Startup Stories and Strategies returns to Ohio University Eastern Nov. 12

Ohio University Eastern will bring local entrepreneurs together with students and community members for the second Startup Stories and Strategies event on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026.

The free event will be held in the Community Room at Ohio University Eastern. Refreshments will be available beginning at 6 p.m., with the program and panel discussion beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Following the success of the first Startup Stories and Strategies event this summer, four returning panelists will continue the conversation about entrepreneurship in the region. They will be joined by a new panelist, bringing an additional professional and entrepreneurial perspective to the discussion.

Startup Stories and Strategies is designed to introduce students and community members to entrepreneurs who are building successful businesses and careers close to home. Through personal stories and practical insights, panelists will discuss their entrepreneurial journeys, lessons they have learned and strategies that have helped them build and grow their businesses.

“Our goal is to showcase the many successful entrepreneurs in our county and make connections between them and those who would like to start a business,” said Dr. Sarah Mahan, associate professor of communication studies at Ohio University Eastern. “In doing so, we hope that members of the community, and especially the youth, will begin to see it has been done, and even more so, believe it can be done.”

The event also seeks to challenge the perception that individuals must leave the region to pursue professional opportunities or entrepreneurial success. By highlighting people who have built businesses locally, organizers hope participants will see what is possible within their own communities while making connections with individuals who have firsthand experience navigating entrepreneurship.

“We have found that most entrepreneurs in our area had at least one role model that gave them the idea that they could start a successful business in our area,” said Crystal Lorimor, executive director of the Community Improvement Corporation of Belmont County. “We also know that successful small business owners rely on the expertise of others in areas that are not their own strong suit, and starting a small business is not always smooth sailing. With these things in mind, by showcasing some of our entrepreneurs, we are helping build the environment where entrepreneurs can thrive right here in Belmont County. This isn't a one and done type of activity.”

The panel will feature four returning entrepreneurs representing a range of locally owned businesses: Scott Carnes, principal agent and co-owner of Carnes Insurance, Audrey Brahler, owner of AV Ventures, which operates Giacinta's Gelato and Caffè and also operates Audrey's Avenue Kitchen and Bar in downtown St. Clairsville, Dennis Delbert, owner of The Runner's Connection in Bellaire, and Dom DeFelice of DeFelice Brothers Pizza.

Joining the returning panelists is Laura Schuler, co-founder of Focused Foundations LLC. Schuler brings more than 20 years of experience as a registered nurse, including leadership experience in long-term care, to her entrepreneurial work.

The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, and participants are encouraged to RSVP by Monday, Nov. 9. at https://ohio.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8BtQ4YqsgDOoBPU.

Startup Stories and Strategies is presented in partnership with the Community Improvement Corporation of Belmont County, Ohio University Barbara Geralds Institute for Storytelling and Social Impact, and Create Our Future, with support from the Ohio University Regional Higher Education Workforce Success Initiative Grant and the School of Communication Studies Research Incentive Funds.

Event details

Startup Stories and Strategies
Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026
Refreshments beginning at 6 p.m.
Program begins at 6:30 p.m.
Community Room, Ohio University Eastern
Free and open to the public
RSVP by Nov. 9; seating is limited.
RSVP: https://ohio.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8BtQ4YqsgDOoBPU