Through a combination of courses, consulting, co-working spaces, and strategic placement opportunities, IDG’s Cornerstone Collective Accelerator Programs are designed to strengthen community development and drive economic change in the Warren and Youngstown region. These programs specifically focus on supporting under-resourced microenterprises—businesses with five or fewer employees—that operate within 80% of the area median income (AMI). By providing targeted resources and opportunities, we help these businesses overcome barriers and build lasting impact in their communities.

The IDG Impact Fund provides flexible, early-stage capital to help small and micro-business owners overcome one of the most common barriers to growth: access to funding. Designed with capital ready entrepreneurs in mind, the fund offers financial support that can be used for critical needs such as equipment, inventory, space upgrades, or operational expansion. We prioritize businesses that align with our mission and economic vision for intentional community empowerment. By investing directly in local entrepreneurs, the Impact Fund helps build stronger businesses—and stronger neighborhoods—in the Warren and Youngstown regions of the Mahoning Valley.

The Cornerstone Community Kitchen is a shared commercial space exclusively available to participants of the Cornerstone Business Accelerator Program. Designed for food-based and community-focused entrepreneurs, this fully equipped kitchen provides a professional environment to develop, produce, and scale their products. By offering access to a licensed kitchen space, we help remove barriers and foster growth for small food businesses within our community.

The Cornerstone Collective Market unites efforts to boost local economic strength and build sustainable food systems. Our bi-weekly producer-only market features farmers, bakers, and artisans selling locally grown and made products directly to the community. We also support entrepreneurs with retail readiness and are partnering with the City of Youngstown to launch a food co-op on the SouthSide by expanding access to fresh, affordable food and strengthening our region’s food economy.