Startup Lakewood Gets a Permanent Home at U of A Lakewood

Home, sweet home.

, the city-sponsored initiative to grow small businesses, now has a permanent home at the campus.

And tonight, the organization will get the opportunity to show off its new digs at its monthly event. 

This month, the title and topic of the event is “Getting Started: Learning from those who took the leap.” 

“The title of the talk is kind of well-suited to start off the New Year,” Mike Belsito, the director of ideation for Startup Lakewood. “People want to start a new business in the New Year.”

He said he’s looking forward to the new space.

“I had a chance to tour it, it’s an awesome facility,” Belsito said. “The library was great for us, but the space at the University of Akron in Lakewood is more conducive to a startup.”

The event tonight — from 6 to 8 p.m. — will feature a panel that includes Belsito, who just launched his own business eFuneral; Karen Bosworth, of KB Confections; Mickie Rinehart, of Hops Drops; Annabel Khouri, of ; and Dan Deagan, .

Belsito said the panelists will discuss what it takes to start a business.

Since March, the organization has hosted numerous events looking to interest would-be entrepreneurs in business in Lakewood.

“We’ve definitely learned a lot in the last year,” Belsito said. “Last year, we were successful at starting the conversation, and hopefully, this year those conversations can translate into action.”

Those unable to make it to tonight’s event, but would like more information about Startup Lakewood, are encouraged to contact Belsito at mike@startuplakewood.com.