SESSION SCHEDULE & DESCRIPTIONS
FLYWHEEL IMPACT CATALYST MIDWEST 2026
Memorial Hall | Cincinnati, OH | June 23, 2026
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PURPOSE
At a time when funding is scarce and the same entrenched social challenges continue to persist across our region, the need for bold, coordinated action has never been greater. Flywheel empowers purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are improving community through startup innovation. The promise that purpose-driven business ventures offer our region is undeniable – Flywheel’s 80% success rate over the past decade proves that enterprises built on both profit and purpose can thrive and create impact in Greater Cincinnati.
Flywheel Impact Catalyst Midwest is a critical step forward. This inaugural summit will bring together funders, founders, investors, and community leaders at Memorial Hall in Cincinnati’s historic Over-the-Rhine to move beyond conversation and into action. This dynamic day of keynotes, panels, and workshops—blending national insight with Midwest momentum to accelerate a stronger regional impact economy.
Join us as we imagine—and build—a Midwest where capital and enterprise work together to drive lasting, meaningful change.
Who is attending:
Investors and Funders — Private, Community, Corporate Foundations, Angel and Venture Investors
Community Leaders — Government, Business and Nonprofit leaders from the region
Social Entrepreneurs — Founders, Innovators, and Support Organizations
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7:30 - 8:30 AM
Breakfast and Registration
Sponsored by Miami University Center for Social Entrepreneurship
Coffee generously donated by Laterza Coffee
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MORNING SESSIONS
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | MAINSTAGE
Welcome Remarks | Donna Zaring – Executive Director, Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub
9:00 AM – 9:50 AM | MAINSTAGE
Keynote Address | Jenna Nicholas – CEO, Lightpost Capital, Co-Founder + CEO, Impact Experience (San Francisco)
In this keynote, Jenna Nicholas—a nationally recognized impact investing leader, bridge-builder, and Forbes 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneur—will challenge and inspire attendees to think bigger about the role of capital in driving systems change. Drawing on insights from her recently published book, Enlightened Bottom Line, she will illuminate how aligning investment with community priorities can unlock lasting transformation, offering a powerful vision for how purpose-driven capital can shape a more promising future for all.
10:00 AM – 10:50 AM | MAINSTAGE
Keynote Address | Michael O’Bryan – Founder & CEO, humanature + Director, The Wealth + Work Futures Lab (Philadelphia)
Building the Economy We Want: Stewarding Capital for Shared Prosperity — In this keynote, Michael O’Bryan explores strategies and frameworks for navigating this moment with clarity and intention, reframing how investors, entrepreneurs, institutions, and public leaders can work together to build durable regional economies. Drawing on systems design and hands-on experience across sectors, he shares real-world examples of how communities can steward capital to build economies that are both competitive and inclusive.
11:00 AM – 11:50 AM | MAINSTAGE
Panel Discussion | From Vision to Action: Advancing Regional Priorities in the Midwest
This panel brings the conversation home—connecting national perspectives to the real opportunities and challenges shaping our region. Civic and business leaders will share how they are aligning public, private, and philanthropic efforts to address critical gaps, strengthen the regional economy, and drive inclusive growth, offering attendees a clear view of what’s working and where collaboration can accelerate lasting impact across the Midwest
11:00 AM – 11:50 AM | BALLROOM 1
Workshop | Funder Engagement 101: What Investors Look For
This practical workshop equips purpose-driven entrepreneurs with the tools and insights needed to successfully engage funders and secure investment. Learn what investors prioritize when evaluating opportunities, how to navigate the due diligence process with confidence, and best practices for tracking and communicating both financial performance and social impact. Ideal for founders looking to strengthen their fundraising strategy and build lasting investor relationships.
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MID-DAY SESSIONS
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | FIRST FLOOR BALLROOMS
Boxed Lunch and Networking
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM | MAINSTAGE
Elevator Pitch Showcase
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM | MAINSTAGE
Fireside Chat | Suzanne Smith – Founder and CEO, Social Impact Architects + Professor, University of Texas (Austin)
In this engaging fireside chat, Flywheel sits down with Suzanne Smith, a nationally respected social entrepreneur and nonprofit strategist, to explore what it takes to turn bold ideas into measurable, purpose-driven impact. Drawing on Suzanne’s extensive experience accelerating social change, the conversation will highlight key lessons from her career and the evolution of the social impact landscape over the past decade.
Together, they will dive into practical strategies for building and sustaining strong networks of organizations, funders, and community leaders—unlocking the kind of collaboration needed to drive collective impact at scale. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how to foster alignment, amplify impact, and create lasting systems-level change.
1:45 PM – 2:15 PM | MAINSTAGE
Gather 4 Good Introduction
Introduction of Afternoon Sessions and Gather 4 Good Collaboration
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AFTERNOON SESSIONS
2:30 PM – 4:45 PM | LOWER LEVEL STUDIO
Gather 4 Good Workshop: Building a Regional Social Impact Ecosystem — Catherine Salzman (Heartwood Strategies), Melisse May (Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub), Asha Zayn (SEA Change), Dustin Shell (Conscious Capitalism), David Gaines (Social Enterprise Alliance)
A highly participatory facilitated working session connecting insights into action, activating regional partners to shape a shared vision and identify practical next steps for building a thriving Midwest social impact ecosystem.
Sponsored by Social Venture Partners
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | MAIN STAGE
Purpose and Profit: How Corporations Are Driving Impact and Growth
A panel discussion exploring how corporations are leveraging purpose-driven innovation to strengthen brand identity, while creating meaningful value for the communities they serve. Leaders will share real-world strategies for aligning business goals with social impact to drive long-term trust, loyalty, and growth.
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | GREEN BALLROOM
Capital and Community: Investing in Place for Lasting Impact
In this breakout session, experts will dive into innovative strategies in place-based impact investing—exploring how capital can be deployed to generate both financial returns and meaningful community benefit. Experts will share how they are structuring deals that integrate traditional real estate investment with revenue-generating social enterprises, unlocking new models for sustainable, locally rooted impact and long-term economic vitality.
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | GOLD BALLROOM
Social Enterprise on the Rise: The Trailblazers Reshaping our Region
Description in development
3:45 pm – 4:45 PM | GOLD BALLROOM
Intro to Impact Investing
This introductory workshop is designed for individuals looking to begin their journey in impact investing. Led by a cross-sector group of experienced practitioners, the session will demystify the landscape, explore different entry points for deploying capital, and offer practical guidance on aligning your financial goals with meaningful social and environmental impact. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the tools, strategies, and next steps to start investing with purpose.
3:45 PM – 4:45 PM | MAIN STAGE
Investing in Our Region’s Youth
For both investors and social entrepreneurs alike, this session will discuss opportunities to generate a double bottom-line centered on improving youth outcomes. Covering private sector, philanthropic and government-funded solutions, including “blended capital” models, this diverse panel will demonstrate what is already working, and where there are opportunities for additional field-building.