The Greater West Dayton Incubator received a $225,000 grant from the PNC Foundation to continue supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs over the next five years.

“Small businesses are the fabric of our communities, and we are committed to supporting the entrepreneurs who are at the heart of our region’s long-term success,” said David Melin, PNC regional president for Dayton. “Through this work, we hope to further our relationship with the Greater West Dayton Incubator to continue building a vibrant economy in which everyone has a chance to succeed.”

Since 2020, the incubator has worked with over 350 entrepreneurs, helping to secure more than $80,000 in micro-loans, $100,000 in equity grants and nearly $400,000 in contracts for underrepresented business owners through University of Dayton partnerships. It also offers workspace, consulting, training and other resources.

“Our mission is to help underrepresented entrepreneurs thrive,” said Incubator Director Whitney Barkley. “For instance, Sheryle Carter, owner of Copy & Go Printing, used a Culture Capital microloan to buy a bigger sign, and now more customers are finding her business. Misha Curington, founder of Fail Me Not, won Flyer Pitch, received a microloan and went through our Urban Elevation Accelerator. She now runs her center full-time with a team of employees. This new investment means we can create even more success stories like theirs and keep empowering entrepreneurs for years to come.”

The PNC Foundation grant is part of more than $500,000 in funding the incubator has raised from businesses and individuals to support programs for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Another $1.8 million has been raised to build a permanent location in West Dayton.

The incubator is a collective impact partnership with The Entrepreneurs’ Center in Dayton and it works in conjunction with the services, programs and offerings provided through The Hub Powered by PNC Bank. The Hub is a joint venture between UD and EC located at the historic Downtown Dayton Arcade.