Aileron and JobsOhio have partnered to elevate Ohio’s small businesses in a fully sponsored business growth program

Aileron and JobsOhio Launch the Small Business Academy

Aileron is thrilled to announce a new program designed in partnership with JobsOhio designed to uplift small businesses across the state of Ohio.

The Small Business Academy is a fully sponsored 12-month business growth program for small businesses across Ohio. Throughout the program, 25 organizations will learn and practice professional management — a proven, transformative approach for growing a business that thrives for the long-term.

This five-year partnership will support 5 cohorts of 25 organizations per year, uplifting 125 Ohio businesses total. To learn more about programming dates and eligibility, continue reading.

Small Business Academy with JobsOhio | Aileron
Small Business Academy with JobsOhio | Aileron

What is the Small Business Academy?

The Small Business Academy is an intentional cadence of programming — in-person workshops, virtual Peer Groups, and one-on-one Business Coaching — designed to help small businesses thrive.

The program blends in-person and virtual events, all of which are facilitated by Aileron. The program includes:

  • Professional Management Workshops: Participants will gather as a cohort to learn the seven disciplines for running a thriving business in three two-day interactive, in-person workshops.
  • Business Coaching: Participants will benefit from one-on-one time with an Aileron Business Coach where they can process challenges, get unstuck, and build their skills for running a thriving business.
  • Peer Group: Participants will build community through a facilitated Peer Group — virtual sessions where the cohort will process real challenges, learn from each other, and advance their businesses together.
  • Aileron Campus Day Passes: An Aileron Campus Day Pass gives participants access to common spaces on Aileron’s Campus 
in Tipp City, Ohio — a destination for business owners and teams looking to get out of the 
day-to-day to work on their businesses.
  • Travel Stipend: Participants will receive a $1,000 stipend to cover travel and lodging expenses for in-person events.
Small Business Academy with JobsOhio | Aileron
Small Business Academy with JobsOhio | Aileron

What’s the schedule for the Small Business Academy?

The list of program events below includes cohort-wide workshops and Peer Groups and one-on-one Business Coaching, which is scheduled by each participant with their Business Coach.

Sept. 24-25, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. — Aileron’s Campus in Tipp City, Ohio

In Aileron’s flagship program, you’ll learn about professional management, a proven approach for running a thriving business that has transformed thousands of businesses for 25+ years.

45-minute sessions scheduled by the participant — Virtual

These one-on-one sessions with an Aileron Business Coach are private time and space to process challenges, develop skills, and get unstuck.

November 12, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. — Virtual

Virtual, facilitated cohort gatherings provide time for you and your peers to share and process issues and learn with and from one another.

Jan. 14-15, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. — Aileron’s Campus in Tipp City, Ohio

On day one, you’ll learn the principles of conscious leadership, a transformative approach to leadership that emphasizes self-leadership and emotional responsibility. On day two, you’ll set direction for your organization as you work on your strategy, vision, mission, and values.

45-minute sessions scheduled by the participant — Virtual

March 11, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. — Virtual

April 15-16, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. — JobsOhio in Columbus

On day one, you’ll learn a collection of powerful tools for having leading conversations in your organization. On day two, you’ll work on your organization’s business model and value proposition and learn about a board of advisors: a valuable source of outside perspective, accountability, and wisdom.

45-minute sessions scheduled by the participant — Virtual

June 10, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. — Virtual

Sept. 9, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. — Virtual

Who is eligible for the Small Business Academy?

We’re looking for owners, presidents, and CEOs of small, growing B2B businesses in Ohio who have received JobsOhio funding in the past. Haven’t received JobsOhio funding before? No problem — reach out directly to Aileron to learn more about how we can support you and your business in Discovery, a complimentary get-to-know-you session.

How to learn more

To learn more about the partnership and program, visit www.jobsohio.com/aileron. Applications are due on July 31 and applicants will be notified of their acceptance in August.