IBROC (Innovative Business Resource Opportunity Resource) The Inclusive Business Recovery Opportunity Center (IBROC) was launched to create a centralized, accessible ecosystem for underrepresented entrepreneurs in Dayton, Ohio. In collaboration with the City of Dayton and community partners, SunnyBlu Art Agency led the creative direction for the public rollout of IBROC—crafting a cohesive, resonant identity and campaign to ensure the initiative reached, inspired, and mobilized its target audience.
Challenge: Despite robust programming and community investment, IBROC needed a brand identity and communications strategy that could clearly articulate its mission, foster credibility, and drive engagement among minority entrepreneurs, business support organizations (BSOs), and community stakeholders. With a tight timeline to launch, the initiative required a full suite of creative services—delivered with both cultural sensitivity and design excellence.
Services Delivered: SunnyBlu provided end-to-end creative leadership, overseeing the strategic vision, design, and rollout of IBROC’s public-facing presence across all platforms. We facilitated discovery sessions with stakeholders to align creative with community impact goals.We developed a brand that conveyed trust, access, and empowerment. This included:
- Brand positioning and visual identity
- Color palette, font selections, and usage guidelines
- Brand voice and tone documentation
Messaging
We crafted a messaging framework rooted in IBROC’s community-first values. Messaging pillars such as “No More Hidden Gems” helped shape campaign language, public relations, and partner communications.
We crafted a messaging framework rooted in IBROC’s community-first values. Messaging pillars such as “No More Hidden Gems” helped shape campaign language, public relations, and partner communications.
Logo Design
The IBROC logo was designed to symbolize connectedness and opportunity, with a modern aesthetic that reflects economic mobility and inclusion.
The IBROC logo was designed to symbolize connectedness and opportunity, with a modern aesthetic that reflects economic mobility and inclusion.
Collateral Design
We created branded print and digital collateral, including:
We created branded print and digital collateral, including:
- One-pagers for partners
- Launch flyers
- Branded quote templates
- Community signage
- Social Media Toolkit & Campaign Development
SunnyBlu built a pre-launch and post-launch social campaign including:
SunnyBlu built a pre-launch and post-launch social campaign including:
- No More Hidden Gems digital campaign
- Instagram carousel posts, quote graphics, and stat visuals
- Launch day social toolkit for partners and BSOs
- Caption templates and storytelling prompts
Website Design
We designed and developed a clean, intuitive microsite that serves as IBROC’s digital front door. It features:
We designed and developed a clean, intuitive microsite that serves as IBROC’s digital front door. It features:
A compelling "Our Story" section
Interactive partner and BSO directory
Sign-up and contact forms
Responsive mobile-first design
Photography
We conducted an original photoshoot featuring local entrepreneurs and BSO representatives, creating an image library that reflects the diversity and ambition of Dayton’s business community.
We conducted an original photoshoot featuring local entrepreneurs and BSO representatives, creating an image library that reflects the diversity and ambition of Dayton’s business community.
Video Production
To anchor the campaign, we produced a flagship video spotlighting the IBROC origin story and elevating testimonials from small business owners and partners. The short-form documentary established an emotional narrative and created shareable content for online and in-person events.
To anchor the campaign, we produced a flagship video spotlighting the IBROC origin story and elevating testimonials from small business owners and partners. The short-form documentary established an emotional narrative and created shareable content for online and in-person events.
Results:
Successful Launch: IBROC launched publicly in May 2025 with strong community support and a clear, cohesive brand presence.
Increased Visibility: Dozens of BSOs engaged in the rollout campaign, using the toolkit to share unified messaging across their networks.
Community Resonance: The “No More Hidden Gems” narrative sparked meaningful conversation and excitement about economic inclusion in Dayton.
Digital Engagement: The microsite received hundreds of unique visits within the first week of launch, with entrepreneurs actively signing up for updates and support.
The Only Thing We Ever Quit
Quit Culture was a tobacco cessation initiative of Interact for Health, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the health of Greater Cincinnati. Conceived as a safe space where smokers could vent frustrations, celebrate wins and be inspired, this campaign aimed to change the culture and narrative around smoking in the Cincinnati’s Black communities.
Introduction:
Led by Wordsworth Communications and SunnyBlu, our team—which included strategic contributors to influencer relations, experiential activations, program evaluation and digital/traditional media—planned and executed a variety of paid, earned, owned and shared media tactics to drive long-term behavior change. Over nearly two years, Quit Culture successfully built a strong foundation of Quitters, arming them with tools, resources and tips to guide them on their journey to a smoke-free life. Furthermore, the campaign directly equipped participants with the resources to improve community health, wellness and quality of life.
1. Don’t Communicate, Co-Create
Quit Culture’s team was creative, credible, wide, deep, and collaborative—a winning combination when addressing the ambitious goal of changing smoking culture. Engagement with the priority population throughout the campaign ensured every tactic introduced was authentic enough to resonate and activate the key audience.
2. Culturally Rooted Framework
We incorporated input from community advisory boards, influencers, and Black-owned businesses to ensure authenticity and cultural relevance. Collaboration with BlaCk OWned and other trusted community partners amplified our outreach.
3. Multi-Channel Media Strategy
We executed a comprehensive mix of paid, earned, owned, and shared media tactics:
Owned Media: Resources like Quit Kits, the 2Morrow Health App, and storytelling through the “Smoke Break” video series.
Shared Media: Private Facebook groups, Instagram channels, and digital events fostered engagement and provided safe spaces for participants to share their journeys.
Paid Media: Targeted digital ads, interactive mobile campaigns, and out-of-home placements ensured visibility.
Earned Media: Leveraged local influencers to share stories and highlight successes.
4. Agility in the Face of Uncertainty
The campaign, running from 2020 to 2022, coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. This period of uncertainty forced our team to constantly experiment, evaluate, and refine tactics. Flexibility became essential in maintaining momentum and ensuring continued engagement.
The campaign increased Black adult smokers who have made a quit attempt by 1.1% (365 individuals). Most importantly, the campaign addressed the life-threatening and ever-present issue of tobacco use. The total economic cost of smoking in Ohio is more than $5.64 billion/year. Yet every dollar spent on tobacco prevention reduces tobacco-related health care expenditures by up to $55—which added up to approximately $90,687/Quitter—$33.1 million, total—a nearly 5,500% ROI.
The Care Economy Organizing Project (CEO)
(CEO) is a statewide grassroots organizing project focused on building power with women, especially women of color who work in the care economy. The CEO Project calls on the state to adequately invest in our children and their families futures. At SunnyBlu we created a social & print campaign #CareIsOnTheBallot that focused on telling people centered stories to advocate for Ohioans to vote to increase the childcare budget in Columbus.
Our approach to the #CareCan'tWait campaign was deeply rooted in community engagement and powerful storytelling, recognizing that the most compelling narratives come from the voices of those directly impacted by the care economy. From the outset, we committed to understanding the unique needs and experiences of women, especially women of color, working in this sector. Through extensive research and dialogue with community leaders, we shaped our messaging to resonate authentically with their lived realities.
Our brand identity, with its vibrant visual elements and empathetic, action-oriented tone, consistently reflected our core values of empowerment and inclusivity. This cohesive identity ensured that all campaign materials, from social media posts to printed brochures, conveyed a unified and compelling message. Through this comprehensive approach, we successfully engaged and mobilized a broad audience, driving significant support and advocacy for the #CareCan'tWait initiative.
Digital Campaign KPIs
Reach and Awareness:
. Unique Visitors: 10,000 unique visitors to the CEO website.
Engagement:
. Likes, Shares, Comments: 5,000 likes, 2,000 shares, and 1,000 comments on social on owned and partnered social media post.
. Click-Through Rate (CTR): 3% CTR on digital ads and social media posts.
. Likes, Shares, Comments: 5,000 likes, 2,000 shares, and 1,000 comments on social on owned and partnered social media post.
. Click-Through Rate (CTR): 3% CTR on digital ads and social media posts.
Conversions:
. Email Sign-Ups: 1,500 new email subscribers.
. Event Registrations: 650 registrations for Day Without Child Care event.
. Email Sign-Ups: 1,500 new email subscribers.
. Event Registrations: 650 registrations for Day Without Child Care event.
Influencer Partnerships:
7 collaborations with influencers or notable figures promoting the campaign.
Community Engagement:
15 community events or meetings where print materials are shared and discussed.
Storytelling was at the heart of our campaign, transforming abstract policy issues into personal, relatable narratives. We shared powerful stories and testimonials from women in the care economy, humanizing the campaign and building emotional connections with our audience. These stories highlighted the critical role of caregivers and underscored the urgent need for systemic change. By featuring success stories and the positive impacts of investing in childcare and early education, we demonstrated the potential for transformative change, inspiring action and solidarity among our supporters.
Client Binder: It’s More Than Capital It’s Community.
Binder the App, is a social application aiming to connect small business owners with capital in an innovative, gamified manner, Binder approached SunnyBlu Creative Agency to develop a brand strategy and collateral. We, saw an opportunity to create a brand identity for Binder that was not only vibrant and clean but also aligned with the app's witty, curious nature.
Client Background: Binder the App
Binder the App is an upcoming social application designed to bridge the gap between small business owners and investors. With a gamified approach to funding, the app allows users to create profiles and match based on shared interests, initiating conversations that could lead to funding partnerships. The app's core values are accessibility, interactivity, and fun, aiming to make the process of securing capital more engaging for small businesses and startups.
Approach
Discovery Phase: SunnyBlu began by conducting in-depth research into Binder's target audience. They analyzed the preferences, pain points, and aspirations of small business owners and investors. This research guided the development of a brand strategy that would resonate with these groups. Brand Workshop: To align visions, SunnyBlu conducted a brand workshop with the Binder team. This workshop delved into the app's mission, values, and unique selling points. Through collaborative exercises, they identified key brand attributes such as "fun," "innovative," "approachable," and "trustworthy."
Brand Identity Development
Visual Identity: SunnyBlu crafted a visual identity that reflected Binder's values. The color palette comprised vibrant blues and greens, symbolizing growth and trust. Clean, modern typography was chosen to convey professionalism and accessibility.
Logo Design: The logo featured a stylized "B" intertwined with a playful icon representing connections and growth. This logo aimed to be memorable and versatile, suitable for both digital and print applications.
Brand Messaging: SunnyBlu developed taglines and messaging that spoke to Binder's target audience. Phrases like "Swipe to Success" and "Where Ideas Meet Investment" were crafted to resonate with small business owners and investors alike.
Brand Collateral:
Website Design: SunnyBlu designed a user-friendly website for Binder, focusing on clear navigation and engaging visuals. The website featured user testimonials, app features, and a blog section to establish credibility and provide valuable content.
App Interface Concepts: While Binder was still in development, SunnyBlu created mockups of the app interface. These concepts showcased the user experience, highlighting the intuitive swipe-right matching system and interactive profiles.
Print Materials: For promotional purposes, SunnyBlu designed print materials such as business cards and brochures. These materials maintained consistency with the app's visual identity, reinforcing brand recognition.
Testing and Refinement: Throughout the process, SunnyBlu collaborated closely with the Binder team, seeking feedback and making iterative improvements. They conducted focus groups and user testing to ensure the brand strategy resonated with the target audience.
Results:
Strong Brand Identity: SunnyBlu successfully developed a strong brand identity for Binder the App. The visual elements, including the logo and color palette, reflected the app's values of innovation and accessibility.
Positive Reception: The brand strategy received positive feedback from focus groups and stakeholders. Small business owners appreciated the app's approachable and engaging brand image, while investors found it trustworthy and professional.
Increased Anticipation: As a result of the brand strategy and collateral, anticipation for the app's launch grew among its target audience. The website received positive traffic, with users expressing interest in signing up upon launch.
Versatile Brand Collateral: Binder now possesses a range of versatile brand collateral, from a user-friendly website to engaging app interface concepts and promotional materials. These assets will support the app's marketing efforts post-launch.
Brand Videos
Below are some examples of brand videos we've done for different clientele. At SunnyBlu, we believe that every brand has a story worth telling. Our team of skilled storytellers, filmmakers, and artists collaborates closely with each client to understand the essence of their brand. Whether you're a cutting-edge tech startup, a timeless luxury brand, or an innovative non-profit, we tailor our approach to authentically represent your identity.
Urban League: Glorifying The Lions
Mama Certified: Physician Video
Mercy Health: Perinatal Video
Planned Parenthood Anchor Video