Beavercreek, Ohio – Parallax Advanced Research, through its Launch Dayton team, has won Dayton Business Journal’s Fire Award, formally known as “Inno on Fire.” The Fire Awards were introduced in July 2022 to recognize organizations that are supporting startups in the Dayton community. The award is a testament to Parallax’s and Launch Dayton’s efforts over the last seven years to build the local startup community.
“In the last 12 months, our key programs, like Parallax’s Early Risers Academy Program, have grown immensely and made a great impact on the Dayton business community,” said John Owen, program manager at Parallax Advanced Research.
Parallax’s Early Risers Program is a ten-week business planning boot camp that has resulted in 88 graduates across 14 cohorts. The program is on its fifteenth cohort now. The program helps first-time entrepreneurs build strong business foundations. Graduates of the Early Risers Academy cohorts are diverse and comprise 72% female and 77% minority entrepreneurs.
In addition, Parallax started its Launch Dayton Mentor Network in 2021. The Mentor Network supports new and growing business owners by connecting them to experienced business mentors who can provide one-on-one support to help their peers avoid costly mistakes while they pursue their business growth goals.
Parallax’s MedTech Launch Fund also impacted the business community by supporting early-stage medical-technology companies with regulatory support and assistance for prototyping their ideas.
“We were able to deploy just over $400,000 to six companies. Those six companies moved their technology from bench-testing to developing prototypes that can be presented to investors and interested downstream companies. During our Startup Week this September, we have a MedTech Showcase for those companies where we invite potential investors to visit with them,” said Owen
Launch Dayton has also helped entrepreneurs find and access resources through diligent marketing efforts, led by Audrey Ingram, Launch Dayton marketing manager, by sharing their inspiring success stories with the Dayton-area business ecosystem.
“For the last six years, we have published and distributed a newsletter to the community every week. Last year, we shared over 100 entrepreneurial feature stories through our newsletter with our startup community. We’re becoming a source for finding out what's going on in the local startup community and for learning about the successes of the people and organizations that the Parallax team supports,” said Ingram.
Parallax works closely with all incubators and accelerators also listed in this year’s award category.
“It's great to be recognized as peers to these organizations that are committed to making Dayton a better place for entrepreneurs,” said Owen.
The Dayton Business Journal Fire Award entailed a formal announcement of the awardees here.
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About Parallax Advanced Research
Parallax is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that tackles global challenges by accelerating innovation and developing technology and solutions through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia across Ohio and the Nation. Together with academia, Parallax accelerates innovation that leads to breakthroughs. Together with the government, Parallax tackles critical global challenges and delivers new solutions. Together with the industry, Parallax develops groundbreaking ideas and speeds them to market.
About Launch Dayton
Launch Dayton is a collaborative effort to connect entrepreneurs and business owners to peers, resources, and supporters and to tell the stories of our region’s thriving startup community. This community exists to support and inspire Daytonians who are starting and growing businesses. Launch Dayton partners believe everyone, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to determine their economic prosperity.