Appalachia Meets World Episode 128 - ”Incubating” Entrepreneurship in Appalachia with Barb Ewing of YBI

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Barb Ewing the CEO of the Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI) - the #1 University Affiliated Incubator in the World! Incubators are used to give startup businesses and entrepreneurs needed support in order to drive innovation. With a streamlined focus and a dedication to becoming sustainable, YBI has become one of the most accomplished incubators in the world. Hear from Barb as she describes how it all started and the benefits YBI provides not only to its portfolio companies but to the community and the region as a whole. Take a listen to find out the secrets to success (or the "magic fairy dust") and how other regions can replicate the success of this Appalachian incubator - that dispels misconceptions some might have in regard to tech in Appalachia. Also, you might hear Neil explain the reasoning for having a tree up BEFORE Thanksgiving - and why he was seen as a clown.

Youngstown Business Incubator - https://ybi.org/

App News:

Tech Hubs (Appalachian Focus) - www.arc.gov/news/biden-harris-administration-designates-nine-tech-hubs-and-grant-recipients-in-appalachian-region/

Global Entrepreneurship Week - www.state.gov/global-entrepreneurship-week/

2023 National (Appalachian) Christmas Tree - www.uscapitolchristmastree.com/2023/09/06/monongahela-national-forest-announces2023-u-s-capitol-christmas-tree-tour-schedule/

From China to Appalachia - www.floydcountrystore.com/event/from-china-to-appalachia-2023-11-18

Floyd Country Store (Home) - www.floydcountrystore.com/

#AppBiz:

Fitz Frames - https://fitzframes.com/

YBI Portfolio Companies - https://ybi.org/entrepreneurs/portfolio/

Extra:

Inventors Network KY - www.kyinventors.org/