-Friendly Business Enterprise Procurement Program (VFBE) 

    If you employ and/or hire veterans, or you're a veteran yourself check out this procurement program:  

    https://development.ohio.gov/business/minority-business/business-certifications/veteran-friendly-business-enterprise-procurement-program

     

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    Cohort Orientation

    Each applicant business selected must attend an IN-PERSON orientation meeting held prior to the launch of the cohort.

    Scheduled 2026 Orientation Meetings 

    January 22, April 16, and September 17, 2026 at 3:00 pm, at the Regional Chamber, Window World Conference Room.

    In-Person (IP) and Virtual Classroom (VC) Meeting Dates are:

    Winter Cohort Meeting Dates

    January 22 (IP, Orientation), 29 (IP)

    February 5 (IP), 9 (IP), 12 (VC), 19 (IP), 26 (IP)

    March 5 (IP), 12 (VC), 19 (IP), 26 (IP)

    April 2 (IP, Make-up), 9 (IP, Graduation Week, Details TBA)

    Spring Cohort Meeting Dates

    April 16 (IP, Orientation), 23 (IP), 30 (IP)

    May 7 (VC), 14 (IP), 21 (VC), 28 (IP)

    June 4 (VC), 11 (IP), 18 (IP), 25 (IP, Make-Up)

    July 11 (IP, Graduation Week, Details TBA)

    Fall 2026 Cohort Meeting Dates

    September 17 (IP, Orientation), 24 (IP)

    October 1 (IP), 8 (VC), 15 (IP), 22 (VC), 29 (IP)

    November 5 (VC), 12 (IP), 19 (IP), 26 (IP, Make-up) 

    December 3 (IP, Graduation Week, Details TBA)

    Cohort Learning Requirements

    Applicants must complete 36 hours of in-person and online learning and must agree to complete the following: 

    • Weekly self-paced online learning activities (1.5 hours weekly)
    • Attend six scheduled in-person cohort activities, and one discretionary event activity (18 total hours)
      • Event activities are off-site activities sponsored by the Regional Chamber. These activities are discretionary in terms of the participant's scheduling allowances.
      • Qualifying discretionary events include: 
        • Power Lunches
        • Inc Collab Events
        • Good Morning and Good Evening Events
        • Business Roundtables
        • Lattes With Legislators 

    Program Completion Requirements

    Cohort participants must complete the following to meet program graduation requirements:

    • Submission of verification documents (see below)
    • Completion of cohort online learning requirements
    • Attendance at in-person cohort learning and off-site cohort activities

    Required Documentation

    If selected, you will be asked to provide the following documentation to verify your company's eligibility status:

    1. Copy Articles of Organization (Ohio companies), or equivalent state (PA) registration document.
    2. Confirmation or Proof of Tax Filing (examples; copy of the filing receipt, Tax Preparer certification, Ohio 1040, Form 1040 Schedule C, or Form 1120) The actual filed return is not required.

    Save Time: You can upload the documents now to save time. You may redact personal information such as social security numbers or EINs related to you or the business.

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    Optional Information

    Information regarding gender, ethnic origin and race are optional. The information we're requested is for measuring our diversity impact.

    Providing, or not providing this information will NOT impact your application scoring. Opportunity Ready is open to all local businesses regardless of any of the aforementioned statuses.

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