Earlier in June, seven companies led by 10 women entrepreneurs, working on new business ideas in industries like retail, marketing and food, gathered for the first time with the same goal in mind. As part of Aviatra Accelerators’ “Launch” class, for 10 weeks total, they’ll further develop their business plans and financial projections, and compete for capital in order to take their business to the next level.
Nancy Aichholz, president and CEO of Aviatra, a Covington-headquartered accelerator that focuses specifically on women-owned startups and small businesses like these, said every cohort represents its own unique vibe, but this class has extra energy. “Launch” is one of three classes Aviatra offers, and is tailored to female business owners who already operate a vetted business with an established revenue stream and customer base.
Their ideas will change and improve the sectors in which they are working, she added.
"They have all successfully started and grown their businesses during Covid, all with extra responsibilities on their plates, and smiles on their faces,” Aichholz told me. “I can't wait to see where these companies go."
The participating companies include:
Tillage Clothing Co.
In 2015, Abby Farr, a Cincinnati native, launched a crowdfunded campaign to help get Tillage Clothing Co. off the ground. The company makes comfortable, stylish and ethically made apparel – part of its mission also includes efforts to give back to fight human trafficking. Currently, Tillage is sold via pop-up shops and markets, wholesale accounts and through blogger partnerships.
The Girl Republic
Andrea Minnillo, a Cleveland native who moved to Cincinnati from San Diego, conceived The Girl Republic while clothes shopping for her children. “Girls were supposed to be princesses with gowns and tutus,” an idea that reinforced the objectivity women and girls have been working hard for years to shed, she said. The Girl Republic sells apparel and accessories for woman and girls that blur societal lines and gender barriers.
Kiddie Around
Kiddie Around, founded by Ashley Baugh, a single mom of two, is an Uber-like transportation concept but for kids ages 17 and under. Baugh wants to make it easier for working parents to get their kids to and from activities and events. Her goal is for the business to operate six SUV’s for Kiddie Around drivers in the next three years.
Looqma
Looqma (pronouced LOOK-ma) is a pop-up kitchen, artisanal bakery, catering company and integrative wellness concept inspired by founder Dominique Khoury’s Lebanese heritage. Khoury, who was born in South Africa and moved to San Diego as a child, grew up visiting neighborhood farms and forming meals that reflected home. Looqma is an opportunity to experience and interact with high-quality fresh bakery products and dishes, she said.
Aclipse Campervans
Aclipse Campervans, founded in 2019 by friends Sofia Mimendi and Emily Bruns, provides a unique and all-inclusive solution for people who want to adventure in nature, but without the need to invest in their own camping gear. The company’s rentable campervans provide a higher level of comfort and amenities that traditional camping does not. Mimendi and Bruns have been bootstrapping the business, which is seeing a huge spike as Covid pushes more people outdoors.
Happily Mom
An estimated 121 million moms worldwide suffer from postpartum depression and related mental illnesses. Joyanna Delshad and Becca Paden launched Happily Mom to support new and expecting moms. Happily Mom provides ongoing practical and emotional support through group and one-on-one coaching. Delshad has over a decade of experience in maternal and emotional health.
Painted Bread Marketing
Jennifer Panepinto, owner, and Samantha Comer, digital marketing specialist, said Painted Bread Marketing aims to help companies scale and grow using creative and modern marketing strategies, including website maintenance, social media, email campaigns, PR and more. Panepinto has experience working for startups, Fortune 1,000 companies and non-profits.
Launch meets Wednesdays and wraps with a “flight night,” or pitch competition Sept. 2. The event is open to the public.
Aviatra Accelerators, formerly Bad Girl Ventures, serves the Greater Cincinnati and Dayton markets. In addition to its Launch program, Aviatra offers Explore, for early-stage business owners, and Grow, for entrepreneurs eying expansion, among other support efforts.
Since its founding in 2010, Aviatra has granted more than $1 million in low-interest loans. Its entrepreneurs have received more than $10 million in follow-on funding and have generated more than $1 billion in revenue.
