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Entrepreneurs' Center team members collaborate to support entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses across the Dayton region.
Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC) has released its 2025 Annual Impact Report, reporting that startups and small businesses supported by the organization have generated more than $1.37 billion in cumulative economic impact since 2017. In 2025 alone, EC-supported businesses contributed more than $266 million, reflecting continued momentum across Dayton’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The report highlights the founders, businesses, partnerships, and programs fueling innovation, creating jobs, attracting investment, and strengthening the Dayton region’s economy.
“The momentum we’re seeing today reflects years of investment in Dayton’s entrepreneurs,” said Scott Koorndyk, President of Entrepreneurs’ Center. “Crossing $1.37 billion in economic impact is an important milestone, but it’s not the destination. The next generation of founders is already building what’s next, and we’re committed to helping them succeed.”
Accelerating Entrepreneurship Across the Dayton Region
As the Dayton region’s venture development organization, Entrepreneurs’ Center helps entrepreneurs turn promising ideas into thriving businesses. Through expert advising, mentorship, access to capital, educational programming, and strategic partnerships, EC supports founders at every stage—from startup to scale.
EC delivers this support through four core focus areas:
- Tech Startups: Helping high-growth companies commercialize innovation, attract investment, and scale breakthrough technologies.
- Small Businesses: Supporting Main Street entrepreneurs through business advising, education, and growth resources.
- The Hub Powered by PNC Bank: A collaborative innovation space, operated in partnership with the University of Dayton, where entrepreneurs, educators, and innovators connect.
- Launch Dayton: Strengthening Dayton’s startup ecosystem through networking, educational programming, and founder-focused events.
The Impact of Entrepreneurship in 2025
The 2025 Annual Impact Report highlights another year of measurable growth across Dayton’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, demonstrating the continued impact of founders, partners, and community investment.
Tech Startups
Entrepreneurs’ Center supports high-growth technology companies developing innovative products and breakthrough technologies with the potential to transform industries. These startups are commercializing new technologies, attracting investment, securing competitive funding, and creating high-value jobs throughout the Dayton region.
“Behind every funding round, breakthrough innovation, and new job is an entrepreneur solving a real-world problem,” said Mike McCann, COO at Entrepreneurs’ Center. “Our role is to help founders move faster—from validating ideas to attracting investment and bringing new technologies to market. The results in this report are the product of years of collaboration between entrepreneurs, investors, research institutions, and industry partners.”
In 2025, EC-supported tech companies generated:
- $169.2 million in revenue
- $53.6 million in equity investment
- $25.4 million in non-dilutive capital
Together, these businesses contributed more than $266 million in economic impact during 2025.
Small Businesses
Entrepreneurs’ Center also supports hundreds of Main Street businesses across the Dayton region, including restaurants, retailers, service providers, and other locally owned companies. Through advising, education, and business development resources, these entrepreneurs continue to create jobs, strengthen neighborhoods, and contribute to vibrant local economies.
“Every successful small business starts with an entrepreneur willing to take a chance on an idea,” said Kim Klopfenstein, Director of the Miami Valley Small Business Development Center. “When local entrepreneurs have the right guidance and resources, they’re able to build resilient businesses that serve their customers, support their families, and create lasting impact in their communities.”
Since 2017, EC has:
- Served 3,600+ entrepreneurs
- Hosted 400+ workshops and trainings
- Engaged 5,000+ attendees through educational programming
Building a Stronger Innovation Ecosystem
Beyond direct business support, EC continues investing in the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem through The Hub Powered by PNC Bank and Launch Dayton.
Since opening, The Hub Powered by PNC Bank has become a destination for innovation and collaboration, bringing together more than 160 member organizations, hosting 400+ events, and supporting the launch or growth of 200+ ventures.
Through Launch Dayton, EC continues connecting founders through Startup Week, LaunchPad, educational programming, and networking opportunities. In 2025, Launch Dayton welcomed more than 900 event attendees, featured 80 speakers, enrolled 360+ entrepreneurs in educational programs, and grew its digital community to more than 17,000 members.
Meet the Entrepreneurs Driving Dayton’s Growth
The numbers tell one part of the story. The entrepreneurs behind them tell the rest. From high-growth startups to locally owned small businesses, the 2025 Annual Impact Report offers a deeper look at the people, partnerships, and progress shaping the future of entrepreneurship across the Dayton region. Explore the complete economic impact data, founder stories, partner perspectives, and the people driving the next chapter of Dayton’s innovation economy.
Read the full 2025 Entrepreneurs’ Center Annual Impact Report.
