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.

Thrive: FutureLAND founder finds inspiration in his father’s grit and drive
The entrepreneurial spirit, curiosity, and determination Kumar Arora learned from his father has led to a successful business career and the cofounding of the upcoming FutureLAND—a celebration of diversity in tech and entrepreneurship in Playhouse Square to help drive economic growth in the area.
Chain Reaction: Applications open for sixth season of small business pitch competition
Greater Cleveland Partnership’s Council of Smaller Enterprises announced that applications are now open for the sixth season of Cleveland Chain Reaction—the small business pitch competition.
Who’s Hiring in the #CLE: MidTown, Cleveland Food Bank, Playhouse Square, and more
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.
Manufacturing blueprint: MAGNET champions plan for a high-tech, talent-rich manufacturing future
MAGNET, with backing from Team NEO, Greater Cleveland Partnership, and Case Western Reserve University, are cheerleaders for the success of Northeast Ohio's manufacturing industry with MAGNET's Blueprint for Manufacturing.
Salvation Army, Greater Cleveland Food Bank partner for produce giveaway in Miles Park
The Salvation Army and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank are partnering for a produce giveaway in the Miles Park neighborhood on Friday.
Cleveland City Council approves $5 million in ARPA funds for Habitat for Humanity
Cleveland City Council passed an ordinance on Monday to provide $5 million in ARPA funds to Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity. The funds will be used to build and rehabilitate homes in underserved neighborhoods under Habitat's five-year strategic plan.
Who’s Hiring in the #CLE: Cleveland Play House, MedWish, FreshWater, and more
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.
Woodhill Homes project earns $10 million HUD boost
The ongoing Woodhill Homes development project in the Buckeye-Woodhill neighborhood—a six-phase, six-year $250 million development project by Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), the City of Cleveland, and Boston-based The Community Builders (TCB)—just received a boost through a $10 million HUD Choice Neighborhoods Supplemental Funding Grant.
A whole new world: Manufacturing offers fruitful opportunities in ‘non-traditional’ jobs
When thinking about manufacturing jobs, often the first thing that comes to mind is dank dystopian machinery, soot-covered workers, and welding masks. But today's manufacturing field holds opportunities that can actually be quite glamorous.
Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry is using solar power to house the homeless
Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry and PadSmart have just launched a pilot program to build energy efficient solar-powered homes to provide those experiencing homelessness with affordable a new affordable housing option.
Virtually unstoppable: How Peachtree VA transforms businesses
Executive assistants topped the list of most in-demand job titles for remote and freelance work in 2022. So John McKenna tapped into that need and started Peachtree VA—offering virtual assistants who can work remotely for businesses located anywhere.
Who’s Hiring in the #CLE: Heights libraries, Holden Forests & Gardens, Northwest Neighborhoods CDC
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.
Positive momentum: Local CDC puts Buckeye neighborhood plan into motion
In August, Cleveland's City Planning Commission approved a new master plan designed by Burten, Bell, Carr Development to lift the Buckeye neighborhood from the swamp of disinvestment, structural racism, and population loss it has dwelled within for years.
Filling a need: Resource closets provide basic supplies and food to struggling Clevelanders
Too many Clevelanders, especially those living in the city's predominantly Black and underserved neighborhoods, struggle to make ends meet as a result of unemployment and underemployment. Many area organizations are working hard to meet the needs of people. Three Cleveland organizations are taking grassroots, creative approaches to supplying basic resources.
Everyone wins! Terranean Herbs & Spices wins Chain Reaction, three more place second
The 20 semifinalists pitched their businesses to the Cleveland Chain Reaction judges last week and the winners were announced on "Kickin' it with Kenny" at Tower City Center. But there was a slight twist—all 20 came away winners.
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture approves 2023 grants for six organizations
The Cuyahoga Arts & Culture board of trustees yesterday voted to approve six Northeast Ohio arts organizations for 2023 grants funding, including four arts and culture groups—Assembly for the Arts, Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center, Karamu House, and SPACES.
Check it out: Holiday shopping ideas with a Cleveland flare
It's peak holiday shopping time. With such talented makers and artists in Northeast Ohio, shoppers don't have to look far to find some unique, locally-made gifts for everyone on the list. We compiled some of our favorites here!
New Hope: Resource event to offer help to job seekers facing barriers
Fairfax Community Development Corporation and The City Mission will host a resource fair this Thursday to help low income individuals, those experiencing homelessness, and others with barriers to entering the workforce, overcome those hurdles and find a job.
The big pitch: Chain Reaction semifinalists to showcase their companies for judges Thursday
This Thursday, the 20 semifinalists in this year's Cleveland Chain Reaction will pitch their businesses to a panel of judges for a chance to take home one of three cash prizes to help get their businesses off the ground.
Where are the workers? Employers must adapt to worker sentiment post-COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic caused many people to rethink their priorities, their work environments, and career choices. As more workers head toward gig work and freelance work-from-home jobs, employers are looking for new ways to attract and retain workers in a dwindling workforce.