A Cincinnati-based entrepreneur accelerator with a Dayton location is seeking its next CEO as the current leader steps down from her role this summer.
Aviatra Accelerators, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women-owned startups and small businesses in the Dayton, Cincinnati and Covington, Kentucky areas, announced the exit of their current CEO Nancy Aichholz.
In her time with the organization, Aichholz helped establish Aviatra’s headquarters in Covington, Kentucky. She also helped create the almost twelve-year-old organization’s first strategic plan and led rebranding efforts.
Additionally, Aichholz worked with the Aviatra Board of Directors and Advisory Board to position educational programming for female entrepreneurs.
The organization has since helped over 3,000 female entrepreneurs create 15,000 jobs and generate a cumulative total of over one billion in revenue.
The organization created its Dayton presence in March 2020 and is located in the prominent downtown Dayton Arcade. In 2022, Aviatra looks to start its new Launch Program, offering about 10 local businesses a specialized set of workshops to take their business to the next level.
“Nancy possesses a rare combination of grace, vision, leadership, passion and dedication not only for female entrepreneurs, but to the growth of our region. She has fostered relationships in the start-up, government and academic arenas, along with key funders, that have been critical to our expansion and growth not only in Greater Cincinnati, but throughout the region and our digital offerings,” said Trey Grayson, Aviatra Accelerators Board Member and outgoing board chair who has worked closely with Aichholz since 2018.
Prior to her leadership role at Aviatra, Aichholz was an entrepreneur herself. She created a gourmet cake company called NanBrands while at home raising her children.
Aichholz intends to return to her own entrepreneurial efforts with a new business endeavor to be announced later this year.
Aichholz will remain in her role as the organization searches for a successor and will step down once a new CEO is named. Aviatra hopes to install the new president and CEO by October.
Aviatra Accelerators provides education, coaching, mentoring, networking and access to capital for entrepreneurs. Programs are tailored to the needs of women entrepreneurs at all stages of the business cycle, awarding millions of dollars in funding.
For more information about Aviatra Accelerators, success stories and offerings, visit the official website.
