Impact Enterprise Program

07/15/2026

🚀 Calling all aspiring entrepreneurs!

PioBiz Round 3 is now a regional Business Plan Competition, welcoming students and community members from across Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky.
Want to learn more? Attend one of our information sessions to discover the competition, eligibility, timeline, and prize opportunities.

📅 Sept. 8 | 7–9 p.m.

📅 Oct. 15 | 7–9 p.m.

Your next big idea could start here.

Learn more and register here: https://tinyurl.com/5y4symnt

07/07/2026

Did you know you can support local entrepreneurs with as little as a few dollars?

Our friends at Wildcat Ridge Farms in southeast Ohio are raising funds through Kiva to expand their innovative saltwater shrimp and seafood operation. This family-owned farm is helping prove that sustainable aquaculture can thrive right here in Appalachian Ohio—and they're already 79% of the way to their goal!

Every loan, no matter the amount, helps them get one step closer to expanding production and meeting growing demand.

If you're able, consider making a loan and helping this incredible local business continue to grow. 💙🌱🦐

Paula And Dave's loan is over halfway there on Kiva – only $2825 to go!

Kiva is a loan, not a donation. With Kiva you can lend as little as $25 and make a big change in someone's life.

06/09/2026

From an abandoned church in Appalachian Ohio to a growing garment manufacturing hub—this is what rural economic revival looks like in action. Founder Betsy Franjola, with support from Nathaniel Berger, Director of the Impact Enterprise Team within the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, launched the Hocking Hills Garment Center—a startup bringing training, jobs, and American-made apparel production back to the region.

Read the full story from OHIO Today linked below.⬇️

Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service develops award-winning, research-based solutions to challenges facing communities, the economy and the environment. The goal: give business and community leaders the resources they need to advance economic development, improve inf...

04/27/2026

Rising Appalachia is a nonprofit committed to fostering a regional culture rooted in sustainable stewardship of natural assets through education, demonstration, community exchange, and farm, forest, and wildlife preservation. Appalachian Impact Allocation funding awarded by the Impact Team from the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service will allow Rising Appalachia to hire graduates from their natural building workforce development program, providing them with valuable training and income opportunities