MidTown
Cleveland Clinic - photo Bob Perkoski
This two-square mile tract between downtown and University Circle is fast becoming one of the hottest regions for economic development. Indeed, it was recently designated by the State of Ohio as an official Hub of Innovation and Opportunity. Dubbed the Cleveland Health-Tech Corridor, the district is home to numerous biomedical and high-tech companies. But many more are on the way thanks to a collaborative effort between public and private organizations like the City of Cleveland, Team NEO, Cleveland Foundation and the Greater Cleveland Partnership. Together, these partners are working to remake MidTown into a global leader for health and medical innovation.
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.
Sustainability is growing in importance in the manufacturing industry, with companies of all sizes integrating eco-friendly practices into their operations. Sustainable practices can reduce waste and energy consumption, lower costs, incorporate recycled materials, and improve public trust.
This summer, local musicians have enriched Northeast Ohio neighborhoods with performances at unconventional venues—from grocery stores to prisons, to residential front porches. Funded by Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, these initiatives make live music more accessible to diverse populations and create harmony throughout the region.
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.
Cuyahoga County officials and MAGNET celebrated the successful launch of 3,000 manufacturing careers over the past three years through MAGNET's Manufacturing Sector Partnership. The initiative brought together manufacturers, educators, workforce organizations, and government leaders to build a stronger, more inclusive manufacturing economy in the region.
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.
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.
The MidTown Collaboration Center, a new 98,000-square-foot innovation hub in the Hough neighborhood, is celebrating its grand opening with a community block party on May 16. The center, developed by the Cleveland Foundation, JumpStart, KeyBank, and other partners, aims to boost economic activity and create jobs while bringing together multiple organizations focused on community-centered research and programming initiatives.
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.
The Children's Museum of Cleveland is hosting Camp CMC, an adults-only event that recreates the nostalgic summer camp experience while supporting the museum's Wonder Fund. The evening offers attendees the opportunity to engage in various camp-themed activities, enjoy local food and drinks, and contribute to programs that make the museum accessible to all families in the community.
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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.
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.
Slow Roll Cleveland, a community cycling group that takes leisurely 10-mile bike rides each week through various Cleveland neighborhoods, concludes its 2024 season next week with a Halloween ride—costumes and bike decorations encouraged.
MAGNET's Early College, Early Career (ECEC) program allows high school juniors to get an early start in potentially lucrative manufacturing careers. Through ECEC, students attend classes three days a week, spend one day in training at MAGNET with mentors, and spend one day in internships with local manufacturing companies. More than 90% of graduates receive job offers at the end of the program that MANGET first launched in 2017.
Greater Cleveland has made progress in bringing minorities and women into the manufacturing industry, according to MAGNET, and about 2,000 people of color have entered the sector in the past two years. Although the region has seen an 80% jump in women and minorities in manufacturing leadership positions, a greater effort is needed to diversify the manufacturing workforce.
DigitalC will host a panel discussion this Friday at the MidTown Tech Hive—when entrepreneur Chris Gray will discuss his new AI version of his Path software. Guests can receive a free, year-long subscription to the AI-powered skills trainer.
The Mandel Foundation's Neighborhood Leadership Development Program (NLDP) has been producing neighborhood leaders since 2006. The younger Community Development Corporation Leadership Program (CDCLP) successfully empowers CDC leaders to create positive change in the communities they represent. Both programs are now looking for the next cohort of community leaders.
MAGNET's first Manufacturing Blueprint Report Card revealed that Northeast Ohio is making strides as an advanced production hub, illustrated by companies like Midway Swiss Turn, Inc and E.C. Kitzel & Sons. But there is still work to do. For instance, while high-tech adoption grew 80% since 2019, only a small number of companies are currently using Industry 4.0 innovations.
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.
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.