JobsOhio Small Business Academy

Take your business to the next level with the JobsOhio Small Business Academy, powered by Aileron. This revolutionary 12-month experience is designed to equip small business owners with the skills, tools, and resources needed to build resilient, high-performing companies.

The program blends in-person and virtual experiences to create a robust offering of hands-on workshops, peer advisory groups, and one-on-one business coaching to help entrepreneurs get the most out of their businesses. Participants learn and apply professional management — as a part of a proven, transformative approach to achieving sustainable, long-term success.

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JobsOhio and Aileron’s Partnership

Aileron, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping business owners lead thriving companies, and JobsOhio, Ohio’s private non-profit economic development corporation, have a shared vision of making Ohio the world’s best place to work and live. JobsOhio and Aileron believe investing in small businesses is a critical step to achieving that vision.

“Partnering with Aileron to create the JobsOhio Small Business Academy will enrich the capabilities of Ohio’s small businesses, helping them upskill professional management efficiencies and scale their operations for future success.” - JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “Aileron was founded on the belief that small businesses improve lives and raise the quality of life,” - Aileron Board of Trustees Chairman Mike Mathile.

Program Details

Professional Management Workshops

Participants will gather as a cohort to learn the seven disciplines for running a thriving business in three 2-day interactive, in-person workshops.

Business Coaching

Participants will benefit from one-on-one time with an Aileron Business Coach to process challenges, get unstuck, and build their skills for running a thriving business.

Peer Group

Participants will build community through facilitated Peer Group virtual sessions, where the cohort will process real challenges, learn from each other, and advance their businesses together.

Aileron Campus Day Passes

An Aileron Campus Day Pass gives participants access to common spaces on Aileron’s Campus in Tipp City, Ohio — a destination for business owners and teams looking to get out of the day-to-day to work on their businesses.

Travel Stipend

Participants will receive a $1,000 stipend to cover travel and lodging expenses for in-person visits.

The program will be offered to 25 Ohio business owners to help enhance the skills needed to run a thriving business. We're looking for owners and presidents of growing B2B businesses.

Ideal candidates will:

Have a minimum $750,000 in annual revenue

Want to grow their business and personal leadership

Be open to learning from and sharing with other business owners

Be willing to apply learning and complete homework outside of program activities

Be able to step away from the day-to-day to work on their business during program events

Interested in learning more about Aileron’s leadership development services and hear more about the insights you will gain from the Small Business Academy? Visit Aileron’s website and schedule a complimentary Discovery session with a business coach.

Course for Presidents
Sept. 16-17, 2026
Aileron Campus – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In Aileron’s flagship program, you’ll learn about professional management, a proven approach for running a thriving business that has transformed thousands of businesses for 30 years.

Business Coaching
Virtual – 45 mins. scheduled by participant

Peer Group
Nov. 10, 2026
Virtual – 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Designing & Leading Your Strategy
Feb. 2-3, 2027
Aileron Campus – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
In this two-day workshop, you’ll learn the principles of conscious leadership, emphasizing self-leadership and emotional responsibility, then set direction for your organization through strategy, vision, mission, and values.

Business Coaching
Virtual – 45 mins. scheduled by participant

Peer Group
March 16, 2027
Virtual – 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Aligning the Business to Your Strategy
Apr. 20-21, 2027
JobsOhio – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
Over two days, you will learn powerful tools for leading conversations in your organization, then work on your business model, value proposition, and building a board of advisors for outside perspective, accountability, and wisdom.

Business Coaching
Virtual – 45 mins. scheduled by participant

Peer Group
Jun. 15, 2027
Virtual – 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m

Peer Group
Sept. 14, 2027
Virtual – 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Interested in being a part of the next cohort?

Contact our team to learn more or apply now.

Apply Now