Flywheel Impact Catalyst Midwest 2026
Join us for this inaugural summit where we imagine—and build—a region where capital and enterprise drive lasting change.
Flywheel Impact Catalyst Midwest will convene funders, founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders at Memorial Hall in Cincinnati’s historic Over-the-Rhine for a dynamic day of keynotes, panels, and workshops—blending national insight with Midwest momentum to accelerate a stronger social impact economy.
Content Preview
Attendees will hear from social impact leaders and have the ability to participate in workshops and networking opportunities throughout the day, culminating in a happy hour celebration.
Inspiration + National Perspective
National thought leaders will elevate our region’s understanding of emerging social impact trends and the transformative opportunity ahead for the Midwest.
Keynote Speakers:
Jenna Nicholas
CEO, Lightpost Capital,
Co-Founder and CEO, Impact Experience
(San Francisco)
Jenna is a nationally recognized impact investing leader, bestselling author, bridge-builder and Forbes 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneur. She will illuminate how aligning capital with community can drive lasting transformation and challenge and inspire attendees to think bigger about the role of impact investment in systems change.
Michael O’Bryan
Founder & CEO, humanature and
Director, The Wealth + Work Futures Lab
(Philadelphia)
Michael is a nationally recognized social entrepreneur and community development leader who will offer perspective on how aligning capital, culture, and community can unlock economic opportunity and regional transformation—and why regions like ours are well-positioned to lead.
Suzanne Smith
Founder and CEO, Social Impact Architects and Professor, University of Texas (Austin)
Suzanne is a nationally respected social entrepreneur and nonprofit strategist who will speak to accelerating social change by turning bold ideas into measurable, mission-driven impact.
Breakout Sessions:
Between keynote addresses, attendees will engage in 6-8 breakout sessions featuring interactive workshops and expert panels designed to provide practical insights, diverse perspectives, and actionable learning.
Gather 4 Good Workshop — Highly participatory facilitated working session connecting insights into action, activating regional partners to shape a shared vision and identify practical next steps for building a thriving Midwest social impact ecosystem.
Additional speakers, sessions and schedule will be announced as content blocks are finalized.
Registration Information
EARLY BIRD ADMISSION: $135 discounted price for tickets purchased before March 31, 2026
Price of admission increases to $185 beginning April 1, 2026,
Coffee, light breakfast, boxed lunch and happy hour included.
Become a Sponsor
Interested in becoming a sponsor? All proceeds support the event and Flywheel programs that have been empowering our region’s social entrepreneurs since 2011.
Why Attend?
Is our region prepared for a generation redefining social change through capital, enterprise, and accountability?
We’re in a moment of rapid change—and traditional systems alone can’t solve today’s challenges.
A new model is emerging, where social entrepreneurs, impact investors, and purpose-driven leaders align capital and vision to build scalable solutions. This conference is for anyone who believes:
Social enterprise and impact investing are evolving—and the moment to act is now.
The Midwest can grow a leading social impact economy.
Strong ecosystems are built through connection, coordination, and shared vision.
Join us to connect, learn, and help shape what’s next.
Date and Location: Tuesday, June 23 | Memorial Hall | 1225 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
8:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m.
Questions? Contact us at admin@flywheelcincinnati.org.
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