Introducing our Spring Elevate Impact Cohort!

Flywheel is thrilled to announce the kick-off of our 2025 Elevate Impact Cohort—our flagship startup accelerator dedicated to building a more equitable and vibrant community.

Thanks to the generosity of Philanthropreneur® donor-investors and program sponsors, five incredible social enterprises will receive $5,000 and 9 weeks of coaching, resources and networking opportunities to boost their ventures.

“Flywheel is thrilled to offer this program to the community,” said Flywheel Executive Director Donna Zaring. “This is a powerful group of founders tackling important social issues impacting our region, from workforce development to community vibrancy to mental wellness.”

Startups selected to participate in the cohort include: 

  • The Magical Adventures at Park Clinic is an animated series designed to reduce healthcare disparities by empowering children with culturally relevant, joyful storytelling that builds health literacy, emotional resilience, and confidence in navigating their own healthcare journeys.

Founder: Dwylett Montgomery

Coaches: De’Marco Kidd and Moulay Essakalli

  • Prtty Pckup LLC enhances women’s safety and mobility by providing a secure, reliable, and women-centered transportation service. Their goal is to reduce transportation-related safety risks for women, particularly during nighttime travel, while fostering independence and economic participation. 

Founder: Marissa Dumas

Coaches: Paul Szydlowski and Kelly Dehan

  • Cindependent Film Center aims to build on the success of the Cindependent Film Festival to combine education, entertainment, and community engagement through year-round workshops, screenings, and events. The Center aims to support filmmakers and their stories to grow a sustainable, inclusive indie film culture in Cincinnati.

Founder: Allyson West

Coaches: Melisse May and Jon DiMichele

  • Early Affirmations – Early Affirmations runs free community-based 'Power Hours'—uplifting, educational sessions that promote mental wellness among children. Their flagship product, the Kyya Doll, speaks four affirmations, helping children build confidence and self-esteem through positive self- talk.

    Founder: Kia Davis

 Coaches: Sandra Hughes and Hugh Ralston

  • From Fatherless to Fearless integrates workforce development and emotional wellness services for marginalized young women aged 16-21. Rooted in a salon concept, Fearless Beauty provides employment, workforce development, mentorship, business training, and accessible counseling to prepare marginalized young women for successful employment. 

Founder: Candice Crear

Coaches: Mishawn Styles and Fred Hilkowitz

Tabelsense Kids, a non profit organization dedicated to the healthy development of children and youth in our community is this year’s Presenting sponsor. 

"Table Sense is proud to be the Presenting sponsor of Elevate Impact,” says Mark Davis, CEO of Table Sense and Flywheel board member. “Over the years, Flywheel has helped launch numerous ventures that have had a sustained positive impact on the community - in many cases, ventures that never would have achieved lift off otherwise. Flywheel’s approach to blending principles from philanthropy and business is one we share and support at Table Sense, especially when it leads to better outcomes for young people.”

Elevate Impact will culminate in a Demo Day celebration the evening of June 26 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at 1819 Innovation Hub.

Donna Zaring