CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (Aug. 15, 2025) — Small business owners in Southeast Ohio will soon have the chance to step away from daily operations and focus on big-picture growth strategies at a free, three-day bootcamp in Chillicothe.
From Aug. 25–27, the Lightship Foundation, in partnership with the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce, will offer hands-on support designed to help entrepreneurs sharpen strategies, boost sales, and prepare for long-term growth.
Lightship, headquartered in Cincinnati’s Innovation District, works to make Ohio’s startup ecosystem more inclusive, with a focus on minority- and women-owned businesses. The organization’s bootcamp features an intensive curriculum covering everything from investment deck revisions and pitch consulting to financial guidance, legal advice, brand audits, customer insight reports, and business model development.
Mike Throne, president and CEO of the Chillicothe Ross Chamber, called the program “an exciting step in strengthening our entrepreneurial ecosystem,” noting that the Chamber’s goal is to connect local business owners with “the tools, mentorship, and resources they need to succeed.”
The bootcamp is supported by JobsOhio and Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) as part of a broader effort to strengthen small businesses statewide.
Past participants say the program delivers real results. Veronica Blue, CEO of Phenomenal Foods in Euclid, credited the bootcamp with creating tangible new opportunities for her business through Lightship’s connections.
Matt Abbott, president and CEO of OhioSE, said the program could be “the turning point” for some businesses, helping them move “from surviving to thriving.”
Business owners and entrepreneurs can learn more and apply by visiting the Lightship Foundation website.
