By Asia Nail
The Truth Reporter
There are people who don’t just lead—they uplift, empower, and transform the world around them. Olivia Holden, executive director of Assets Toledo, is one of those rare visionaries. With wisdom, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing businesses, she has helped shape the future of entrepreneurship in northwest Ohio. With over 4,900 graduates of the Assets Toledo program, her impact extends far beyond numbers—it is written in the success stories of those who dared to dream and found the tools to make those dreams a reality.
As the 2025 YWCA Milestones Business Honoree, Holden’s recognition is not just an award; it is a tribute to a lifetime of service. She has given hope to countless aspiring business owners, proving that economic empowerment is a cornerstone of community transformation.
A Champion for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
When Olivia Holden speaks, her words carry the weight of experience and the warmth of someone who truly cares.
“We don’t just teach business,” Holden says. “We teach people how to see themselves as capable, worthy, and powerful. Confidence is the currency that turns an idea into an enterprise.”
Assets Toledo is more than an organization—it is a launching pad for those who want to build something of their own. Through a 13-week intensive program, participants learn the fundamentals of business planning, budgeting, and marketing. But what makes this program truly extraordinary is its focus on people.
“I tell every class, ‘You already have everything you need within you. We just help you put the pieces together.’” Holden explains. “Entrepreneurship is not just about making money; it’s about making a difference.”
Breaking Barriers, Creating Opportunity
Holden has spent her career ensuring that financial limitations do not become roadblocks to success. Assets Toledo provides a sliding-scale tuition model, making business education accessible to those with limited resources. Beyond education, they offer mentorship and micro-loans, equipping graduates with the tools to take the next step.
“We’re in the business of building bridges,” Holden says. “Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t. My job is to make sure more people get across to the other side.”
These opportunities have launched businesses in industries ranging from food services and retail to tech and wellness. Every graduate carries a story of resilience—single parents seeking financial independence, immigrants finding their place in a new country, and individuals re-entering the workforce after life-altering setbacks.
“We don’t just give them knowledge,” Holden adds. “We give them a family. And once you’re part of the Assets family, you’re never alone.”
Mentorship: The Heart of Success
One of the defining pillars of Assets Toledo is its mentorship program. Every graduate is paired with an experienced professional who provides guidance and support as they navigate their entrepreneurial journey.
“Starting a business is like planting a tree,” Holden says. “You need strong roots, you need care, and you need someone to help you when the storms come.”
Mentors provide not just business expertise but encouragement, accountability, and a steady hand in times of uncertainty. Many former students return to serve as mentors, creating a cycle of support that extends across generations of business owners.
“I always say, ‘The best thing you can do for your success is to pour into someone else’s,’” Holden reflects. “When we lift each other up, we all rise.”
The Power of Community and Connection
The impact of Assets Toledo extends beyond individual businesses—it strengthens the entire community. By fostering entrepreneurship, the program fuels local economic growth, creates jobs, and revitalizes neighborhoods.
“Small businesses aren’t just storefronts,” Holden says. “They are the heartbeat of a city. They bring culture, identity, and pride to a community.”
Each month, Assets alumni gather to share updates, celebrate wins, and seek advice on challenges. The relationships built within these cohorts extend far beyond the classroom.
“We are more than a business network,” Holden explains. “We are a movement. And when people move together, they make waves.”
A Legacy of Empowerment
Holden’s impact on Toledo is undeniable. She has spent her life breaking down barriers for women, people of color, and those historically left out of the economic conversation. Her work at Assets Toledo has laid the foundation for thousands of businesses—each one a testament to what is possible when people are given the tools and encouragement to succeed.
“My grandmother used to tell me, ‘When you get a blessing, build a bigger table, not a higher fence,’” Holden shares. “That’s what I’ve tried to do my entire career—make more room, create more chances, and remind people they belong in the room.”
Her influence reaches beyond Toledo, inspiring business leaders and organizations across the nation to adopt similar models of inclusive entrepreneurship.
Success in Numbers and Industries
The impact of Assets Toledo is reflected in its remarkable 89% business owner success rate. This statistic is more than a number—it represents a network of entrepreneurs who have turned their passions into profitable, sustainable businesses. From daycares and restaurants to fine jewelry brands, hair care lines, educational programs, nonprofit organizations, construction firms, and marketing agencies, Assets graduates are making their mark in industries that shape our community.
“We’ve watched people turn their kitchen recipes into bustling restaurants, their love for children into thriving daycare centers, and their creativity into flourishing jewelry and beauty brands,” Holden says. “Every business we help start is another step toward economic empowerment in Toledo.”
A Well-Deserved Honor
As she accepts the YWCA Milestones Business Honoree award, Holden remains focused on the future. She sees every graduate of Assets Toledo as proof that change is possible, that economic empowerment can be a reality for all, and that communities thrive when entrepreneurship is cultivated.
“This award isn’t just about me,” Holden says. “It’s about every single person who took a chance on their dreams, who bet on themselves, who refused to give up. I’m just honored to be part of their journey.”
For all the late nights, the struggles, the self-doubt, and the triumphs—Olivia Holden has been there, guiding, cheering, and making sure no dream was left behind. Her work is a gift to Toledo, to every entrepreneur who dared to take a step forward, and to the generations of business owners who will one day follow in her footsteps.
The YWCA of Northwest Ohio stands as a beacon of advocacy, equity, and opportunity for women in our region. Through programs that support economic advancement, social justice, and leadership, the YWCA continues to uplift those striving for a better future. Olivia Holden’s recognition as the 2025 Milestones Business Honoree is a reflection of her tireless dedication.
“I cried when I was told I was nominated, it made my heart sing to be honored doing something I love. I give all the Glory to God,” she says with deep gratitude.
Her work aligns seamlessly with the YWCA’s vision of a world where all women—regardless of background—can thrive, lead, and leave a legacy of excellence.
To Olivia Holden and the entire Assets Toledo team—thank you. Thank you for believing in people before they believed in themselves. Thank you for turning ideas into realities. And thank you for proving that when we empower one, we empower all.
Congratulations to Olivia Holden on this well-deserved honor! Learn more about the YWCA Milestones Awards here.