Shenandoah Community Capital Fund’s 4th Startup Shenandoah Valley (S2V) cohort is made up of eight technology or tech-enabled businesses across the Shenandoah Valley. We sat down with each of our participants to get to know more about them as entrepreneurs, and why they choose to participate in the S2V program.
This spotlight is highlighting JD Oldacker. Oldacker is the founder of A.I.M Forward, based in Frederick County. A.I.M stands for accept, improve and move. A.I.M Forward is a virtual platform that connects students and counselors with sample career experiences so they can test a career before committing long-term.
Oldacker was excited about participating in the S2V program because he believes it will push his limits and bring his business to reality, “I joined S2V to better understand the process of starting my own business and learning while I develop my business.” Like many others in this tech-focused cohort, Oldacker appreciates the feedback he will be able to receive from peers in this industry. Over the course of the program, Oldacker will ideate various solutions for his business problems, “My hope is that by the end of the next few weeks I will have a strong business concept that I can continue to improve upon or I will know that a pivot would be a better option.”
We asked Oldaker a few more questions to get to know more about entrepreneur life in Frederick County:
What is your favorite part about being an entrepreneur?
I believe being an entrepreneur allows me to focus more on things that interest me and more freedom to think differently.
What is your favorite restaurant or coffee shop in your town?
I do not have a favorite restaurant as my choice of what I like to eat changes too often, but I do wish there was a Korean Barbeque closer than Leesburg.
What is your favorite town to visit in the Shenandoah Valley besides your own?
I do not have a favorite town so much as favorite routes to take around Shenandoah Valley. I like driving the backroads to see all the scenic landscapes they have to offer.