Three prominent Dayton entities have announced the launch of a new vendor market and block party aimed at promoting local entrepreneurship and celebrating community spirit set to take place next month.
“Startup the Block” - supported by Friends of the Dayton Arcade, Launch Dayton, and the Entrepreneurs' Center - will take place on Thursday, Sept. 12 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Arcade’s Rotunda building as well as outside on Fourth Street and Pretzinger Lane. This event will serve as the culminating event for Startup Week, one of Dayton’s top gatherings for new and aspiring entrepreneurs.
“Friends of the Dayton Arcade is excited to partner with the Entrepreneurs’ Center for the first year of Startup the Block, and we hope this becomes an annual event,” said Megan Dunn Peters, marketing and community partnerships manager for Cross Street Partners. “Startup week has such a rich history of supporting Dayton’s entrepreneurs and showcasing that community.”
Some event highlights include:
- Vendor market: Featuring over 30 local vendors offering a diverse range of products, from handmade crafts and artisanal goods to food and beverages, the market will focus on startup entrepreneurs showcasing their businesses and connecting with new customers.
- Block party: The closure of Fourth Street between Main and Ludlow Streets will allow for additional outside vendors and food trucks as well as a live DJ and beer truck.
- Fourth Street partners: The Arcade’s neighbors, developers the Windsor Companies, will have The Deneau at 40 W. Fourth Street open with additional touring and programming opportunities.
Live music and entertainment will also be provided throughout the event.
Earlier this year, the Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC) acquired Launch Dayton from Parallax Advanced Research, marking a new chapter in the program’s evolution.
“The Entrepreneurs’ Center is excited to lead the next chapter of Launch Dayton and its flagship event, Startup Week,” said Scott Koorndyk, president of the EC. “Our commitment is to build on the strong foundation established by Parallax Advanced Research, continuing to fuel the entrepreneurial energy that has been a hallmark of this program.”
Admission to the event is free and open to the public.
Cross Street Partners, Model Group, and McCormack Baron Salazar are redeveloping the historic Dayton Arcade, a collection of nine buildings totaling over 500,000 square feet in the heart of downtown Dayton’s central business district. The full development plan aims to restore the Arcade to how it was in the 20th century with a mix of retail, offices, event space and housing.
The Entrepreneurs’ Center is a modern economic development organization which empowers main street and technology businesses through complimentary professional services, including business planning, mentoring, training, networking, commercialization and capital investment. The organization had a $7.8 million operating budget in 2023 and employs 40 workers in Dayton.
