By Will Lucas, Founder & CEO of TolHouse

When I founded TolHouse, I had a vision of creating more than just a social club. I wanted to build a catalyst for Toledo’s transformation – a place where ideas could flourish, connections could form, and businesses could grow. But more importantly, I wanted to show that we don’t need to wait for outside saviors to build the future we want to see.

We have a tendency in this region to focus too heavily on attracting outside businesses, aiming to catch their attention by dangling tax incentives and promises of inexpensive real estate. We’ve spent decades hoping major corporations would sweep in and transform our economy. But here’s the truth: the opportunities in Toledo are too valuable to keep giving away to outsiders. It’s time we built these businesses ourselves.

Every time we pitch Toledo to outside companies, we’re acknowledging the value and potential here. The strategic location, the manufacturing infrastructure, the affordable real estate, the talented workforce – these aren’t just selling points for others, they’re opportunities for us. When we see these assets through an entrepreneur’s eyes, we realize that we’re sitting on gold mines that we’ve been trying to give away.

That’s why, starting January 2025, TolHouse will award full-year Memberships to local entrepreneurs launching new businesses in Toledo. This isn’t just about providing access to our 25,000 sq ft riverfront club – it’s about changing the narrative. Instead of waiting for outside businesses to recognize Toledo’s potential, we’re going to help our own people seize it.

Will Lucas speaking at AfroTech 2024, Houston, Texas. Photo by Jedah McGee for Creadio.

Throughout my journey building multiple businesses, from Creadio to TolHouse, and in my work with AfroTech and Black Tech Green Money, I’ve seen how communities thrive when they build from within. The most sustainable economic growth comes from local entrepreneurs who are invested in their community’s success, not from corporations shopping for the best tax deals.

Our Member community already includes some of Toledo’s most successful business leaders, innovators, and creators. These are people who saw opportunity here and had the courage to seize it. By bringing emerging entrepreneurs into this ecosystem, we’re not just offering them a space to work – we’re giving them access to a network of people who have already done what they’re trying to do, right here in Toledo.

This initiative isn’t charity – it’s an investment in our shared future. Each quarter, we’ll select founders who demonstrate not just viable business plans, but a commitment to building businesses that will grow roots here, create jobs here, and reinvest in our community. These entrepreneurs will receive full access to TolHouse’s amenities, including our workspace at Panda Coworking, our boardrooms and conference rooms, and most importantly, our community of Members.

I’ve spent years developing properties along Toledo’s waterfront because I believe in our city’s potential. But more importantly, I believe in our people’s potential. We don’t need to import success – we can build it ourselves.

If you’re ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship in 2025, if you see the same opportunities in Toledo that I do, if you’re tired of waiting for others to build the future we want – we’re ready to support your journey.

Applications open December 1, 2024. Click here to learn more and apply.

Let’s stop waiting for others to build our future. Let’s build it ourselves.