Entrepreneurs + Innovators
Bob PerkoskiSam McNulty and Andy Tveekrem
American author Napoleon Hill said that, "Ideas are the beginning points of all fortunes." True, but good ideas aren't just one-man money-makers -- they can serve as triggers for the kind of economic development that turns around entire blocks, neighborhoods, even cities and regions. In Cleveland, good ideas lead to an ever-growing array of new businesses filling needs across a wide spectrum. From food trucks to got-to-have-it smartphone apps, small start-ups are the lifeblood of a progressive economy.
![Mike Crawford uses a big laser cutter to make wooden gift boxes at the Sears think[box].](/galleries/2026/Jauary_2026/Issue_683/Sears_thinkbox/Mike_Crawford_laser_cutter.jpg?s=lf)
CWRU's Sears think[box] is the nation's largest free public makerspace, offering equipment, materials, and mentorship in a 50,000-square feet space to students, professionals, and the community. Think[box] levels the playing field so anyone can access typically expensive tools and transform their ideas into reality.
The North Union Farmers Market will host its last farmers market of 2025 at Shaker Square and Crocker Park, and its final Holiday Market this Saturday, Dec. 20, at Van Aken District Market Hall, featuring more than 35 local makers, bakers, and artists offering handcrafted gifts and specialty foods.
Steve Presser has opened his beloved Big Fun store as a holiday pop-up for the third consecutive year, this time in the former Record Revolution space. Open through January 11, Big Fun features vintage posters, t-shirts, and memorabilia, while also serving this year as an incubator for four local entrepreneurs.
Danielle McGough, a professional gingerbread house designer who has created holiday structures for major retailers, launched the Jolly Gingerbread Makery Pop-Up Workshop in 78th Street Studios this holiday season. Participants decorate hand-baked gingerbread houses with access to a variety of decorations and optional add-ons like LED lights and edible windows.
Malley's Chocolates this week unveiled a refreshed look to its 1937 Lakewood flagship store. The new look has modern updates while preserving the nostalgic charm that has made it a Cleveland favorite for nearly 90 years. Local artist Lisa Quine contributed an enormous mural, while designers preserved, yet updated, Malley's signature pink and green colors.
Cleveland's 21st annual Día de Muertos Festival, organized by Cleveland Public Theatre and Día de Muertos Ohio, will take place on November 1st in the Gordon Square Arts District. The event, which honors the memory of those who have passed, will feature traditional arts, music, dance, food, and cultural activities, including altar installations and the Skulls and Skeletons Procession.
Rid-All Green Partnership's sixth annual Fresh Fest brought Kinsman residents and people from all over Greater Cleveland to the urban farm. The event featured local vendors, activities, and tours of the farm's facilities. Photographer Bob Perkoski captured the events of the day.
Rooms to Let, the annual art program in Slavic Village, has evolved from transforming vacant homes to revitalizing outdoor spaces. The 2025 exhibition will feature 14 local artists and music groups, creating temporary art enclaves on 12 vacant lots to bring attention to urban renewal and the power of art in transforming neighborhoods.
The Greater Cleveland Partnership's Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) has announced the winners of the eighth season of Cleveland Chain Reaction, a small business pitch competition. Daisy Makes, Be Browed Etcetera, and The Golden Room secured the top three positions.
Season 8 of Cleveland Chain Reaction, the pitch competition led by the Greater Cleveland Partnership's Council of Smaller Enterprises is nearing its finale as 22 semifinalists are competing this week in showcase days. The winners of the cash prizes will be announced at the Aug. 27 finale at the Ariel LaSalle Theater.
EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute hosted a five-course dinner at Grafton Correctional Institution, prepared and served by incarcerated individuals participating in EDWINS owner Brandon Chrostowsski's culinary program. The event showcased the students' culinary skills and the produce grown in the prison's garden, while highlighting EDWINS' mission of providing second chances through culinary education.
Teen entrepreneur Josh Friedlander has turned his passion for cooking and gardening into a successful jam-making business. What started as a pandemic project has grown into a thriving enterprise, with Jam by Josh products now available in multiple stores.
The Greater Cleveland Partnership's Council of Smaller Enterprises has announced 22 semifinalists for the eighth annual Cleveland Chain Reaction small business pitch competition. With a record 141 applications this year, the competition connects entrepreneurs with capital, mentors, and resources. Semifinalists will participate in a bootcamp and pitch their businesses for a chance to win up to $40,000 in prizes.
The Beachland Ballroom, a cornerstone of Cleveland's music scene, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Founded by Cindy Barber and Mark Leddy, the venue has become a cultural hub and Collinwood advocate—hosting performances and promoting neighborhood revitalization.
Cleveland native Melody Chu's debut novel, "Mathey Girls" draws from her personal experiences of loss and friendship to tell a compelling story of grief and self-discovery. Chu's own journey has gone from international lawyer to author, and her novel reflects personal themes of enduring friendships and overcoming adversity.
Cleveland Chain Reaction, the annual pitch competition organized by the Greater Cleveland Partnership's Council of Smaller Enterprises, is now accepting applications for its eighth season.
The MidTown Collaboration Center, a new 98,000-square-foot innovation hub in the Hough neighborhood, is celebrating its grand opening with a community block party on May 16. The center, developed by the Cleveland Foundation, JumpStart, KeyBank, and other partners, aims to boost economic activity and create jobs while bringing together multiple organizations focused on community-centered research and programming initiatives.
Northeast Ohio's bookstores will celebrate the 12th annual Independent Bookstore Day this Saturday April 26. Eighteen local bookshops will participate in the nationwide event, offering a range of activities including author readings, signings, giveaways, and a region-wide bookstore crawl.
Malley's Chocolates and Brewnuts, two beloved Cleveland confectioneries, have joined forces to create a limited-edition Carmallow Egg Donut for Easter. Available for three days in April at select locations, this unique treat combines Malley's signature Carmallow Egg with Brewnuts' yeast-raised donut, topped with milk chocolate icing, Carmallow Egg pieces, marshmallow sauce, and caramel.
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb declared March 1 "USS Cleveland Day" during the unveiling of the LEGO scale model of the Navy's soon-to-be commissioned USS Cleveland.