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DAYTON, OH, August 13, 2025 – Launch Dayton Startup Week Presented by Fifth Third Bank returns to The Hub Sept. 9–10 for its 10-year anniversary, bringing together the region’s founders, innovators, and small business owners for two days of inspiration, learning, and connection.
Now in its second year under the leadership of Entrepreneurs’ Center, the event builds on the energy of last year’s highly successful conference, which drew hundreds of entrepreneurs downtown for high-quality sessions, powerful networking, and a renewed sense of community.
“It’s an honor to be part of the 10th anniversary of Launch Dayton Startup Week,” said Scott Koorndyk, President of Entrepreneurs’ Center. “For a decade, this event has inspired and connected entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of our region. Being able to carry that legacy forward—and help create the next chapter—means everything to us.”
What began a decade ago as a grassroots gathering of Dayton’s makers and doers has grown into a cornerstone of the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Each year, attendees come to share ideas, discover resources, and strengthen the network that drives our local economy.
This year’s theme, Made to Make It, honors the grit, vision, and determination that fuel entrepreneurship. Whether you’re here to create, grow, lead, or build something that lasts—you belong in this room.
Attendees can expect 30+ speakers and sessions covering marketing, funding, leadership, innovation, and business fundamentals.
Speakers include:
- Brent Johnson & Josh Stucky, Square One Salons
- Te’Jal Cartwright, Lore Storytelling
- Jelani Johnson, Minority Business Assistance Center
- Keith Klein, City of Dayton
- Tushar Kulkarni, Big Kitty Labs
- Nate Sowder, Fifth Third Bank
- And many more
This year’s Startup Week Pitch Competition will be hosted at Yellow Cab Tavern, open to both tech and Main Street businesses. Applications are open now through August 24.
Click here to apply for tech and here for Main Street.
Free to attend and built for all stages, Launch Dayton Startup Week is a place to find your people, sharpen your vision, and be reminded why you started. Whether you arrive with an idea or a thriving business, you were made to make it.
Register now and build your custom agenda at launchdayton.com/startupweek.
