Doug Guth
Douglas J. Guth

Stories by: Douglas J. Guth

Douglas J. Guth is a Cleveland Heights-based freelance writer and journalist. In addition to being senior contributing editor at FreshWater, his work has been published by Crain’s Cleveland Business, Ideastream, and Middle Market Growth. At FreshWater, he contributes regularly to the news and features departments, as well as works on regular sponsored series features.
 
A decade of impact: How MAGNET’s Mspire Pitch Competition fuels regional physical product startups
Startups face many challenges in the current economic climate, particularly companies in the manufacturing sector. Applications are open for MAGNET's 2025 Mspire Pitch Competition, which supports manufacturing innovation through funding, exposure, and guidance to entrepreneurs—with a focus on fostering physical product development.
No frills: Grocery Outlet fills vital need in Cleveland Heights Cedar-Fairmount neighborhood
Grocery Outlet opened in Cleveland Heights' Cedar-Fairmount neighborhood today, replacing the former Dave's Market. The budget-friendly option and convenient location appeals to many residents, while some people express mixed feelings about the store's fit in the evolving district. Everyone in the neighborhood agrees that the store fills a void.
Amid federal funding cuts, Assembly for the Arts’ Creative Impact Fund is lifeline for area artists
The Assembly for the Art's Creative Impact Fund help provide financial assistance to Cleveland's creative community. Backed by Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, the Creative Impact Fund is available to both emerging and established artists across various disciplines, and applications are open through July 18.
Round two: MAGNET’s Advanced Manufacturing Fund expands to fuel more hard tech startups
MAGNET's Advanced Manufacturing Fund  addresses the funding gap for physical product startups, which often struggle to attract traditional venture capital. Through a $4 million allocation, the fund attempts to accelerate growth of early-stage manufacturing startups and cultivate a niche investment network.
Celebrations of arts and music are set to ignite the Juneteenth spirit
Cleveland organizations are preparing for Juneteenth celebrations with support from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, offering a variety of events that honor the holiday's historical significance. Organizers say they hope the events will educate, entertain, and foster community engagement while highlighting the contributions of Black artists and entrepreneurs in the region.
Beyond bilingual: GALA forges a decade of language immersion in Cleveland
Global Ambassadors Language Academy (GALA) in the West Park neighborhood is the state's only dual language charter academy offering immersion in Spanish and Mandarin. Since its inception in 2016, GALA has grown steadily each year, setting students up for success in an increasingly globalized world.
New housing investment initiative aims to create 3,000 affordable homes in Cleveland
The new Cleveland Housing Investment Fund (CHIF) is designed to address the city's affordable housing crisis. City officials and partners hope CHIF will create up to 3,000 affordable housing units, raise $100 million for new home construction, and preserve mixed-income rental housing.
A legacy of growth: MAGNET marks 40 years of supporting NE Ohio makers
MAGNET has been at the forefront of driving innovation and growth in Northeast Ohio's manufacturing sector for 40 years. From its origins in engineering support to its current role as a key resource for more than 10,000 businesses, MAGNET continues to play a key role in embracing new methodologies, technologies, and workforce development. strategies.
Empowerment through art: CAC-funded summer youth programs offer unique opportunities
Area organizations are offering a diverse range of summer activities that blend arts, science, and technology. thanks to grans rom Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. The programs provide youth with valuable skills, cultural experiences, and potential career inspiration while fostering creativity and personal growth.
EDWINS lights up Cedar-Fairmount, carries its mission forward at former Nighttown location
EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute has opened in the former Nighttown site—offering both fine and casual dining experiences while maintaining its mission of training formerly incarcerated adults in the culinary arts. Local residents and business owners are optimistic about EDWINS' arrival in the Cedar Fairmount District.
From supporter to leader: New BAYarts’ executive director brings deep roots to organization
With a diverse background, BAYarts' new executive director Elizabeth "Beth" Milli says she wants to make art more accessible and welcoming to the community and engage younger residents while also overseeing the Huntington Playhouse restoration.
GCRTA drives toward cleaner future with compressed natural gas buses
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority is transitioning its diesel bus fleet to compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, thanks to a Diesel Emission Reduction grant. The goal is to reduce emissions, lower fuel costs, and improve rider comfort while aligning with Cleveland's climate action goals.
Bestseller: Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Strobel is ready to turn new page with retirement
Tracy Strobel, retiring CEO of Cuyahoga County Public Library, has spent 30 years transforming Ohio's public libraries into modern, innovative community spaces that embrace technology, offer expanded services, and prioritize lifelong learning.
Canal Basin Park reimagined: Canalway moves forward with plans for historic riverfront park
Canalway celebrated its 40th anniversary earlier this month with the approval of new design plans for the 22-acre Canal Basin Park along the Cuyahoga River. The interpretive park will honor the city's industrial heritage while adding a gathering place on Cleveland's riverfront landscape.
2025 CAC grants for new projects bring ‘something for everyone’
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture has approved grants totaling $10,750,847 to support more than 300 nonprofits in 2025. The funding, made possible by the passage of Issue 55, will benefit a wide range of organizations, including first-time recipients like Darl Center for the Arts, Seat of the Pants Productions, and Community Life Collaboration.
Natural wonders reborn: CMNH reopens after decade-long revisioning process
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has completed its decade-long, $150 million renovation and visitors got a first look last weekend at the reimagined approach to showcasing natural history.
Young guns: Manufacturing aims to attract a new generation of makers
Half of American manufacturing companies are facing employee shortages, driven in part by an aging workforce. Companies like Lincoln Electric are attracting and retaining young talent through competitive wages and partnering with MAGNET's training programs to change perceptions and ensure a sustainable workforce.
Puzzle pieces: CMNH researchers delve into humanity’s ancient past in Kenya
Cleveland Museum of Natural History anthropologists Emma Finestone and Ebeth Sawchuk spent last summer in Kenya, conducting fieldwork crucial to the study of human evolution—excavating sites spanning 3 million years and studying how herders and farmers moved around the Central Rift Valley over the last 5,000 years.
Arts extension: Issue 55 gives estimated $160M boost to Cuyahoga Arts & Culture’s grantmaking
Cuyahoga County votes approved Issue 55 earlier this month—replacing and expanding the cigarette tax levy that funds Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. The approval will raise $160 million over the next 10 years, which will allow CAC to fund thousands of nonprofit arts and culture groups like BAYarts and Oh Sew Powerful.
Seasoned startups: MAGNET Mspire pitch competition puts mature companies in spotlight
MAGNET's ninth annual Mspire pitch competition awarded $85,000 to seven innovative manufacturing startups in a diverse range of concepts and industries, from sustainable energy solutions with Accelerate Wind's turbines to cake pop molds made by Daisy Makes, to health technology developed by Auxilium Health.