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.
Registration Information
EARLY BIRD ADMISSION: $135 discounted price for tickets purchased before May 1, 2026
Price of admission increases to $185 beginning May 1, 2026
Coffee, light breakfast, boxed lunch and happy hour included.
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)
A nationally recognized impact investing leader, bridge-builder, and Forbes 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneur—Jenna will challenge and inspire attendees to think bigger about the role of capital in driving systems change. Drawing on insights from her recently published book, Enlightened Bottom Line, she will explore how aligning investment with community priorities can unlock lasting transformation, offering a powerful vision for how purpose-driven capital can shape shape a more promising future for all.
Michael O’Bryan
Founder & CEO, humanature and
Director, The Wealth + Work Futures Lab
(Philadelphia)
Building the Economy We Want: Stewarding Capital for Shared Prosperity
In this keynote, Michael explores strategies and frameworks for navigating this moment with clarity and intention, reframing how investors, entrepreneurs, institutions, and public leaders can work together to build durable regional economies. Drawing on systems design and hands-on experience across sectors, he invites attendees to explore how communities can steward capital to build economies that are both competitive and inclusive.
Suzanne Smith
Founder and CEO, Social Impact Architects and Professor, University of Texas (Austin)
Suzanne Smith, a nationally respected social entrepreneur and nonprofit strategist, will highlight key lessons from her career and the evolution of the social impact landscape over the past decade. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how to foster alignment, amplify impact, and create lasting systems-level change.
Breakout Sessions:
Interactive workshops and expert panels throughout the day offer attendees practical insights, diverse perspectives, and actionable learning.
From Vision to Action: Advancing Regional Priorities in the Midwest
Purpose and Profit: How Corporations Are Driving Impact and Growth
Social Enterprise on the Rise: Meet The Trailblazers Reshaping our Region
Gather 4 Good Workshop: Building a Regional Social Impact Ecosystem
Capital and Community Workshop: Investing in Place for Lasting Impact
Introduction to Impact Investing Workshop
Seeding the Future: Investing in our Region’s Youth
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.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Presenting Sponsors — Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Ohio Valley Goodwill
Partner Sponsors — United Way of Greater Cincinnati, The Zaring Family Foundation
Breakout Session Sponsors — E.W. Scripps, The University of Cincinnati 1819 Innovation Hub, Social Venture Partners
Coffee Sponsor — Laterza Coffee
Breakfast Sponsor — Miami University Center for Social Entrepreneurship,
Flywheel’s programming is made possible by — The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation
