Empowerment Panel | Boost Your Business
April 9 @ 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Empowerment Panel | Business Resources
(Followed by Mid-Month Mingle)
Empowerment Panel 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Mingle | 5:30 – 7 pm
There are so many resources available for entrepreneurs and solo-preneurs in Stark County. Join us as our panel explores these resources and how to access them in this informative discussion.
Join us for the mentoring panel and stay for the casual after-hours at our Mid-Month-Mingle. The panel is 4:30-5:30; drop in at your convenience and stay for as long as you like for the mingle. We buy the appetizers; you buy your own beverage. As always, guests are welcome.
Panelists:
- Dan Brown; Jump Start
- Helene Papczun; Stark Economic Development Board
- Lydia Lee; Program Director from the Stark County Minority Business Association
Moderator: Tara Grubbs
Dan Brown: As an EIR for Stark County, Dan works to support the economic development and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Stark County. Working with tech-startups, would-be entrepreneurs, and existing small businesses, Dan’s aims to provide connections, mentorship, and access to capital that catalyzes communities. Dan specializes in social and climate entrepreneurship and is passionate about using business as a tool for good.
Prior to joining Jumpstart Dan founded Rust Belt Riders Composting – a worker-owned, social enterprise dedicated to reducing food waste, supporting food security, and combating climate change all while fostering meaningful place-based jobs. Dan participated in cohort one of JumpStart’s Impact Program and has utilized many of the small businesses services Jumpstart provides to advance the work of Rust Belt Riders. Prior to his founding of Rust Belt Riders, Dan held roles at Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, LAND Studio, and Saint Martin De Porres High School.
Dan is a graduate of DePaul University where he studied Ethics and Community Service Studies.
Helene Papczun is a dedicated leader in economic development, currently serving as the Director of Business Development & Engagement. In this role, she proactively connects with over 200 businesses annually in Stark County, providing essential resources, incentives, and connections to help them overcome challenges and achieve their growth goals.
Since 2012, Helene has been a key player in the economic development scene, focusing on workforce development, business outreach, and facilitating government contracting opportunities. She loves bringing together private, public, and non-profit partners to create a supportive environment for Stark County’s vibrant business community.
In addition to her direct work with businesses, Helene is a Stark County Business Community Advisor for JumpStart’s Impact Program, where she continues to drive meaningful changes and support local enterprises. She also serves on the Northeast Ohio Development Exchange (NODE) Board of Directors.
Helene holds a B.A. in History from Heidelberg University, blending her academic background with a passion for empowering businesses and enhancing community development.
Lydia F. Lee is a dedicated Program Director at the Stark County Minority Business Association
in Canton, Ohio. She leads the Expanding Resources for All mentorship program, empowering
seasoned business owners to grow through education and mentorship. She also oversees the
Innovation Academy/Youth Entrepreneur Program, helping middle school students—particularly
minority and underserved youth—develop entrepreneurial skills and learn how to launch their
own businesses.
Previously, Lydia served as a Training Specialist and Coordinator at Stark State College from
2006 to 2022, where she developed and coordinated workshops to help new students excel in
college entrance exams, reducing the need for developmental courses. She created the
“Computer Bare Basics” (CBB) workshop, which provided essential computer skills to
non-traditional students and community members, boosting confidence for academic,
workplace, and personal success.
Lydia holds a Bachelor of Business Management from Malone College and brings a wealth of skills in business planning, computer training, visual design, and leadership. She is actively involved in her community, serving on the boards of ABCD, Inc., the Strengthening Stark Minority Action Committee, and the United Way’s Planned & Legacy Giving Committee.
Her unwavering passion for helping others, combined with her patient and encouraging teaching style, drives her to uplift individuals and organizations, fostering growth, learning, and positive change.
