Medical Mutual Supports Programs for Entrepreneurs

CLEVELAND, April 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- An Oberlin startup receives FDA approval for a novel neurostimulation therapy to help ALS patients live longer without a mechanical ventilator. A Solon business producing energy efficient power outage systems receives national innovation recognition from Good Housekeeping.  A Euclid cladding company takes top manufacturing honors in Wall Street Journal's Technology Innovation awards. As recognition of Northeast Ohio's tech scene grows, Medical Mutual is stepping up to continue and expand opportunities for the region's rising stars via a $500,000 grant over four years to nonprofit venture development organization JumpStart. "Northeast Ohio entrepreneurs are commercializing cutting-edge technologies and creating new opportunities for the community," asserts Medical Mutual President & CEO Rick Chiricosta. "As these types of companies grow they attract investors, generate revenue, create jobs and contribute taxes to the local economy. I think everyone recognizes the region will benefit from more of this activity."

Medical Mutual's support will enhance programming for Northeast Ohio entrepreneurs. "We host topical panels or participate in outreach on a weekly basis," says JumpStart CEO Ray Leach. The support organization has provided intensive one-on-one business assistance to more than 450 entrepreneurs and was actively involved in entrepreneur education and networking opportunities that reached an additional 6,000 Northeast Ohioans last year. "These programs enable important connections, answer questions and expose first-time or would-be entrepreneurs to the possibilities that are out there.  We're grateful that Medical Mutual has made a long-term commitment to this type of work."

"Medical Mutual believes in supporting initiatives that benefit residents and increase new jobs," says Chiricosta. "We're thrilled to be part of JumpStart's efforts to create a more prosperous future for Northeast Ohio."

MEDICAL MUTUAL A trusted insurer for more than 75 years, Medical Mutual of Ohio is the oldest and largest health insurance company headquartered in the state of Ohio and its Family of Companies has operations in Georgia, Indiana and South Carolina. As a mutual company, Medical Mutual operates for the benefit of its members without being required to meet the demands of stockholders or Wall Street analysts. Instead, the company focuses on developing products and services that allow it to better serve its customers and communities. Visit MedMutual.com.

JUMPSTART INC.  JumpStart accelerates the successes of diverse entrepreneurs, their high growth companies and the ecosystems supporting them. For more information on the nonprofit development organization, visit www.jumpstartinc.org and follow @JumpStartInc on Twitter.

SOURCE JumpStart, Inc.