BGSU Firelands Small Business Symposium a Success, Drawing Entrepreneurs and Innovators from Across the Region
Huron, OH – The BGSU Firelands Small Business Symposium, hosted by the Regional Incubator for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship (RISE) on April 11, 2025, was a resounding success, bringing together a vibrant mix of small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and professionals from Huron and Erie Counties and beyond.
Held on the beautiful campus of BGSU Firelands, the event featured a packed agenda of expert-led breakout sessions, meaningful networking opportunities, and high-impact discussions designed to foster regional collaboration and drive small business growth.
Attendees were energized by an inspiring introduction from Dr. Allia Carter, PhD, Dean of BGSU Firelands, followed by a keynote from Andria Loczi, co-founder of H.CO Partners- a neighborhood development company rooted in brick-and-mortar storefront activation in the Greater Cleveland region. Andria shared her insight on making confident and informed decisions both in business and life as well as her experience in revitalizing communities through a retail-first approach to development. The day closed with an inspiring panel moderated by Marcus Harris, Diversity and Economic Opportunity Manager at the City of Sandusky, featuring Anne Hartnett, Co-Founder of H.CO Partners and Allison McDonald and Sarah Smith, Co-Founders of Common Good Collective located in Norwalk. Their insightful discussion highlighted the power of community-driven entrepreneurship and sustainable business practices.
Breakout sessions covered a wide range of timely topics including soft skills in the workplace, digital marketing foundations, employee retention strategies, and building collaborative networks. Local experts and leaders shared real-world advice and best practices, giving participants actionable tools to apply directly to their businesses.
RISE, a joint program of the Greater Sandusky Partnership and the Huron County Growth Partnership, was proud to host the event and champion small businesses as the backbone of our local economy.
Special thanks go to the sponsors and vendors who helped make the symposium possible:
Civista Bank, VacationLand Federal Credit Union, First National Bank, H.CO Partners, Payne, Nickles & Company, CPAs, and Catering by Design.
“We’re thrilled with the turnout and the level of engagement we saw throughout the day,” said Peyton Zamarelli Minich, Executive Project Manager at the Greater Sandusky Partnership. “Events like these are about more than business growth—they’re about building community and supporting one another’s success.”
Attendees are encouraged to share their feedback by completing the post-event survey here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/AxgOazF
To learn more about RISE and upcoming programming for small businesses in Erie and Huron Counties, follow RISE on Facebook or Instagram or email rise@huroncountyohio.com
About Huron County Growth Partnership
The Huron County Growth Partnership is a non-profit, public-private partnership that facilitates business and community growth through economic development and chamber of commerce activities and services. The Growth Partnership aims to grow the community and economy, support businesses, secure resources for and make a name for Huron County. If you are interested in expanding your existing business into or starting a new business venture in Huron County, please visit the website at www.huroncountyohio.com.