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Inclusive Business Recovery Opportunity Center proposed in Dayton to support local entrepreneurs

THE REMAINDER OF THIS ARTICLE IS FOR PREMIUM MEMBERS Two prominent Miami Valley organizations may soon enter a joint partnership in support of aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the region. Two prominent Miami Valley organizations may soon enter a joint partnership in support of aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the region. The city of Dayton seeks to enter into an agreement with the Entrepreneurs Center (EC) for the establishment, management and operation of an Inclusive Business Recovery Opportunity Center (IBROC) in Dayton. Over the past year, Next Street — an advisory firm which designs and develops solutions to connect entrepreneurs and small business owners with resources — has collaborated with the city of Dayton to develop a comprehensive business and financial plan for the IBROC. GET TO KNOW YOUR CITY Find Local Events Near You Connect with a community of local professionals. Explore All Events This initiative aims to revitalize Dayton companies and provide support and resources to untapped entrepreneurs. The city first engaged Next Street in 2023 to conduct a deep assessment of Dayton's small business landscape — an effort that included over 30 interviews and focus groups with local business owners, stakeholders and community leaders. Last May, Next Street completed the IBROC Business Plan, offering detailed findings, data analysis and actionable recommendations. Key conclusions emphasized the need for ecosystem infrastructure programming, tailored business support and increased coordination across resources. The proposed Entrepreneurs Center's agreement with the city includes a sub-award agreement with the Miami Valley Urban League (MVUL), who will partner with the EC to provide services and achieve the program's mission. The MVUL and Entrepreneurs Center will open the new center and serve as a convener and capacity builder in the small business ecosystem and ensure the strategic business plan adopted by the IBROC planning committee is implemented. The new center will work on raising awareness of existing local assets, creating access to tools for growth and ensuring long-term sustainability and shared success in the Dayton small business ecosystem. The EC and MVUL partnership was selected through an RFP process led by Next Street. The agreement — which totals $2.4 million — will commence upon execution and terminate on Dec. 31, 2028. According to an RFP released by Next Street, the IBROC launch is anticipated for late spring this year. The city of Dayton will convene on Wednesday, April 23 to discuss the agreement. Headquartered at the Arcade Innovation Hub in downtown Dayton, the Entrepreneurs' Center is an economic development organization whose mission is to power progress and prosperity through entrepreneurship. Annually, the organization works with over 1,000 entrepreneurs to start and grow companies, create jobs, generate revenue and attract investment. Established in 1947, the Miami Valley Urban League helps individuals, families, and businesses achieve generational wealth through career development programs and entrepreneurship growth. Dayton-Area Economic Development Groups Operating budget Rank Prior Rank Organization 1 1 The Entrepreneurs' Center, Inc. 2 2 Dayton Development Coalition 3 3 CityWide Development Corporation View this list