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Goldman Sachs announced last week that it will bring its 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) initiative to Cleveland. The initiative commits $500 million to entrepreneurial education, access to capital and technical assistance services. Goldman Sachs and the Goldman Sachs Foundation have pledged $15 million to Cleveland.
Cleveland is the seventh city to host a 10KSB. Unlike many organizations in Cleveland that focus on startups, this program is designed for existing small business owners who are ready to grow their companies and create jobs.
“We’re really excited about this because it fills a gap,” says Jumpstart CEO Ray Leach, who has been in talks with Goldman Sachs for nearly a year about bringing the initiative to Cleveland. “It puts a new focus on the segment of the market that includes existing low-tech, medium-tech and high-tech companies that have been in business for a while.”
Other local organizations involved are Tri-C, the Urban League, the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and COSE.
Leach says Goldman Sachs saw Cleveland as primed for growth. “The entire ecosystem in Northeast Ohio is already pretty robust, so if they brought the program here it could generate jobs more quickly,” he explains. “The philanthropy will go further here than in an area less organized.”
Tri-C will host the 11-session course beginning in September. The course is intended to be a practical business management education program that helps entrepreneurs develop skills they need to grow a company. Selected participants receive a series of one-on-one business advising sessions from professionals to help develop a tailored plan for growth.
Business owners eligible to apply for the program generally have been in business for two years or more and typically have at least four employees and a revenue stream of $150,000 to $4 million per year. Applications for the free September session are being accepted through July 2. Future sessions will be offered on a quarterly basis.
Source: Ray Leach
Writer: Karin Connelly
Cleveland is the seventh city to host a 10KSB. Unlike many organizations in Cleveland that focus on startups, this program is designed for existing small business owners who are ready to grow their companies and create jobs.
“We’re really excited about this because it fills a gap,” says Jumpstart CEO Ray Leach, who has been in talks with Goldman Sachs for nearly a year about bringing the initiative to Cleveland. “It puts a new focus on the segment of the market that includes existing low-tech, medium-tech and high-tech companies that have been in business for a while.”
Other local organizations involved are Tri-C, the Urban League, the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and COSE.
Leach says Goldman Sachs saw Cleveland as primed for growth. “The entire ecosystem in Northeast Ohio is already pretty robust, so if they brought the program here it could generate jobs more quickly,” he explains. “The philanthropy will go further here than in an area less organized.”
Tri-C will host the 11-session course beginning in September. The course is intended to be a practical business management education program that helps entrepreneurs develop skills they need to grow a company. Selected participants receive a series of one-on-one business advising sessions from professionals to help develop a tailored plan for growth.
Business owners eligible to apply for the program generally have been in business for two years or more and typically have at least four employees and a revenue stream of $150,000 to $4 million per year. Applications for the free September session are being accepted through July 2. Future sessions will be offered on a quarterly basis.
Source: Ray Leach
Writer: Karin Connelly
This weekend, tens of thousands of visitors will descend on the St. Clair Superior neighborhood for the Cleveland Asian Festival. During their visit, they will be delighted by 25 colorful dragon sculptures painted by local artists and installed outside businesses to beautify the area and celebrate the arts and Asian culture.
The public art project commemorates the Chinese Year of the Dragon, which began with the new moon in January and continues for a full 12 months.
Each one of these fantastic creatures will be completely unique. For example, Cleveland tattoo artist Sean Kelly painted a dragon featuring butterflies flying out of its chest, the kind of glittering eyes used in stuffed animals, and real antlers.
The dragons will be displayed through the end of August. They will be auctioned off at a special benefit on Saturday, September 29th, the proceeds of which will support arts and culture programming in the St. Clair Superior neighborhood.
On Thursday, May 31st, the St. Clair Superior Development Corporation and artist Anna Arnold will also unveil a huge, 40- foot mural on the side of the Consolidated Graphics building at E. 39th and Payne Avenue. The project was created with the help of neighborhood schoolchildren and Asian seniors.
Source: Becca Britton
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The public art project commemorates the Chinese Year of the Dragon, which began with the new moon in January and continues for a full 12 months.
Each one of these fantastic creatures will be completely unique. For example, Cleveland tattoo artist Sean Kelly painted a dragon featuring butterflies flying out of its chest, the kind of glittering eyes used in stuffed animals, and real antlers.
The dragons will be displayed through the end of August. They will be auctioned off at a special benefit on Saturday, September 29th, the proceeds of which will support arts and culture programming in the St. Clair Superior neighborhood.
On Thursday, May 31st, the St. Clair Superior Development Corporation and artist Anna Arnold will also unveil a huge, 40- foot mural on the side of the Consolidated Graphics building at E. 39th and Payne Avenue. The project was created with the help of neighborhood schoolchildren and Asian seniors.
Source: Becca Britton
Writer: Lee Chilcote
'downtown cleveland is surging,' says salon
In an article titled, "Rust Belt chic: Declining Midwest cities make a comeback," Salon writer Will Doig reports on the surprising growth and popularity of former Rust Belt cities like Cleveland, Detroit and Pittsburgh.
"More than any other city in America, Cleveland is a joke, a whipping boy of Johnny Carson monologues and Hollywood’s official set for films about comic mediocrity," Doig begins.
"But here’s what else is funny: According to a recent analysis, the population of downtown Cleveland is surging, doubling in the past 20 years. What’s more, the majority of the growth occurred in the 22-to-34-year-old demo, those coveted 'knowledge economy' workers for whom every city is competing."
This newfound growth and appreciation can go one of two ways, writes Doig. "Demand for decay could spell a new era for post-industrial cities -- or run its course as a faddish blip that attracted more media coverage than actual converts."
Cleveland-based writer Richey Piiparinen argues for the former.
"The country in the 2000s, it became about growth, glamour, living beyond your means,” Piiparinen says. “It was all aspiration. Now we’re comparing the foreclosed glass condo tower to the old brick building that’s stood for a hundred years.”
Read the rest right here.
"More than any other city in America, Cleveland is a joke, a whipping boy of Johnny Carson monologues and Hollywood’s official set for films about comic mediocrity," Doig begins.
"But here’s what else is funny: According to a recent analysis, the population of downtown Cleveland is surging, doubling in the past 20 years. What’s more, the majority of the growth occurred in the 22-to-34-year-old demo, those coveted 'knowledge economy' workers for whom every city is competing."
This newfound growth and appreciation can go one of two ways, writes Doig. "Demand for decay could spell a new era for post-industrial cities -- or run its course as a faddish blip that attracted more media coverage than actual converts."
Cleveland-based writer Richey Piiparinen argues for the former.
"The country in the 2000s, it became about growth, glamour, living beyond your means,” Piiparinen says. “It was all aspiration. Now we’re comparing the foreclosed glass condo tower to the old brick building that’s stood for a hundred years.”
Read the rest right here.
cuyahoga arts & culture accepting grant apps, hosting workshops
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture is accepting applications for its 2013 grant programs. Nonprofit organizations offering arts and culture programming in Cuyahoga County are encouraged to apply.
To learn more about its Project Support grant program, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture encourages applicants to attend one of three informational workshops, to be held June 5, 7, or 13.
“In 2012, CAC is investing $15 million in 154 organizations throughout Cuyahoga County, and we welcome organizations offering arts and culture programs to apply now for CAC grants in 2013,” explains Executive Director Karen Gahl-Mills. “Our county is fortunate to have this source of public funding for arts and culture, which strengthens our community by making it a better place to live, work, and play.”
At each workshop, CAC staff will review its grant programs, eligibility requirements, and CAC’s application process. The same content will be reviewed at each workshop. Workshops are optional, but are a valuable learning opportunity for new applicants to the Project Support program. Attendees are encouraged to register online.
Click here for more information.
To learn more about its Project Support grant program, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture encourages applicants to attend one of three informational workshops, to be held June 5, 7, or 13.
“In 2012, CAC is investing $15 million in 154 organizations throughout Cuyahoga County, and we welcome organizations offering arts and culture programs to apply now for CAC grants in 2013,” explains Executive Director Karen Gahl-Mills. “Our county is fortunate to have this source of public funding for arts and culture, which strengthens our community by making it a better place to live, work, and play.”
At each workshop, CAC staff will review its grant programs, eligibility requirements, and CAC’s application process. The same content will be reviewed at each workshop. Workshops are optional, but are a valuable learning opportunity for new applicants to the Project Support program. Attendees are encouraged to register online.
Click here for more information.
Brand Muscle CEO Philip Alexander freely admits that he was initially opposed to moving his firm to downtown Cleveland because he didn't want to give up his breezy, 17-minute commute to the office.
Research studies have shown that the most powerful predictor of a firm's location is where the top executives live. For Brand Muscle's leadership, it was convenient to commute from the east-side suburbs to their offices in Beachwood, where the software firm has grown to 150 employees.
But as the firm outgrew its suburban offices and launched a search for a location that would facilitate its expansion, what happened next was not quite according to script. Brand Muscle's younger employees launched a campaign to encourage Alexander and other leaders to consider downtown Cleveland.
"There was quite a bit of lobbying, actually -- many of our employees are younger, and I was surprised by how many of them wanted us to move downtown," says Alexander. "The increased vibrancy of downtown made us take a look."
In November, Brand Muscle expects to move to freshly leased offices at 11000 Superior Avenue in the Nine-Twelve District. Initially, the firm will lease about 40,000 square feet, but it has the option to continuously expand as needed.
Alexander says that Brand Muscle's new downtown location will allow the firm to better attract younger employees, facilitate networking with other software companies, and provide entertainment options when clients are in town.
Brand Muscle sells software that helps businesses customize marketing materials for local audiences in order to optimize their sales and improve revenue growth.
Source: Philip Alexander
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Research studies have shown that the most powerful predictor of a firm's location is where the top executives live. For Brand Muscle's leadership, it was convenient to commute from the east-side suburbs to their offices in Beachwood, where the software firm has grown to 150 employees.
But as the firm outgrew its suburban offices and launched a search for a location that would facilitate its expansion, what happened next was not quite according to script. Brand Muscle's younger employees launched a campaign to encourage Alexander and other leaders to consider downtown Cleveland.
"There was quite a bit of lobbying, actually -- many of our employees are younger, and I was surprised by how many of them wanted us to move downtown," says Alexander. "The increased vibrancy of downtown made us take a look."
In November, Brand Muscle expects to move to freshly leased offices at 11000 Superior Avenue in the Nine-Twelve District. Initially, the firm will lease about 40,000 square feet, but it has the option to continuously expand as needed.
Alexander says that Brand Muscle's new downtown location will allow the firm to better attract younger employees, facilitate networking with other software companies, and provide entertainment options when clients are in town.
Brand Muscle sells software that helps businesses customize marketing materials for local audiences in order to optimize their sales and improve revenue growth.
Source: Philip Alexander
Writer: Lee Chilcote
las vegas looks to cleveland casino with appreciation
"Ohio's first casino opened Monday night with long lines of gamblers ready to roll the dice, a glitzy music video instead of a traditional ribbon cutting and a taste of Las Vegas with two bare-midriff showgirls wearing plumed hats and sequined tops," begins this Las Vegas Review-Journal piece on Cleveland's brand new Horseshoe casino.
Toledo's casino will open in two weeks, with Cincinnati and Columbus to follow suit by next year.
"Las Vegas-based Caesars Entertainment owns 20 percent of the $350 million project and will receive fees for managing it on behalf of majority owner Rock Gaming LLC."
Read all the news right here.
Toledo's casino will open in two weeks, with Cincinnati and Columbus to follow suit by next year.
"Las Vegas-based Caesars Entertainment owns 20 percent of the $350 million project and will receive fees for managing it on behalf of majority owner Rock Gaming LLC."
Read all the news right here.
Tremont has always been a popular neighborhood for animal lovers, with amenities like Lincoln Park, the Clark Field dog park and pet-friendly restaurants and bars adding to the appeal. The neighborhood also has two shelters, a doggie day care and an active community of animal rescue advocates.
Now a new business, Tremont Tails, will allow dog and cat lovers to buy basic goods for their pets without traveling outside of the neighborhood. It also will promote rescue and adoption programs in Cleveland, carry art and gift items, and even allow owners to indulge their pets with massage sessions on special occasions.
"You go out at five o'clock and there's dogs everywhere, and many are rescued," says Lisa Turner, a court reporter who is launching her business based on her passion for animals. "Now they can walk to a retail store with their animals."
Turner, who is originally from the Tremont neighborhood, recently won the Tremont Storefront Incubator competition. She will open Tremont Tails in a 378-square-foot storefront owned by the Tremont West Development Corporation, which is using the space to spur new businesses that fill an unmet need.
"I would never be able to open my store without this program," says Turner, who will receive three months of free rent and six months of reduced rent as part of the special program. "They're also helping me to market my business."
After Tremont Tails "hatches" from its incubation period, Turner hopes to find a larger storefront and finally turn her passion for animals into a full-time day job.
Source: Lisa Turner
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Now a new business, Tremont Tails, will allow dog and cat lovers to buy basic goods for their pets without traveling outside of the neighborhood. It also will promote rescue and adoption programs in Cleveland, carry art and gift items, and even allow owners to indulge their pets with massage sessions on special occasions.
"You go out at five o'clock and there's dogs everywhere, and many are rescued," says Lisa Turner, a court reporter who is launching her business based on her passion for animals. "Now they can walk to a retail store with their animals."
Turner, who is originally from the Tremont neighborhood, recently won the Tremont Storefront Incubator competition. She will open Tremont Tails in a 378-square-foot storefront owned by the Tremont West Development Corporation, which is using the space to spur new businesses that fill an unmet need.
"I would never be able to open my store without this program," says Turner, who will receive three months of free rent and six months of reduced rent as part of the special program. "They're also helping me to market my business."
After Tremont Tails "hatches" from its incubation period, Turner hopes to find a larger storefront and finally turn her passion for animals into a full-time day job.
Source: Lisa Turner
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Life Core Technologies received a $250,000 investment from JumpStart for its Excel disposable cerebral cooling system, a device that reduces chances of death in a medical emergency.
“Excel has a cooling element that cools the brain 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius very quickly after cardiac arrest, stroke, or traumatic brain injury,” explains Life Core CEO Mike Burke. “The cooling allows the brain to use less oxygen and prevent oxygen depletion and swelling.”
The technology was developed by cardiothoracic surgeon Aqeel Sandhu in the late 1990s. “He discovered though his work with animals that cooling the brain can reduce the metabolic rate and several hours later they came back,” explains Burke. “In 2010, the American Heart Association came up with guidelines stating the cooling as soon as possible after cardiac arrest increases the chances of survivability and retained mental capacity."
The JumpStart investment will allow Life Core to conduct additional scientific studies. “We are working with a number of organizations to do additional studies,” says Burke. “We are proving the effectiveness.”
Burke is proud that the product is manufactured by a local company and assembled by Patriot Packaging, which employs veterans.
Life Core currently has five employees. “We will be expecting to grow as we attain commercialization,” says Burke. “We expect to grow internally with two people and also grow externally through distributors in Northeast Ohio.”
Source: Mike Burke
Writer: Karin Connelly
“Excel has a cooling element that cools the brain 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius very quickly after cardiac arrest, stroke, or traumatic brain injury,” explains Life Core CEO Mike Burke. “The cooling allows the brain to use less oxygen and prevent oxygen depletion and swelling.”
The technology was developed by cardiothoracic surgeon Aqeel Sandhu in the late 1990s. “He discovered though his work with animals that cooling the brain can reduce the metabolic rate and several hours later they came back,” explains Burke. “In 2010, the American Heart Association came up with guidelines stating the cooling as soon as possible after cardiac arrest increases the chances of survivability and retained mental capacity."
The JumpStart investment will allow Life Core to conduct additional scientific studies. “We are working with a number of organizations to do additional studies,” says Burke. “We are proving the effectiveness.”
Burke is proud that the product is manufactured by a local company and assembled by Patriot Packaging, which employs veterans.
Life Core currently has five employees. “We will be expecting to grow as we attain commercialization,” says Burke. “We expect to grow internally with two people and also grow externally through distributors in Northeast Ohio.”
Source: Mike Burke
Writer: Karin Connelly
moca, 'london architect's first united states project'
Construction is progressing on the Cleveland Museum of Contemporary Art, which Clifford A. Pearson of the Architectural Record bills as architect Farshid Moussavi’s first United States project. The museum, located in University Circle, is scheduled to open this October.
Both the inside and outside will feature some very unique characteristics.
“Inside, they painted the perimeter walls and ceiling a deep blue, which will create 'the sense of an endless, boundary-less space' quite different from the white rooms found in most museums and galleries today," the article quotes the architect.
“The building shifts from a six-sided floor plate at street level to a rectangular plan on the top floor where the main gallery will enjoy daylight entering from above.”
On the exterior "the form changes with each side, so to fully comprehend it, you need to move all around it."
When completed it will be a far cry from the current incarnation of Cleveland’s MOCA.
“MOCA, which was founded in 1968 in a storefront, has rented a second-story space from the Cleveland Play House since 1990. Jill Snyder, MOCA's executive director, says the museum asked Moussavi for an iconic building that embraces cutting-edge technology, is environmentally friendly, and works with its context. The building, which has geo-thermal wells for heating and cooling, is expected to achieve at least a Silver LEED rating.”
Read the full story here.
Both the inside and outside will feature some very unique characteristics.
“Inside, they painted the perimeter walls and ceiling a deep blue, which will create 'the sense of an endless, boundary-less space' quite different from the white rooms found in most museums and galleries today," the article quotes the architect.
“The building shifts from a six-sided floor plate at street level to a rectangular plan on the top floor where the main gallery will enjoy daylight entering from above.”
On the exterior "the form changes with each side, so to fully comprehend it, you need to move all around it."
When completed it will be a far cry from the current incarnation of Cleveland’s MOCA.
“MOCA, which was founded in 1968 in a storefront, has rented a second-story space from the Cleveland Play House since 1990. Jill Snyder, MOCA's executive director, says the museum asked Moussavi for an iconic building that embraces cutting-edge technology, is environmentally friendly, and works with its context. The building, which has geo-thermal wells for heating and cooling, is expected to achieve at least a Silver LEED rating.”
Read the full story here.
This Friday night, Tremont is hosting the grand opening for a new business, Tremont Tails, as well as a Preview Night that will welcome eight new businesses that opened in the past year.
This diverse roster of new businesses is adding to the vibrancy of the neighborhood's growing retail mix, says Cory Riordon, Executive Director of Tremont West Development Corporation.
"We're creating new retail options so that residents don't have to travel outside of the neighborhood to buy things, and that also will appeal to people visiting the neighborhood," he says. "It shows that the neighborhood is desirable."
The new businesses that will be featured during the Preview Night event are Churned Ice Cream Shop, Miranda's Vintage Bridal, Chard Gallery, Ginko Restaurant, Kevin Busta Industrial Furnishings, The Nest and Bozalodz.
The Tremont Art Walk will also take place on Friday, May 12th from 6-10 pm.
Source: Cory Riordan
Writer: Lee Chilcote
This diverse roster of new businesses is adding to the vibrancy of the neighborhood's growing retail mix, says Cory Riordon, Executive Director of Tremont West Development Corporation.
"We're creating new retail options so that residents don't have to travel outside of the neighborhood to buy things, and that also will appeal to people visiting the neighborhood," he says. "It shows that the neighborhood is desirable."
The new businesses that will be featured during the Preview Night event are Churned Ice Cream Shop, Miranda's Vintage Bridal, Chard Gallery, Ginko Restaurant, Kevin Busta Industrial Furnishings, The Nest and Bozalodz.
The Tremont Art Walk will also take place on Friday, May 12th from 6-10 pm.
Source: Cory Riordan
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Although Vitamix's commercial-grade blenders and mixers eat up a good chunk of change -- around $500 on average -- that hasn't stopped consumers in the U.S. and more than 80 countries abroad from snatching them up at record rates.
They don't call it a "super blender" for nothing -- Vitamix is the iconic company that brought us the smoothie, yet its machines are now used by chefs and health-conscious consumers to make everything from soups to soy milk. In Taiwan and many other countries, sales are up 80 percent over the past three years as the growing middle-class becomes increasingly health-conscious.
Bolstered by demand, the company recently broke ground on a $10-million, 51,000-square-foot expansion to its Northeast Ohio headquarters. This development is on top of a $6-million, 40,000-square-foot expansion in 2010. Overall, sales have doubled in the past three years, the company says.
Vitamix manufactures all of its products at its Olmsted Falls headquarters, and sources parts locally, as well.
"Our product helps people to eat more whole foods and choose a healthier lifestyle all over the world," says Jodi Berg, the great-granddaughter of W.G. Barnard, who founded the company in 1921. "A lot of Western diseases and ailments can be controlled and prevented by the fuel and food we put into our bodies."
"Vitamix allows you to take whole healthy foods and turn them into what Martha Stewart calls 'velvet on your tongue.' Healthy, wholesome and easy to make."
Source: Jodi Berg
Writer: Lee Chilcote
They don't call it a "super blender" for nothing -- Vitamix is the iconic company that brought us the smoothie, yet its machines are now used by chefs and health-conscious consumers to make everything from soups to soy milk. In Taiwan and many other countries, sales are up 80 percent over the past three years as the growing middle-class becomes increasingly health-conscious.
Bolstered by demand, the company recently broke ground on a $10-million, 51,000-square-foot expansion to its Northeast Ohio headquarters. This development is on top of a $6-million, 40,000-square-foot expansion in 2010. Overall, sales have doubled in the past three years, the company says.
Vitamix manufactures all of its products at its Olmsted Falls headquarters, and sources parts locally, as well.
"Our product helps people to eat more whole foods and choose a healthier lifestyle all over the world," says Jodi Berg, the great-granddaughter of W.G. Barnard, who founded the company in 1921. "A lot of Western diseases and ailments can be controlled and prevented by the fuel and food we put into our bodies."
"Vitamix allows you to take whole healthy foods and turn them into what Martha Stewart calls 'velvet on your tongue.' Healthy, wholesome and easy to make."
Source: Jodi Berg
Writer: Lee Chilcote
DXY Solutions is working with historical societies around the country to put historical information, pictures and maps on iOS and Android systems for a complete and informative history while roaming the city.
“We started this about a year and a half ago with Cleveland State and Epstein Design Partners,” explains DXY’s Dan Young. “We use iOS and Android to connect people who are out and about with historical information."
Known as Curatescapes, the free apps allow for easy access to the troves of historical information collected by these organizations. “We’re one of the first platforms in the world where you can walk down the street and say, Wow. I didn’t know that. Now you not only have historical neighborhoods, you can hear interviews with people and see pictures.”
The Cleveland app has been available for about a year with Cleveland Historical. Young is in the process of rolling out similar apps with five historical societies, including Medina and Geauga counties. Outside of Ohio, Young has launched apps for Spokane, Washington Historical and is about to launch apps in New Orleans and Baltimore.
“The grand vision is: Say you’re taking a cross-country trip and you want to drive Louis and Clark’s trail,” Young says. “You can actually connect to data from our different historical societies.”
Young’s future plans will allow users and organizations to upload their own information to the tours. “In the future we will allow people from the community to upload their own content and comment on their own version of historical places,” says Young. “And historians will go through it and make sure it makes sense.”
Source: Dan Young
Writer: Karin Connelly
“We started this about a year and a half ago with Cleveland State and Epstein Design Partners,” explains DXY’s Dan Young. “We use iOS and Android to connect people who are out and about with historical information."
Known as Curatescapes, the free apps allow for easy access to the troves of historical information collected by these organizations. “We’re one of the first platforms in the world where you can walk down the street and say, Wow. I didn’t know that. Now you not only have historical neighborhoods, you can hear interviews with people and see pictures.”
The Cleveland app has been available for about a year with Cleveland Historical. Young is in the process of rolling out similar apps with five historical societies, including Medina and Geauga counties. Outside of Ohio, Young has launched apps for Spokane, Washington Historical and is about to launch apps in New Orleans and Baltimore.
“The grand vision is: Say you’re taking a cross-country trip and you want to drive Louis and Clark’s trail,” Young says. “You can actually connect to data from our different historical societies.”
Young’s future plans will allow users and organizations to upload their own information to the tours. “In the future we will allow people from the community to upload their own content and comment on their own version of historical places,” says Young. “And historians will go through it and make sure it makes sense.”
Source: Dan Young
Writer: Karin Connelly
Crowdfunding, the process of raising money for startups, small businesses or charities, has become an increasingly popular way to get investments for products or ideas that wouldn’t otherwise get off the ground through traditional lending institutions.
But under the Jobs Act, the rules and restrictions on crowdfunding are changing. JumpStart and Ulmer & Berne will host a seminar, Crowdfunding: From Legislation to Reality, on Monday, May 15 to discuss why the legislation was necessary and what it means for small businesses.
“We’re going to go through the nuts and bolts of what the legislation permits and what it doesn’t permit,” says Sean T. Peppard, counsel with Ulmer & Berne. “Essentially, the idea of crowdfunding is raising small amounts of money over the internet."
“Right now, crowdfunding is viewed as a savior for startups and I think there are a lot of people in the community pre-buying because they care about what’s being made," he adds." It’s people investing in small business.”
The seminar will feature a panel of experts with various experiences in startup fundraising -- from angle and venture investors to small successful businesses.
Panelists include Peppard; Michael Belsito of eFuneral; Todd Federman of North Coast Angel Fund; Candace Klein of Bad Girl Ventures and SoMoLend; Chris Sklarin of Edison Ventures and Richard Stuebi of Early Stage Partners.
The free event will be held at the Ulmer & Berne offices, 1660 West 2nd Street, Suite 1100, from 3:30-6:15 pm. Parking at Tower City will be validated. If the demand is great enough, Ulmer & Berne will repeat the event later this spring.
Source: Sean T. Peppard
Writer: Karin Connelly
But under the Jobs Act, the rules and restrictions on crowdfunding are changing. JumpStart and Ulmer & Berne will host a seminar, Crowdfunding: From Legislation to Reality, on Monday, May 15 to discuss why the legislation was necessary and what it means for small businesses.
“We’re going to go through the nuts and bolts of what the legislation permits and what it doesn’t permit,” says Sean T. Peppard, counsel with Ulmer & Berne. “Essentially, the idea of crowdfunding is raising small amounts of money over the internet."
“Right now, crowdfunding is viewed as a savior for startups and I think there are a lot of people in the community pre-buying because they care about what’s being made," he adds." It’s people investing in small business.”
The seminar will feature a panel of experts with various experiences in startup fundraising -- from angle and venture investors to small successful businesses.
Panelists include Peppard; Michael Belsito of eFuneral; Todd Federman of North Coast Angel Fund; Candace Klein of Bad Girl Ventures and SoMoLend; Chris Sklarin of Edison Ventures and Richard Stuebi of Early Stage Partners.
The free event will be held at the Ulmer & Berne offices, 1660 West 2nd Street, Suite 1100, from 3:30-6:15 pm. Parking at Tower City will be validated. If the demand is great enough, Ulmer & Berne will repeat the event later this spring.
Source: Sean T. Peppard
Writer: Karin Connelly
cnn names severance hall 'top 10' music venue
"Nothing beats the adrenaline, the exhilaration of watching an amazing performance live in a beautiful space, or the rush of discovery that comes with witnessing the birth of a newcomer who you know will become a massive star," states this feature from CNN.
Rounding up its picks for the 10 best U.S. music venues, the article states, "these music venues rock the best sound, location and legends."
Along with legendary clubs like the Troubadour in Los Angeles, Tipitina’s in New Orleans, and Red Rocks in Colorado, Cleveland's Severance Hall gets top billing.
"Music lovers call the Cleveland Orchestra’s historic Severance Hall the most beautiful concert hall in the United States. Opened in 1931 and impressively restored in 2000, it boasts a lovely setting in the leafy University Circle neighborhood, a Georgian exterior, and a grand entrance foyer of soaring columns. The 94-rank Norton Memorial Organ, created by Boston’s renowned Ernest M. Skinner in 1930, has some serious pipes -- 6,025 of them, ranging from 18 centimeters to 9.8 meters -- and is considered one of the finest concert organs ever built. This is one gorgeous place to experience not just Mozart and the usual sublime suspects but also the many up-and-comers Severance Hall premieres."
Read the entire list here.
Rounding up its picks for the 10 best U.S. music venues, the article states, "these music venues rock the best sound, location and legends."
Along with legendary clubs like the Troubadour in Los Angeles, Tipitina’s in New Orleans, and Red Rocks in Colorado, Cleveland's Severance Hall gets top billing.
"Music lovers call the Cleveland Orchestra’s historic Severance Hall the most beautiful concert hall in the United States. Opened in 1931 and impressively restored in 2000, it boasts a lovely setting in the leafy University Circle neighborhood, a Georgian exterior, and a grand entrance foyer of soaring columns. The 94-rank Norton Memorial Organ, created by Boston’s renowned Ernest M. Skinner in 1930, has some serious pipes -- 6,025 of them, ranging from 18 centimeters to 9.8 meters -- and is considered one of the finest concert organs ever built. This is one gorgeous place to experience not just Mozart and the usual sublime suspects but also the many up-and-comers Severance Hall premieres."
Read the entire list here.
The population of Northeast Ohio's 12 most populous counties fell by seven percent from 4.1 million in 1970 to 3.8 million in 2010. Yet at the same time, suburban areas added 400 square miles of roads, shopping centers, housing developments and office parks.
That unabated trend towards urban sprawl is not sustainable, argues the Northeast Ohio Sustainable Communities Consortium, a new initiative that won a $4.25 million grant from the federal government in 2010 to plan for more sustainable land use patterns across the region. It also wastes resources, harms cities and makes the region less competitive.
So what would a truly vibrant future look like for Northeast Ohio? The NEOSCC hopes to engage young professionals in answering that question at a series of public engagement meetings. The next event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 16th at Brothers Lounge in Cleveland.
"A lot of times, decisions are made without involving young people, and we wanted them at the forefront," says Jeff Anderle, Director of Communications with the NEOSCC. "We keep hearing that they want a competitive economy in the region so that there are more job opportunities. They also want walkable communities and more vibrant downtowns throughout the 12-county area."
Anderle stresses that the NEOSCC is not dictating people's choices -- "We want to educate people so that they understand the big picture infrastructure costs and how they affect everyone," he says -- yet the initiative's impact will come down to how communities throughout the region adopt the NEOSCC's recommendations. The group plans to release an initial report on existing conditions in June.
Source: Jeff Anderle
Writer: Lee Chilcote
That unabated trend towards urban sprawl is not sustainable, argues the Northeast Ohio Sustainable Communities Consortium, a new initiative that won a $4.25 million grant from the federal government in 2010 to plan for more sustainable land use patterns across the region. It also wastes resources, harms cities and makes the region less competitive.
So what would a truly vibrant future look like for Northeast Ohio? The NEOSCC hopes to engage young professionals in answering that question at a series of public engagement meetings. The next event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 16th at Brothers Lounge in Cleveland.
"A lot of times, decisions are made without involving young people, and we wanted them at the forefront," says Jeff Anderle, Director of Communications with the NEOSCC. "We keep hearing that they want a competitive economy in the region so that there are more job opportunities. They also want walkable communities and more vibrant downtowns throughout the 12-county area."
Anderle stresses that the NEOSCC is not dictating people's choices -- "We want to educate people so that they understand the big picture infrastructure costs and how they affect everyone," he says -- yet the initiative's impact will come down to how communities throughout the region adopt the NEOSCC's recommendations. The group plans to release an initial report on existing conditions in June.
Source: Jeff Anderle
Writer: Lee Chilcote
rock hall induction ceremony to premiere on HBO
This Saturday, May 5, the 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will premiere on HBO at 9 p.m. For a sneak peek, check out this awesome trailer featuring Beastie Boys, Chuck D, Guns N' Roses, Green Day, Donovan, Small Faces/The Faces, Stevie Van Zandt, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chris Rock, Bette Midler and many more.
the avengers (and cleveland) hit screens nationwide this weekend
The Avengers will be released nationwide on May 4, and local theaters are preparing for an onslaught of seat traffic. Some are hosting midnight screenings of the movie.
Giving the movie an "A" grade, E! writes, "Avengers surpasses huge expectations built up by the recent series of pretty great Marvel superhero movies. Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and (best of all) The Hulk are recruited to save our tiny blue planet, and the ensuing action is, in a word, incredible. With snappy writing and a full roster of fleshed-out characters, the whole thing is a smash, from start to finish."
Hollywood Reporter suggests that The Avengers could have the biggest opening weekend of all time based on its mass appeal.
Read the rest of the review here.
Giving the movie an "A" grade, E! writes, "Avengers surpasses huge expectations built up by the recent series of pretty great Marvel superhero movies. Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and (best of all) The Hulk are recruited to save our tiny blue planet, and the ensuing action is, in a word, incredible. With snappy writing and a full roster of fleshed-out characters, the whole thing is a smash, from start to finish."
Hollywood Reporter suggests that The Avengers could have the biggest opening weekend of all time based on its mass appeal.
Read the rest of the review here.
What began in 2005 as a desire to order a Rascal House pizza online rather than over the phone -- as ONOSYS did when launched by college friends Stan Garber, Oleg Fridman and Alex Yakubovich -- has grown into the second largest leader in mobile and online ordering software for the restaurant industry.
Last week, Living Social acquired ONOSYS, a move that fits squarely into Garber’s plans and expectations for the company.
“We we’re talking about the idea of working together for a while,” says Garber. “It just made sense. We definitely had a vision it was going to grow this big.”
ONOSYS has a track record of 100-percent growth annually. They saw $100 million in sales last year and represented more than 75 brands across the nation.
Financial details of the sale were not disclosed. Living Social plans to open offices in Cleveland, which ONOSYS will run. ONOSYS has grown from five people in 2008 to 20 employees today. “Our goal is to get to 35 to 40 by the end of the year,” says Garber. “We’re going to continue what we’re doing.”
The acquisition is not just good for ONOSYS. Garber sees the move as a positive impact on Cleveland as well. “It’s a bright spot for Cleveland,” he says. “It’s more fuel on the fire for attracting more tech companies to Cleveland. This is a good example that young entrepreneurs in Cleveland don’t need to go to New York, Chicago and L.A. to get recognition.”
Source: Stan Garber
Writer: Karin Connelly
Last week, Living Social acquired ONOSYS, a move that fits squarely into Garber’s plans and expectations for the company.
“We we’re talking about the idea of working together for a while,” says Garber. “It just made sense. We definitely had a vision it was going to grow this big.”
ONOSYS has a track record of 100-percent growth annually. They saw $100 million in sales last year and represented more than 75 brands across the nation.
Financial details of the sale were not disclosed. Living Social plans to open offices in Cleveland, which ONOSYS will run. ONOSYS has grown from five people in 2008 to 20 employees today. “Our goal is to get to 35 to 40 by the end of the year,” says Garber. “We’re going to continue what we’re doing.”
The acquisition is not just good for ONOSYS. Garber sees the move as a positive impact on Cleveland as well. “It’s a bright spot for Cleveland,” he says. “It’s more fuel on the fire for attracting more tech companies to Cleveland. This is a good example that young entrepreneurs in Cleveland don’t need to go to New York, Chicago and L.A. to get recognition.”
Source: Stan Garber
Writer: Karin Connelly
LeanDog Labs, LaunchHouse and Bizdom have gotten together to host a Startup Mixer today from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at LeanDog Labs. The event intends to bring together developers, designers and other IT types with entrepreneurs launching a new product or service but in need of a CTO.
“A lot of people have wonderful ideas and a business background, but they’re usually missing that technical background,” explains Andradia Scovil, recruiting leader for Bizdom Cleveland. “These days you have to have a CTO to run a business. If we can bring together these business people with people with a technical background we can make things happen.”
While the three organizations have slightly different services, the mixer serves the common goal of fostering the growing IT industry in Cleveland. “For the first time in a long time we’re seeing momentum building,” says Nick Barendt, LeanDog Labs director. “If we can help play matchmaker, get these different networks into the same room, it will be good to see more collaboration.”
Scovil agrees. “At the end of the day we all agree that Cleveland needs entrepreneurs to thrive and be a city known as a tech hub,” she says. “Cleveland should be known as a place where people go to grow their businesses.”
The organizers limited attendance at the mixer to 100 people, simply to provide a more intimate networking experience for the participants.
Source: Nick Barendt, Andradia Scovil
Writer: Karin Connelly
“A lot of people have wonderful ideas and a business background, but they’re usually missing that technical background,” explains Andradia Scovil, recruiting leader for Bizdom Cleveland. “These days you have to have a CTO to run a business. If we can bring together these business people with people with a technical background we can make things happen.”
While the three organizations have slightly different services, the mixer serves the common goal of fostering the growing IT industry in Cleveland. “For the first time in a long time we’re seeing momentum building,” says Nick Barendt, LeanDog Labs director. “If we can help play matchmaker, get these different networks into the same room, it will be good to see more collaboration.”
Scovil agrees. “At the end of the day we all agree that Cleveland needs entrepreneurs to thrive and be a city known as a tech hub,” she says. “Cleveland should be known as a place where people go to grow their businesses.”
The organizers limited attendance at the mixer to 100 people, simply to provide a more intimate networking experience for the participants.
Source: Nick Barendt, Andradia Scovil
Writer: Karin Connelly
Bad Girl Ventures has teamed up with Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream and Accion to host a Speed Coaching event on Monday, May 7 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the COSE offices. The event targets startups in the food and beverage industry.
“People in food and beverage have a really hard time getting funding,” explains Rachel Czernin, director of marketing and development for Bad Girl Ventures.
Small business owners spend 20 minutes at each station and receive personalized coaching from more than 20 local professionals and Sam Adams experts. Consulting stations will cover topics including sales and distribution, packaging, marketing and e-commerce, legal and financing.
Since 2008, Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream has been providing low and modest income small business owners in the food, beverage and hospitality industry with the resources to start and grow their businesses. Accion, a non-profit microlender, provides loans, coaching and access to networks for small businesses. Loan consultants will be at the event to talk about how to access loans and other financing.
Cleveland is an ideal location for a food service speed coaching event because of the growing number of such businesses in the area.
“In Cleveland the number of businesses is higher than in other cities because Cleveland has established itself as a destination for good food,” says Czernin. “And there’s no food incubator in place, no one really fostering food and beverage specifically.”
BGV plans to have about 75 participants at the event. They will host a similar event in Cincinnati the following day. “It’s really an opportunity to meet experts in the field,” says Czernin. “It’s an opportunity to find funding. And it’s free.”
Source: Rachel Czernin
Writer: Karin Connelly
“People in food and beverage have a really hard time getting funding,” explains Rachel Czernin, director of marketing and development for Bad Girl Ventures.
Small business owners spend 20 minutes at each station and receive personalized coaching from more than 20 local professionals and Sam Adams experts. Consulting stations will cover topics including sales and distribution, packaging, marketing and e-commerce, legal and financing.
Since 2008, Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream has been providing low and modest income small business owners in the food, beverage and hospitality industry with the resources to start and grow their businesses. Accion, a non-profit microlender, provides loans, coaching and access to networks for small businesses. Loan consultants will be at the event to talk about how to access loans and other financing.
Cleveland is an ideal location for a food service speed coaching event because of the growing number of such businesses in the area.
“In Cleveland the number of businesses is higher than in other cities because Cleveland has established itself as a destination for good food,” says Czernin. “And there’s no food incubator in place, no one really fostering food and beverage specifically.”
BGV plans to have about 75 participants at the event. They will host a similar event in Cincinnati the following day. “It’s really an opportunity to meet experts in the field,” says Czernin. “It’s an opportunity to find funding. And it’s free.”
Source: Rachel Czernin
Writer: Karin Connelly