News Summary
The Burton D. Morgan Foundation has launched the Sopko Advocate Program to honor Bob Sopko’s legacy, promoting mentorship and support for entrepreneurs. Participants can take a pledge and receive recognition for their commitment to fostering a collaborative startup environment. The initiative also introduces the Sopko Travel Grant for students pursuing entrepreneurial experiences, aiming to create a supportive network inspired by Sopko’s contributions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Cleveland: Burton D. Morgan Foundation Launches Sopko Advocate Program to Honor Late Startup Champion Bob Sopko
The Burton D. Morgan Foundation has unveiled the Sopko Advocate Program to honor the legacy of Bob Sopko, who passed away on December 3, 2024. Sopko was widely recognized for his unwavering support for the startup community in Northeast Ohio, making significant contributions to the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The Sopko Advocate Program seeks to promote the energy, ideals, and values that Sopko instilled in aspiring entrepreneurs. This initiative encourages participants to take the S.O.P.K.O. Pledge, which stands for “Support Others with Purpose, Kindness, and Openheartedness.” Designed for experienced individuals within the startup ecosystem, the program emphasizes the importance of mentorship, advocacy, and encouragement for new entrepreneurs as they navigate the challenges of starting and growing their businesses.
In its first week, over 100 individuals signed the pledge, showcasing a strong commitment to fostering a collaborative environment for startups. Among the early supporters is Michael Goldberg, the executive director of the Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship, who praised Sopko’s dedication to understanding and addressing the needs of founders. Participants who complete the pledge will receive a physical pin and digital badge to symbolize their commitment to supporting the entrepreneurial community.
As part of the initiative, the Veale Institute has also introduced the Sopko Travel Grant, aimed at providing financial assistance to students seeking entrepreneurial experiences. The foundation has established a fundraising goal of $50,000 to support this grant. The intention is to make these resources available to a broader audience over time, ultimately creating a larger network of advocates inspired by Sopko.
Bob Sopko had a profound impact on the entrepreneurial landscape at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), where he served as the Entrepreneur-in-Residence and was a long-time Program Director for LaunchNET at the Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship. His mentoring and advocacy were instrumental in nurturing the talents of young entrepreneurs in the region. Shanna Greathouse, the founder of the contractor-sharing app pigybak and a former mentee of Sopko, shared that the initiative was designed to amplify the work he began, and emphasize the importance of founder support.
Sopko’s legacy is characterized by his kindness, approachability, and encouragement towards aspiring entrepreneurs, qualities that continue to resonate with many within the startup community. The Sopko Advocate Program aims to capture and continue this spirit by actively engaging experienced mentors and advocates who are willing to share their knowledge and provide guidance to emerging business leaders.
Through the Sopko Advocate Program, the Burton D. Morgan Foundation hopes to foster a supportive network that not only honors Bob Sopko’s contributions but also enhances the startup ecosystem in Northeast Ohio. By encouraging advocates to commit to supporting one another with purpose and kindness, the program aims to build a sustainable culture of entrepreneurship that pays tribute to Sopko’s legacy.
The Foundation and supporters are optimistic that as the program continues to grow, it will touch the lives of many more aspiring entrepreneurs, ensuring that Sopko’s influence remains a vital part of the entrepreneurial community for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- Crain’s Cleveland Business: Burton D. Morgan Foundation Launches Sopko Advocate Program
- Wikipedia: Entrepreneurship
- Cleveland.com: He Fought the Mafia in Cleveland
- Google Search: Startup Community
- Crain’s Cleveland Business: Entrepreneurship
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Startup
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