Greater Cleveland Partnership’s (GCP) Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) today, Tuesday, June 16, announced the 22 businesses that will advance to the semifinals of the ninth season of Cleveland Chain Reaction.
Cleveland Chain Reaction season nine semifinalists.The small business pitch competition connects entrepreneurs to capital and mentors, and positions businesses in Greater Cleveland to create jobs and build prosperity. A panel of judges representing program supporters —including Medical Mutual, Minutemen Workforce Solutions, COSE, JumpStart, and other entrepreneurial support partners—reviewed the applications and selected the 22 semifinalists out of a group of 90 applicants.

“We are always encouraged by the caliber of entrepreneurs who apply to Cleveland Chain Reaction,” said COSE executive director and GCP executive vice president, small business, marketing and tech initiatives Megan E. Kim in a statement. “This program is designed to help business owners build the foundation for the next stage of growth.

“We look forward to working with this year’s semifinalists to provide the coaching, education and access to capital that will help them scale, strengthen their businesses and continue creating jobs and economic impact across our region,” Kim continued.

The semifinalists will now participate in an intensive bootcamp. JumpStart’s expert advisors will help them prepare to pitch at a two-day showcase on Wednesday and Thursday, July 22 and 23, for an opportunity to secure meaningful growth capital.

First place winners Daisy MakesThe first place winner will receive $40,000; the second place winner will receive $20,000; and the third place winner will receive $10,000.

"The exposure and grant money can be transformative, but ultimately we want every semifinalist to be a winner," JumpStart vice president, small business services and capital Patty Ajdukiewicz, said in a statement. “The bootcamp gives them the tools for long-term success.

“Working with an advisor, they develop the strategy, structure and confidence they need, and leave with connections to resources and the opportunity to continue working with JumpStart through its continuum of programs to support their ongoing growth.”

This year’s Cleveland Chain Reaction semifinalists:

• Aviary
• Baked AF
• Blue International Marketing
• Boyce Music Studio
• Captains Car Service
• Cleveland Cotton Candy Machines
• Destiny Connections LLC
• Engineered 2 Entertain
• Food with Purpose LLC
• Fresh Lyfe
• Future Ink Graphics (FIG)
• Jam By Josh
• Mouma's
• Natural Pretty Hair LLC
• Noblewins LLC
• Rolling Refreshments LLC
• Sharcuterie by Shanell
• SIGL Inc.
• The Healing Studio
• The Opal Ink Studio
• Vitiman Kandie Restaurant
• ZuZu Chocolates

Kenny Crumpton with Fox 8 News in the Morning and Kickin' It With Kenny

Since its inception in 2017, Cleveland Chain Reaction has received 822 applications, coached and prepared 167 small business semifinalists, connected winning businesses to more than $1.8 million in capital and provided 740 hours of technical assistance.

Cleveland Chain Reaction is produced by COSE in collaboration with JumpStart and FOX 8 News in the Morning's “Kickin’ it with Kenny.” This season is sponsored by Medical Mutual, Minutemen Workforce Solutions, MAGNET and the COSE Benefit Plan.

Mimi Magazine is the print publication partner, and FreshWater Cleveland is the digital publication partner.

Visit the Cleveland Chain Reaction webpage for more information.