In this dynamic episode of On The Fly!, Flywheel Executive Director Donna Zaring sits down with Liz Keating, former Cincinnati City Council member and current VP of Government Affairs at the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, to explore how civic innovation can thrive when entrepreneurs and policymakers join forces.

From tackling litter and recycling to addressing eviction and housing instability, Liz shares how hackathons—intensive, solution-driven events—are changing the way governments approach problem-solving. With Flywheel as a key partner, these collaborations have not only led to community-wide improvements but have sparked new startups, fostered empathy, and reimagined how public funding can drive long-term, people-first impact.

Listen to hear more about:

• How a groups co-created winning solutions to Cincinnati’s litter problem
• The birth of the Cleanup Cart from Product Refinery, a startup launched through a Flywheel hackathon
• Why housing stabilization is an economic, human, and entrepreneurial issue, and how Cincinnati piloted an innovative grant to prevent eviction
• The ripple effect of bringing together government, community, and entrepreneurs to solve shared challenges
• How policies around childcare, housing, and transit connect directly to workforce growth and business success

Mentioned in this episode:

• Product Refinery – Startup that developed the Cleanup Cart
• Strategies to End Homelessness – Partner in the housing stabilization hackathon
• Main Street Ventures – Funders supporting startups born from civic innovation

At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we believe entrepreneurs are some of our greatest problem solvers. From the litter on our streets to the housing crisis in our neighborhoods, Flywheel brings together innovation, empathy, and real-world application to drive double-bottom-line solutions. Learn how to get involved or support our mission at flywheelcincinnati.org.