Exploring Entrepreneurial Resilience and Community in the State of Ohio

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

The fifth season of GoDaddy’s documentary series Made in America pays a visit to Ohio, a vibrant, diverse state where extraordinary entrepreneurs exemplify the essence of American hard work and ingenuity. 

Today, there are over 490,000 microbusinesses in Ohio, according to GoDaddy Venture Forward research. A microbusiness is defined as those having 10 or fewer employees, a domain and an active website.

From industrial Cleveland to rural Appalachia, we learn how strong community partnerships nurture growth in a region climbing out of the economic decline from waning U.S. manufacturing since the 1950s. 

We’ll also witness results driven by the Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI), a local, long-term partner in our global signature social impact program, Empower by GoDaddy. 

Launched in 2017, Empower by GoDaddy provides training, digital tools, mentorship and peer networks to entrepreneurs in underserved communities. 

“Being around my parents and their friends, I saw how everybody wanted to have something of their own — to start their own business, to own their own home,” said Inna Kinney, founder and CEO of ECDI who comes from an entrepreneurial family. “And unfortunately, there was nothing out there to help these individuals.”​

Since 2004, ECDI — the leading Small Business Administration microlender in the country by number of loans distributed for the past three years — has supported the local creation and retention of more than 43,000 jobs and distributed some $180 million in loans to emerging businesses in Ohio.

Made in America was created to share inspiration through true stories of entrepreneurs.The series uses an unfiltered documentary approach to highlight real-life entrepreneurial journeys and acknowledge the scarcity of opportunities and resources for underserved entrepreneurs. 

The series advocates for an inclusive experience and the support of small businesses in all communities, with previous seasons shot in Baltimore, Phoenix, Atlanta and Memphis.

Let’s meet our Ohio entrepreneurs: the owners of Carter’s BBQ and Gray Brush Vintage Market​.

Carter’s BBQ

When husband-and-wife team Darren W. Carter and Theresa Carter aren’t devoting their energy to fostering children and raising their recently adopted son, they’re working on their business Carter’s BBQ. 

The series follows their family after Darren W. Carter quits his long-time job at a steel mill to pursue his passion for barbecue. In a summer of big make-it-or-break-it events, the family came together to build Carter’s BBQ from the ground up.

And, now, they’re cooking up good stuff. 

 In 2023, the Carters were recognized by the Kingsford “Preserve the Pit” program, which spotlights people and stories in the Black community who have shaped the barbecue tradition.

Darren W. Carter hosts the podcast The Unknowns Black Pitmasters — available on Spotify, Amazon and Apple — which focuses on Black barbecue enthusiasts and pitmasters across the country. The podcast features modern-day grill masters — from backyard cooks, to TV personalities, and everyone in between.

Gray Brush Vintage Market​

Located in Portsmouth, Ohio, a quaint town of 17,000 situated on a bank of the Ohio River, Gray Brush Vintage Market​ was born of a passion for yesteryears’ beauty and the comforting charm of small-town living.

Co-owners Lisa Brickey and Vonda Rogers​ started the business in 2021, turning their shared love for vintage treasures into a shop that operates both online and as a brick-and-mortar establishment. Gray Brush retails vintage and new items, curates collections and rents merchandise for display or scenery.

The pair have been friends since childhood, supporting each other through life, from raising families to embracing grandparenthood. Lisa and Vonda are both wives, mothers and grandmothers with deep roots in the community.

The series follows them as they attempt to grow their business, enduring funding challenges, formidable competition and a big pivot in their business model — all while honoring the legacies of their families.

Watch the series

Catch a sneak peek of the series in our new trailer, here.

Watch past seasons of Made in America and the new season premiering Thursday, July 25, here.