Regional Economy

Onosys - photo Bob PerkoskiOnosys - 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.

Ground level: Saint Luke's Foundation plans new Woodland HQ to boost community connection
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.
Daisies and beauty: Cleveland Chain Reaction deems three businesses Season 8 winners
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.
Pitch perfect: Chain Reaction semifinalists hone plans for summer showdown
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.
Greater Cleveland Partnership names Cleveland Chain Reaction season 8 semifinalists
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 invests $2 million in area CDCs for strong community growth
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 returns for season eight with $70K in prizes for small businesses
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 prepares to deliver 12,000 Easter meals
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.
From dinner table to community lifeline: The Steak Club Foundation’s mission to end food insecurity
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’s new home a would-be catalyst for Slavic Village
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.
Ready all, row: Head of the Cuyahoga takes to the river
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.
Semifinalists announced: 21 businesses make the cut in Cleveland Chain Reaction season seven
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!
Building the future: Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry turns to 3D to house the homeless
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.
Faith in action: Church deacon harnesses business skills to serve those in need
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.
Early bird special: Towards Employment fundraiser offers ticket discounts, California trip raffle
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.
Cleveland Neighborhood Progress puts residents at heart of newest grant funding
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.
Make It Home: A plan to support homeownership, stabilize east side CLE neighborhoods
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.
SCORE Cleveland needs seasoned business professional to help drive local small business success
April is National Volunteer Month, and SCORE Cleveland needs additional volunteers to help entrepreneurs and startups in Northeast Ohio realize their lifelong dreams of starting and owning a successful small business.
Who’s Hiring in the #CLE: Enterprise, Cleveland Restoration Society, Shaker Heights
Need a job? Check out the latest edition of FreshWater Cleveland's “Who’s Hiring” series, where we feature growing companies with open positions, what they’re looking for, and how to apply.
Vision in focus: Aura at Innovation Square opens in Fairfax
After years of planning and collaborating, the next step in Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation's Innovation Square Neighborhood Plan—Aura at Innovation Square—became a reality this week with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Signs of progress: NEO making gains in becoming smart manufacturing hub
MAGNET's first progress report card on its Blueprint for Manufacturing in Northeast Ohio was released last week. The report shows the area has exceeded industry goals, increased investment and products, and diversified top talent, among other milestones.