2025 NEO Showcase Event Awards!
On June 18, 2025, 14 Social Entrepreneurs from Northeast Ohio were celebrated during the 2025 NEO Showcase Event. Substantial cash awards, in-kind awards, and 100% of donations for Crowd Favorite were given!
SEA Change Showcase Events are the grand finale of our 14-module accelerator program. Graduating participants and selected Spotlight Presenters pitch their sustainable financial model & measurable social impact to a crowd of supporters.
2025 Event Sponsors
Crowd Favorite Award Winner
100% of online donations AND in-person donations went into this prize pot. The business who received the most votes was:
KneadED
$1,135.19
Spotlight Presenter Awards
These five NEO entrepreneurs took the stage to pitch, wow the judges, and win the crowd. Here’s what each was awarded:
KneadED
$8,500 CASH + Lease document review (review and explanation of the lease document for the newly rented bakery space) by Yocum Law + 4-part marketing mini series to receive specific coaching on digital marketing, video, sales, and proposals by Manny Hall & Associates
Sweet Bonds
$8,000 CASH + Legal advice about trademark and permits to launch the candy cart and conversation boxes by Yocum Law + 4-part marketing mini series to receive specific coaching on digital marketing, video, sales, and proposals by Manny Hall & Associates
JuxtaVandal
$6,000 CASH + two 60-minute brand and storytelling coaching sessions by Long & Short of It
Group Home App
$4,500 CASH + Customer discovery coaching session by Bounce Innovation Hub + Product improvement and strategy coaching session by JumpStart
Shusharoo
$3,000 CASH + Beta testing and product design coaching session by JumpStart
In-kind Awards
BlackGirlsEmpowered
4-part marketing mini series to receive specific coaching on digital marketing, video, sales, and proposals by Manny Hall & Associates
Canton Community Composting
4-part marketing mini series to receive specific coaching on digital marketing, video, sales, and proposals by Manny Hall & Associates
Fashion Talks Foundation
Two 60-minute working sessions by Long & Short of It to talk through your brand, marketing & what to do next to move your business forward
Mouma’s
Two 60-minute working sessions by Long & Short of It to talk through your brand, marketing & what to do next to move your business forward
The SPOT Youth Empowerment Organization
Advice on legal forms to consider when incorporating and guidance with the process of incorporation by Yocum Law
2025 Partners & Supporters
Thank you attendees!
To the 250 people who registered, voted, and attended this event to support these entrepreneurs… THANK YOU!
