Startwheel Director Tim Ryan, who took the helm of the 501c3 organization in September 2019, initially spent his time attending various events to understand the needs of entrepreneurs in Tidewater. When COVID hit, Ryan, a small businessman and long-time champion of entrepreneurship, was faced with a new challenge. His strategy involved expanding the organization’s focus beyond startups and reaching out to the small business community while keeping in mind the differences between the two ventures. Ryan aims to build a supportive network for both startups and small businesses to access resources and maintain their strength in the face of challenges.

Introduction

From INSIDE BUSINESS By YANA GINBURG 

Tim Ryan’s Approach

When Tim Ryan was named the director of Startwheel in September 2019, he decided to get to know the organization and “try to understand the landscape.”

Adapting to COVID Challenges

“I spent most of my time going to different events, networking events, ribbon cuttings, etc.,” Ryan said. He wanted to understand through engagement and interaction what entrepreneurs in Tidewater needed to succeed. And then COVID hit. And Ryan, himself a small businessman and a long-time entrepreneurship champion, was faced with a new challenge as the leader of a 501c3 organization.

Expanding Focus

Part of the strategy involved broadening the organization’s focus beyond startups and reaching out to the small business community. But there is a difference between those two types of ventures that Ryan had to keep in mind.

Building a Supportive Network

Essentially, Ryan hopes to build a network and community where both startups and small businesses can “stay plugged in to all the resources available and ensure that they all stay strong.”

Recognition and Leadership

Chris Shelton — owner of Cure Coffee in Norfolk, a self-described serial entrepreneur, and the founder of Startwheel — was running the Old Dominion University Innovation Center when he met Ryan in 2015. In Ryan, Shelton recognized a kindred spirit.

About Tim Ryan and Startwheel

About the honoree

Question & Answer

Q: When did Tim Ryan become the director of Startwheel?

A: Tim Ryan became the director of Startwheel in September 2019.

Q: How did Tim Ryan initially approach his role as the director of Startwheel?

A: Tim Ryan spent his time attending various events to understand the needs of entrepreneurs in Tidewater.

Q: What new challenge did Tim Ryan face as the leader of Startwheel when COVID hit?

A: When COVID hit, Tim Ryan, a small businessman and long-time champion of entrepreneurship, was faced with a new challenge.

Q: What is Tim Ryan’s strategy for Startwheel in light of COVID challenges?

A: Tim Ryan’s strategy involves expanding the organization’s focus beyond startups and reaching out to the small business community to build a supportive network for both.