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Dayton Inno has selected 10 Dayton-area companies for its 2023 Startups to Watch list.
American City Business Journals
Business Name: 6888 Kitchen Incubator, Dayton
Founders: Dabriah Rice, Charlynda Scales and Jamaica White
Founded: 2021
Employees: 0
Services: The two-story kitchen incubator will occupy 10,000 square feet in The Arcade in Dayton. The shared-kitchen concept will offer training, leadership support and commercial kitchen space. The multi-phase project began with business curriculum development for OH Taste’s Sharpen the Axe (STA) Program, covering a wide range of topics related to running successful food business. The second phase will include the design, build-out, and full operation of the commercial kitchen and storage space.
Plans for 2023: The kitchen incubator will open this fall. The group will graduate at least 60 food businesses from its Sharpen the Axe Program.
Founders: Dabriah Rice, Charlynda Scales and Jamaica White
Founded: 2021
Employees: 0
Services: The two-story kitchen incubator will occupy 10,000 square feet in The Arcade in Dayton. The shared-kitchen concept will offer training, leadership support and commercial kitchen space. The multi-phase project began with business curriculum development for OH Taste’s Sharpen the Axe (STA) Program, covering a wide range of topics related to running successful food business. The second phase will include the design, build-out, and full operation of the commercial kitchen and storage space.
Plans for 2023: The kitchen incubator will open this fall. The group will graduate at least 60 food businesses from its Sharpen the Axe Program.
Shutter Eye Photo
Business Name: Anchored With Excellence LLC, Englewood
Founder: Dee Thomas
Founded: 2011 as tutoring service; 2019 additional services for schools and families
Employees: 0
Services: Educational consulting firm offering professional development training for daycare centers and educators; leadership and transformational coaching for women; wellness plans for women; mentoring for school-aged girls; tutoring.
Plans for 2023: Plans for 2023 are to build the company locally and nationally. Anchored With Excellence has serviced clients in Alabama, China, Louisiana, Michigan, New York, and Texas. Thomas says she'd like to impact more schools and families and build more relationships with school districts, school leaders, educators, and families to provide a safe space to build confidence and gain hope.
Founder: Dee Thomas
Founded: 2011 as tutoring service; 2019 additional services for schools and families
Employees: 0
Services: Educational consulting firm offering professional development training for daycare centers and educators; leadership and transformational coaching for women; wellness plans for women; mentoring for school-aged girls; tutoring.
Plans for 2023: Plans for 2023 are to build the company locally and nationally. Anchored With Excellence has serviced clients in Alabama, China, Louisiana, Michigan, New York, and Texas. Thomas says she'd like to impact more schools and families and build more relationships with school districts, school leaders, educators, and families to provide a safe space to build confidence and gain hope.
Submitted
Business Name: Bowerbags, Dayton
Founder/CEO: Jamie Bowerman
Founded: 2013
Employees: 3
Services: Consumer products; research and development
Plans for 2023: Launch new product lines and fund raise for growth and scale.
Bowerbags creates interactive modular carrying solutions to help active people, get through their busy day. The company started by making bags with a small machine on a kitchen table. The Bowerbags Flux bag can be carried as a backpack or a messenger bag. It features a removable hydration system and a rain cover. Each bag features a detachable pocket that transforms into a drawstring bag.
In late 2022, Bowerbags received $100,000 from Ohio Third Frontier Commission for the development and commercialization of a modular carrying solution for the military and first responders to help them reduce injuries caused by heavy weight loads carried on the job.
Founder/CEO: Jamie Bowerman
Founded: 2013
Employees: 3
Services: Consumer products; research and development
Plans for 2023: Launch new product lines and fund raise for growth and scale.
Bowerbags creates interactive modular carrying solutions to help active people, get through their busy day. The company started by making bags with a small machine on a kitchen table. The Bowerbags Flux bag can be carried as a backpack or a messenger bag. It features a removable hydration system and a rain cover. Each bag features a detachable pocket that transforms into a drawstring bag.
In late 2022, Bowerbags received $100,000 from Ohio Third Frontier Commission for the development and commercialization of a modular carrying solution for the military and first responders to help them reduce injuries caused by heavy weight loads carried on the job.
Submitted
Bowerbags creates interactive modular carrying solutions to help active people, get through their busy day.
Bowerbags
Business Name: Global Neighbor Inc., Xenia
Founder: Jonathan Jackson
Founded: 2015
Employees: 11
Services: Develop directed energy flora control using light energy to kill weeds around your house and make weed seed non-viable in agriculture fields.
Plans for 2023: Plans are to introduce a new battery operated handheld weed control product to complement our Weederase product and to offer first commercial sales of our weed seed destroyer as an aftermarket product for a combine to make weed seeds non-viable at harvest. We are the only company in the world to have such a product. We have test units in the U.S., Canada and Australia.
Over the years, Global Neighbor has raised multiple millions of dollars and has been supported by contracts including U.S. Air Force and U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Founder: Jonathan Jackson
Founded: 2015
Employees: 11
Services: Develop directed energy flora control using light energy to kill weeds around your house and make weed seed non-viable in agriculture fields.
Plans for 2023: Plans are to introduce a new battery operated handheld weed control product to complement our Weederase product and to offer first commercial sales of our weed seed destroyer as an aftermarket product for a combine to make weed seeds non-viable at harvest. We are the only company in the world to have such a product. We have test units in the U.S., Canada and Australia.
Over the years, Global Neighbor has raised multiple millions of dollars and has been supported by contracts including U.S. Air Force and U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Submitted
Business Name: Parcell, Dayton
Co-Founder: Erica Waite
Founded: 2019
Employees: 6
Services: Parcell develops Smart Asset Control solutions for military and industrial applications.
Plans for 2023: In early 2023 Parcell will deploy its first nonmilitary Smart Tool Crib at an industrial facility in the Salt Lake City area. We are developing a prototype smart toolbox that will be field tested at a Department of Defense facility in Q3 of 2023. We'll also continue to build out our software platform to incorporate more robust features.
Parcell provides simple, automated solutions to securely transfer items from one person to another, according to its website. It has clients in the residential, manufacturing, industrial and military sectors. Products include smart lockers, auto-inventory kits, smart boxes, and retrofit smart locks.
Co-Founder: Erica Waite
Founded: 2019
Employees: 6
Services: Parcell develops Smart Asset Control solutions for military and industrial applications.
Plans for 2023: In early 2023 Parcell will deploy its first nonmilitary Smart Tool Crib at an industrial facility in the Salt Lake City area. We are developing a prototype smart toolbox that will be field tested at a Department of Defense facility in Q3 of 2023. We'll also continue to build out our software platform to incorporate more robust features.
Parcell provides simple, automated solutions to securely transfer items from one person to another, according to its website. It has clients in the residential, manufacturing, industrial and military sectors. Products include smart lockers, auto-inventory kits, smart boxes, and retrofit smart locks.
Submitted
Parcell develops Smart Asset Control solutions for military and industrial applications. Pictured here is a prototype Smart Tool Crib in the field.
Parcell
Business Name: Performance Wraps, Miamisburg
Founders: Andrew and Tanor Banks
Founded: 2017
Employees: 5
Services: Advertising vehicle wraps; color change and custom-designed vehicle wraps; clear wraps (paint protection film); wall/window wraps; decal/stripes.
Plans for 2023: We are planning to increase revenue by 30% again through continued quality guarantees and new services such as vehicle pick up and delivery, clear wraps (paint protection film), and selling online to the DIY car enthusiast market. We also plan to increase our digital marketing reach, especially with Youtube and TikTok.
Founders: Andrew and Tanor Banks
Founded: 2017
Employees: 5
Services: Advertising vehicle wraps; color change and custom-designed vehicle wraps; clear wraps (paint protection film); wall/window wraps; decal/stripes.
Plans for 2023: We are planning to increase revenue by 30% again through continued quality guarantees and new services such as vehicle pick up and delivery, clear wraps (paint protection film), and selling online to the DIY car enthusiast market. We also plan to increase our digital marketing reach, especially with Youtube and TikTok.
Submitted
Performance Wraps' services include advertising vehicle wraps, color change and custom-designed vehicle wraps, clear wraps, wall/window wraps and decal/stripes.
Performance Wraps
Business Name: Skuld LLC, Springfield
Co-Founder/CEO: Sarah Jordan
Founded: 2015
Employees: 3
Services: Casting and affordable 3D printing for low volume custom metal parts.
Plans for 2023: We have a new hybrid approach for 3D printed parts in metal that is 10x faster, 10x more accurate, and 10x cheaper than alternatives. We are currently working on Department of Defense-funded projects related to aluminum and nickel alloys to prove the material properties are the same as conventional metals. We are also working on commercial projects related to HVAC, rapid tooling, automotive lightweighting, replacement parts for antique cars, and new sporting goods designs. That is just so far in January. In the fall we installed aluminum capacity for 700 tons annually and we plan to install three additional furnaces in mid-2023 to add nickel, steel, and iron capacity.
The company has a vision to "overthrow conventional metals manufacturing and save the planet," according to its website.
Co-Founder/CEO: Sarah Jordan
Founded: 2015
Employees: 3
Services: Casting and affordable 3D printing for low volume custom metal parts.
Plans for 2023: We have a new hybrid approach for 3D printed parts in metal that is 10x faster, 10x more accurate, and 10x cheaper than alternatives. We are currently working on Department of Defense-funded projects related to aluminum and nickel alloys to prove the material properties are the same as conventional metals. We are also working on commercial projects related to HVAC, rapid tooling, automotive lightweighting, replacement parts for antique cars, and new sporting goods designs. That is just so far in January. In the fall we installed aluminum capacity for 700 tons annually and we plan to install three additional furnaces in mid-2023 to add nickel, steel, and iron capacity.
The company has a vision to "overthrow conventional metals manufacturing and save the planet," according to its website.
Sarah Jordan
Skuld LLC provides casting and affordable 3D printing for low volume custom metal parts.
Skuld LLC
Business Name: The Village Hive, Centerville
Founder: Amanda Miller
Founded: 2023
Employees: 0
Services: For now, events with on-site childcare. Next year, a building with office space, meal prep kitchen, event area, gym space, classes, clubs, and more all with onsite childcare.
Plans for 2023: Creating a community by holding events, creating valuable social media posts.
The Village Hive has the ultimate goal of offering mothers a one-stop shop with a meal prep kitchen; office, maker and gym space; and clubs and classes for mothers to tap into their hobbies and connect with who they are outside of motherhood, according to Launch Dayton. In late 2022, Miller took first place in her Entrepreneur Rising Academy cohort’s culminating pitch competition.
Founder: Amanda Miller
Founded: 2023
Employees: 0
Services: For now, events with on-site childcare. Next year, a building with office space, meal prep kitchen, event area, gym space, classes, clubs, and more all with onsite childcare.
Plans for 2023: Creating a community by holding events, creating valuable social media posts.
The Village Hive has the ultimate goal of offering mothers a one-stop shop with a meal prep kitchen; office, maker and gym space; and clubs and classes for mothers to tap into their hobbies and connect with who they are outside of motherhood, according to Launch Dayton. In late 2022, Miller took first place in her Entrepreneur Rising Academy cohort’s culminating pitch competition.
Amanda Miller
Business Name: Traveling Pendants, Dayton
Founder: Lesley Jones
Founded: 2022
Employees: Hoping to hire in 2023
Services: We invented the Traveling Pendant, inspirational jewelry designed to travel! Here's how it works: Each pendant has a unique, hand-stamped number on the back. Use the number to register your pendant and share your story to our online log to support others in our community needing strength. When you’re ready, pass your pendant on to someone who needs it more than you. They too can add their story to the pendant’s log using the trackable number on the back of the pendant. Follow along as your pendant travels, creating a chain of love and support. Traveling Pendants are daily reminders you are not alone. Our jewelry is handcrafted in the U.S. with heirloom-quality silver. Visit travelingpendants.com to find your perfect pendant and read inspirational stories from our community of wearers and sharers.
Plans for 2023: Continue to leverage network effects to grow our community. We will be participating in several local markets. Additional designs will launch in the third quarter of 2023.
Founder: Lesley Jones
Founded: 2022
Employees: Hoping to hire in 2023
Services: We invented the Traveling Pendant, inspirational jewelry designed to travel! Here's how it works: Each pendant has a unique, hand-stamped number on the back. Use the number to register your pendant and share your story to our online log to support others in our community needing strength. When you’re ready, pass your pendant on to someone who needs it more than you. They too can add their story to the pendant’s log using the trackable number on the back of the pendant. Follow along as your pendant travels, creating a chain of love and support. Traveling Pendants are daily reminders you are not alone. Our jewelry is handcrafted in the U.S. with heirloom-quality silver. Visit travelingpendants.com to find your perfect pendant and read inspirational stories from our community of wearers and sharers.
Plans for 2023: Continue to leverage network effects to grow our community. We will be participating in several local markets. Additional designs will launch in the third quarter of 2023.
Submitted
Business Name: UNLISTED, Dayton
Founder/CEO: Katie Hill
Founded: 2021
Employees: 2
Services: Real estate software
Plans for 2023: Our objectives for 2023 include refining product-market fit, expanding nationally, growing revenue and advancing the product.
In 2022, UNLISTED won $40,000 and first place in the Polsky Center’s 4th annual Alumni New Venture Challenge, a business plan competition open to all University of Chicago alumni. UNLISTED is a software platform that helps interested homebuyers connect with the owners of off-market properties. The startup makes one-on-one connections possible through the private platform.
Founder/CEO: Katie Hill
Founded: 2021
Employees: 2
Services: Real estate software
Plans for 2023: Our objectives for 2023 include refining product-market fit, expanding nationally, growing revenue and advancing the product.
In 2022, UNLISTED won $40,000 and first place in the Polsky Center’s 4th annual Alumni New Venture Challenge, a business plan competition open to all University of Chicago alumni. UNLISTED is a software platform that helps interested homebuyers connect with the owners of off-market properties. The startup makes one-on-one connections possible through the private platform.
Becca Major
Continuing the Dayton region's history of innovation and exploration, startup companies and small business owners around the region are creating new product lines and uplifting other entrepreneurs amid their efforts.
The Dayton Business Journal for the third time has released its annual Startups to Watch list. Here we outline 10 local startups gaining traction and funding through national contract awards, product development and regional collaborations.
The Startups to Watch list highlights local startups that are poised to make big moves in the next year, whether that's raising sizable funding rounds, acquiring other companies, accomplishing fast growth or simply continuing work on challenging problems.
Note: Click through the slideshow above for the 2023 list of Dayton-Area Startups to Watch.
This is not an all encompassing list as there are hundreds of small businesses blossoming within the Dayton startup ecosystem. Stay tuned to Dayton Inno throughout the year for the latest news, insights and profiles from the startup community.
To help us shape this year’s Startups to Watch list, we accepted nominations from the community and reached out to local entrepreneur groups and tech leaders. We also used information from our reporting throughout the last year.
