Ravenna's Chamber of Commerce Boosts Local Business Dreams

Ravenna's Chamber of Commerce is elevating its support for local entrepreneurs through the Business Launchpad program. This initiative has already proven successful with its first venture, E. T. C. Sports, and is now preparing for its second business, The Record Arsenal, set to open soon.

The Business Launchpad Initiative

The Business Launchpad provides a safe environment for new businesses to test their ideas before going solo. Ryann Cline, the chamber's executive director, and Matt Ferrell, the president of the chamber's Board of Directors, recognized the need for such support in Ravenna. Their goal is to help local entrepreneurs get started, even on a small scale.

Success Stories

E. T. C. Sports

The first business to benefit from the Launchpad was E. T. C. Sports, owned by Mark Hartburg. Hartburg spent four months building his customer base in the chamber's office before moving to a storefront next door. His success story inspired Rod Flauhaus, who saw a video about the launch on the chamber's Facebook page.

The Record Arsenal

Flauhaus, with years of experience in the music industry, is launching The Record Arsenal, a store specializing in used albums from the '70s, '80s, and '90s. He plans to expand his inventory to include cassettes, memorabilia, and turntables in the future.

Benefits of the Launchpad

The Launchpad offers more than just a starting point; it helps businesses assess market demand before committing to a lease. For Flauhaus, this means testing the viability of his business idea before making significant investments.

Community Growth

Ravenna's entrepreneurial spirit is thriving. E. T. C. Sports has already seen growth and expansion, with Hartburg sharing his passion for sports memorabilia. The Record Arsenal is set to open in about two weeks, and Flauhaus is optimistic about the potential of downtown Ravenna. He believes that supporting one small business can inspire visits to others, contributing to the community's growth.