About OI!
We believe the same mindset that transformed technologies and upended and reshaped industries, can empower and enable small to mid-sized communities to recognize opportunities, shape our future, and enrich the lives of those who participate. Yet the tools and resources taught at the top schools and business incubators and accelerators across the country are not so readily available in these communities. We’ve set out to change that.
OUR MISSION:
To empower individuals to design their futures, enrich and impact their communities and make the world a better place by teaching entrepreneurial skills and mindset.
OUR core Beliefs:
Entrepreneurial skills are life skills
Harnessing entrepreneurship and local communities to address local challenges will make our communities better places to live
A robust, grassroots entrepreneurial ecosystem will create opportunities, spur new business, and drive economic activity
Our commitment:
From the outset, we have been focused on making OI! an authentic community-centric initiative. Since our first conversation asking whether and how "entrepreneurial mindset" and "entrepreneurship skills" might be beneficial we have spoken to hundreds of people, have shared ideas and received feedback at dinners, "coffees" and "drinks", all in a focused effort to make OI! an Inclusive Entrepreneurship initiative. Along the way, we’ve worked hard to: 1) provide a “safe”, trusted space where all people and questions are welcome; and, 2) create opportunities for everyone to co-create and learn from one another.
We commit that all of our programming, events and initiatives will, to the best of our abilities, reflect the views and aspirations that have been, and will be, shared with us.
If you’ve ever dreamt of starting a business, a charity, a social benefit enterprise, or taking control of your own future, join us.
Abby Lewis and Henry Welt,
Ossining Neighbors and Co-Founders of Ossining Innovates!
Elina Dart, Program Director