What began as a simple class assignment has grown into an ingenious invention for those on the front lines. Jamie Bowerman’s Bowerbags evolved from a Savannah College of Art and Design project into an essential tool for military personnel and first responders. With the support of the Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC), Bowerbags developed clever carrying solutions that enhance mobility and reduce injury.
Bowerman’s journey proves that with the right support, even simple ideas can transform into impactful, real-world solutions.
Bowerbags began as a straightforward yet ambitious idea: to find a better way for people to carry things without relying on a car. This idea quickly evolved into the first configurable bag that could transform between a backpack, messenger bag and saddle bag.
Initially, Bowerman faced significant challenges in securing funding and manufacturing his innovative designs. His breakthrough came after winning a pitch competition, which validated his concept and attracted the interest of potential buyers. Despite initial investor hesitance, particularly in a market dominated by tech investments, Bowerman’s persistence paid off when he discovered a unique niche: the military’s need for a more efficient way to manage equipment and gear.
Listening to feedback from military personnel, Bowerman realized the potential of his clips, which later evolved into the modular quick release system (MQRS). This system, designed to reduce injuries by allowing users to rearrange weight loads on the fly, has become a game-changer for those carrying heavy loads in dynamic environments. “After demonstrating the clips, I often heard, ‘We have this thing called the Molle system and we’re always looking for ways to make it faster, can I get some of those clips?’” Bowerman explains.
The turning point for Bowerbags came with support from the Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC), which provided access to the Entrepreneurial Services Provider (ESP) and the Technology Validation and Start-up Fund (TVSF). Bowerman moved from Savannah, Georgia, to Dayton, Ohio, specifically to become an EC client and receive the assistance he needed.
“The EC came at a critical time when I had to make tough decisions about funding R&D,” Bowerman shares. “These resources provided the capital and support needed to pivot during product development, enabling Bowerbags to prototype new features and refine their products based on real user feedback.”
In 2024, Bowerman’s relentless dedication was recognized when Bowerbags won the prestigious Soin Award for Innovation. This accolade highlights the company’s significant contributions to improving the lives of military personnel and first responders. His work with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) has been particularly impactful, providing critical feedback that has helped refine the MQRS to meet rigorous tactical requirements.
The entrepreneurial journey of Bowerbags is also a case study of the transformative power of targeted assistance. Faced with daunting funding and R&D challenges, the support from the EC was pivotal.
“Having access to experienced business leaders, mentors and expertise in a myriad of areas ranging from digital marketing to proposal writing as well as having access to services such as attorneys, accountants and other key aspects a small business must have, has proven itself to be just as valuable — if not more valuable — than the capital itself,” said Bowerman.
Looking ahead, Bowerman remains optimistic about the future of Bowerbags. “It’s hard to see exactly where Bowerbags will land from here. Whether we shoot for the moon and wind up landing on a star, the journey and adventure have been out of this world.” His vision is clear: to make a positive impact on the way people carry things, especially for those in uniform.
Bowerbags’ journey is a testament to the power of persistence, innovation and community support. For aspiring entrepreneurs in Dayton, Bowerman’s story underscores the invaluable role of the Entrepreneurs’ Center. Their support has been crucial in helping startups like Bowerbags thrive and achieve success.
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Scott Koorndyk is president of the Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC), a modern economic development organization that powers progress and prosperity through entrepreneurship. The EC supports more than 1,000 innovation-focused startups and small businesses through a variety of programs. Clients are primarily in the concentrated sectors of technology, lifestyle and research.