Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub

"So what exactly does Flywheel do?" Donna Zaring, our Executive Director, breaks it down: Flywheel is all about empowering entrepreneurs who are committed to making a positive impact. We encourage them to take on BIG problems and find innovative solutions. We provide them with coaching, mentorship, resources, and a network of support to help their startups grow and succeed. #FlywheelCincy #ImpactAccelerator #CincyStartups

Meet Gabrielle Blocher, the dynamic CEO of Sunflower Fuels!🌻 Originally from Cincinnati, Gaby is a former Marine Logistics officer who brings extensive experience in start-up management and business growth. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the United States Naval Academy and an MBA in Economics from Columbia Business School. She is also the President of the Board of the Mercantile Library of Cincinnati and is dedicated to solving complex problems and building teams that thrive. Gaby is passionate about creating a happy, healthy future for her children and is ready to take on any challenge!

👋 Meet Alison Connor, MHA co-founder of Greenway Innovations, Inc.! Originally from Buffalo, NY, Allison holds degrees from Niagara County Community College, SUNY Buffalo State Graduate School, and the University of Cincinnati. With a background in healthcare administration, including a role as Manager of Support Services at Bon Secours Mercy Health, Allison brings a wealth of experience to her business. She’s also deeply passionate about volunteering in her community, reading, and growing her business. We’re proud to have her as part of our Flywheel family!

Advice for Founders in 1 Word: FOCUS 🎯 In the fast-paced world of startups, our coach Joan Kaup offers essential advice: focus is key. With so many ideas and a passion to help others, it's easy to lose direction. Joan encourages founders to take it step by step, stay focused on what truly matters, and avoid wasting time. That’s how great ideas turn into successful ventures. Her coaching continues to guide our founders toward meaningful impact and growth. #FlywheelCoaches #FlywheelCincy #AdviceforStartups

Meet the founders of X-inator! 🌟 Learn more about this innovative team that is revolutionizing the clean energy space with their high-yield, low-carbon battery solutions. 🔋 They’re on a mission to power the future sustainably, and we’re proud to have them in our SustainableCincy 2024 cohort! 🚀 Hridayesh Kumar William Mattis Roee Omessi Sebastian Padron

Our founders come from all over the U.S., and some have even lived abroad, bringing unique perspectives and experiences to their ventures. 🌍 Their global mindset and commitment to creating sustainable change unite them in driving innovation forward! 🌟

Meet the Cohort: Ecoshell ⭐️ Ecoshell LLC is at the forefront of the fight against plastic waste, offering the world's only patented solution made from eggshells.🥚 This innovative approach enables businesses to reduce their plastic usage by up to 50% and decrease carbon emissions by 70%. Ecoshell’s mission is not just about environmental responsibility; it's about empowering companies to adopt sustainable practices without sacrificing their bottom line. We’re excited to support their journey toward a circular economy and a greener future! Andrew Bliss

Meet the Cohort: MOD FAB ⭐️ Founded in response to the pressing need for new construction following the 2008 market crash, MOD FAB is dedicated to delivering sustainable and affordable modular cargotecture homes made from shipping containers. Their mission focuses on creating practical and scalable approaches that drive social, commercial, and environmental transformation, specifically targeting underserved communities in both urban and rural areas. By prioritizing access to quality housing, MOD FAB is paving the way for a more inclusive future. Kémo A'akhutera

We are incredibly proud of our SustainableCincy cohort who participated in Alloy's Green Room this week, an event focused on sustainable innovation. Our Executive Director, Donna Zaring, shared her expertise as a panelist, offering valuable insights into the future of sustainability. Each of our founders delivered their 1-minute pitches to an audience of investors, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates, followed by an expo-style showcase where they networked and shared more about their ventures. We’re thrilled to say they all the founders absolutely knocked it out of the park—representing Flywheel with excellence! Gabrielle Blocher, Sunflower Fuels Alison Connor, MHA, Greenway Innovations, Inc. Kémo A'akhutera, MOD FAB Andrew Bliss, Ecoshell LLC Cintrifuse Union Hall Cincy

Three weeks into our 2024 SustainableCincy cohort program, and the momentum is building! On day one, we asked each cohort member what they were most excited about—now, they’re three weeks in and fully engaged with community speakers, making valuable connections, and working on their innovative companies to drive sustainability. 🌍 Their passion and dedication are driving meaningful progress, and we can’t wait to see where this journey takes them. 🚀