Regional Economy
Onosys - photo Bob Perkoski
To many, regionalism is the term used to describe the consolidation of countless redundant municipalities. While useful, necessary and inevitable, that aspect of regionalism is not intrinsically accurate, at least according to those whose mission it is to market Northeast Ohio. True regionalism, they argue, is defined by economic activity, not political boundaries. With major hubs like Cleveland, Akron, Canton and Youngstown, the 16-county "Cleveland Plus" region covers more than 6,000 square miles and is home to over 4 million people. Uniting that region and marketing its unique and sweeping assets is what true regionalism is all about.
Care Alliance Health Center and Breakthrough Schools are partnering to host the 2025 Holiday Toy Giveback this Saturday, Dec. 13, offering free toys for children up to age 12, health screenings, and community resources at Breakthrough MidTown. The event supports families facing barriers like housing instability and limited access to resources while providing a joyful holiday experience.
The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland is coordinating a major toy collection and distribution effort to serve more than 6,000 children in Cuyahoga County this Christmas season.
On Tuesday, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry will unveil its solar-powered affordable housing project in Cleveland's St. Clair-Superior neighborhood, featuring four energy-positive studio units designed for low-income renters. Developed in partnership with PadSmart, the homes combine solar technology, efficient construction methods, and universal design to dramatically reduce both rent and utility costs.
As the federal government shutdown causes stress and temporarily pauses SNAP benefits, two Northeast Ohio organizations are providing creative support to families facing food insecurity and financial strain. The Rustic Grill at StoneWater in Highland Heights is offering free kids' meals, while the Children's Museum of Cleveland is hosting a free community play event and providing year-long memberships to eligible families.
The Saint Luke's Foundation has plans to relocate its headquarters from its current sixth-floor offices to a new 21,000-square-foot, ground-level space in the Woodland neighborhood. Officials hope the move, will make the foundation more accessible and visible to the community it serves, with 65% of the new space dedicated to community use.
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.
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.
Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (CNP) has announced a $2 million investment in 17 community development corporations across Cleveland for 2025-2026. This initiative is part of CNP's CDC Advancement & Resilience Initiative to empower the community development nonprofits in real estate, economic development, and neighborhood planning.
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.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland will distribute 12,000 free holiday meals on Easter, on-site at the Bishop William M. Cosgrove Center and with home delivery throughout greater Cleveland. Volunteers, local businesses, and parishes will help in the effort. Community members can register for meal delivery, volunteer, or make monetary donations.
The Steak Club Foundation started as a casual dinner group to reconnect friends and network and evolved into to a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity. The group provides meals, runs food pantries, and supports local communities. The foundation's guiding principle, "No Service, No Steak" reflects the commitment to giving back.
University Settlement, which has been serving the community for almost a century in Slavic Village, in August began a new era of support and uplifting the community with the opening of 5115, a mixed use development with space for programming, a food pantry, and a host of services, as well as 5115 At The Rising apartments and townhomes.
The 28th Head of the Cuyahoga Regatta takes place this Saturday at Cleveland's Rivergate Park. With more than 1,500 athletes from across the U.S., the free event highlights Cleveland's rowing tradition dating back to the 1980s.
Greater Cleveland Partnership’s (GCP) Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) announced yesterday, Tuesday, July 9, that 21 businesses will advance to the semifinals in season seven of Cleveland Chain Reaction, a neighborhood economic development project and small business pitch competition. Find out who made the cut!
Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry is piloting a 3D-printed affordable housing project to create two homes for those at risk of experiencing homelessness. Cleveland City Council provided $500,000 for the project championed by Council member Stephanie D. Howse-Jones.
Lou Primozic, a deacon with the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, and a background in business, followed his calling and founded I'm In Ministry 12 years ago to serve the area's working poor with a volunteer network of organizations and individuals.
Towards Employment is hosting its annual fundraising event, "A Chance to Advance" in June, with early bird tickets now on sale through May 14 for $25 off per ticket to an evening of musical entertainment with jazz trumpeter Dominick Farinacci.
Empowerment was top-of-mind for Cleveland Neighborhood Progress when it recently invested $2.013 million into 17 CDCs, with focus on the residents and needs like home repairs, community engagement, and real estate development.
In early April, the City of Cleveland, Enterprise Community Partners, Cuyahoga Land Bank, CHN Housing Partners, Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, and the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless united with Rocket Community Fund to unveil the Make It Home Cleveland program. Aiming to address tax foreclosure and improve Black homeownership rates in East Side neighborhoods, the initiative offers renters the chance to become homeowners through financial support and housing stability services.