JumpStart's Signature Mentoring Program Adds Exciting New Talent

CLEVELAND, Aug. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- JumpStart Inc. has named Mirifex Systems CEO and 2005 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Bill Nemeth as the Burton D. Morgan Mentoring Program's (www.jumpstartinc.org/entrepreneursupport/services/mentoring.aspx) new Director of Mentoring Program Development. 

JumpStart's signature mentoring program is designed to channel the expertise of seasoned business leaders to accelerate the progress of promising Northeast Ohio tech entrepreneurs. In this newly created role, Nemeth will oversee mentor and client selection while implementing best practices that support the program's ongoing expansion in Northeast Ohio and other regions.

About Bill Nemeth

Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, Nemeth has over a quarter-century of experience in the IT industry. He founded and was CEO of Mirifex Systems, which Inc. magazine has recognized as the fastest-growing high-tech consulting firm in the U.S.  In the earliest days of smart-phone distribution, his company developed a pioneering mobile application that was utilized by tens of thousands of remote users.

"Bill has been a mentor in our program for two years and he has already distinguished himself as a generous and sage leader," said Anthony Hughes, Director, Burton D. Morgan Mentoring Program. "He is known for giving invaluable advice to some of our most exciting software and IT companies. I couldn't be more excited to work with him to enhance the program's footprint and help more entrepreneurs succeed."

"The opportunities for start-ups in this region have never been brighter," said Nemeth. "Entrepreneurs in North East Ohio should know that they have access to a vibrant community of mentors that can help them move their ventures forward. We want to help them succeed."

About the Burton D. Morgan Mentoring Program

JumpStart's mentoring program was launched in March, 2012 as a way to expand access to high-impact business assistance for Northeast Ohio entrepreneurs. In early 2013, a $1 million grant from the Burton D. Morgan Foundation (www.bdmorganfdn.org) enabled the program to expand, recruiting more talented mentors and entrepreneurs to help young, growing Northeast Ohio companies achieve success.

"Specialized, focused, experienced guidance can make a real difference for young companies," said Nemeth. "As an entrepreneur myself, I still carry scars earned from trying to launch a company without this kind of support. That's why I am so passionate about helping members of our entrepreneurial ecosystem get access to the mentorship they need to thrive."

To date, the program has had 50 mentors, who have collectively donated over 3,700 hours to guide the growth of 43 startups. With support from these mentors, clients have successfully piloted products, obtained first customers and raised over $9M in capital while participating in the program.

"Something very special is happening in our region and it would not be possible without the generous support of the talented mentors found within our business community," said Hughes. "We are building a world-class entrepreneurial support system here in Northeast Ohio and it is being driven by successful business leaders who have chosen to be very generous with their time and knowledge."

JUMPSTART INC.  JumpStart is committed to strengthening the economy through entrepreneurship. The nonprofit has been accelerating the successes of diverse entrepreneurs, their high growth companies and the ecosystems that support them since 2004. For more information, visit www.jumpstartinc.org and follow @JumpStartInc on Twitter. 

The Burton D. Morgan Foundation is a private foundation established in 1967, whose mission is to strengthen the free enterprise system by investing in organizations and institutions that foster the entrepreneurial spirit. To advance the mission, the Foundation supports entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship education programs and initiatives at the youth, collegiate, and adult levels. A legacy of founder and entrepreneur Burton D. Morgan (1916-2003), the Foundation leverages its grant and staff resources to connect the people, ideas, organizations, and opportunities that comprise the vibrant and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northeast Ohio. For more information, please visit www.bdmorganfdn.org.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140806/134064

SOURCE JumpStart, Inc.