Entrepreneurs + Innovators
Bob PerkoskiSam McNulty and Andy Tveekrem
American author Napoleon Hill said that, "Ideas are the beginning points of all fortunes." True, but good ideas aren't just one-man money-makers -- they can serve as triggers for the kind of economic development that turns around entire blocks, neighborhoods, even cities and regions. In Cleveland, good ideas lead to an ever-growing array of new businesses filling needs across a wide spectrum. From food trucks to got-to-have-it smartphone apps, small start-ups are the lifeblood of a progressive economy.
The Grocery at City Goods, a new food-focused retail concept in Ohio City, brings together local food entrepreneurs under one roof. Launched through a partnership between City Goods, JumpStart, and Ohio City Incorporated, the pilot program offers a platform for small businesses to showcase their products during the holiday season and grow their brands.
What started 10 years ago as a high school senior project for then-16-year-old Maria Paparella, has evolved into the thriving Chair-ity—a nonprofit that furnishes apartments for young adults who are aging out of foster care.
Grippy's Sauce Co., a food truck that travels to spots all over Cleveland, was a finalist at the 2024 National Fried Chicken Festival in New Orleans earlier this month. Read about founder Khalid Ali and how his business competed against over 40 vendors as the only Midwest representative.
Upcycle Parts Shop is celebrating 10 years of creativity and sustainability in the St. Clair Superior neighborhood. From saving materials from landfills to inspiring the community with art, the nonprofit recently expanded its space. The shop will celebrate with its Mystic Masquerade fundraiser in November.
Game of dominos, anyone? Join a tournament this weekend while getting a sneak peek of CentroVilla25, the entrepreneurial and Hispanic cultural hub in Clark-Fulton. Meet some of the vendors, enjoy free food and entertainment, and win money in the tournament while supporting the hub, which will officially open later this year.
The third annual FutureLAND Conference, hosted by the City of Cleveland, United Black Fund, and JumpStart, will bring together thought leaders, industry innovators, and content creators to explore ways in which tech shapes the entrepreneur ecosystem and creative economy this Thursday, Oct. 10 to Saturday, Oct. 12 at Playhouse Square.
AloeCLE, founded last summer by mother-daughter team Lena Paskewitz and Miranda Fox-Hervey, grew out of a passion for rescuing and nurturing aloe plants. The school teachers offer hand-glazed pots and aloe plants, while promoting a community of plant enthusiasts with their aloe mama fostering program, pottery workshops, and walks through their AloeCLE Trail at their home studio.
One South Euclid will honor three residents who have worked to better the community with the CDC's annual Hometown Hero awards Mingle at Mayfield event Mayfield Country Club.
The winners of Cleveland Chain Reaction were announced this week on Kickin' It With Kenny, with Balance Cheer and Gymnastics taking first place; Covermecutee in second; and CLE Urban Winery in third among 17 semifinalists.
Loretta Paganini opened her International Culinary Arts and Science Institute 20 years ago to give area culinary students advanced career training. This weekend, local celebrity chefs will help raise scholarship money for the school at the Cleveland's Top Chefs event.
In 2019 Lakewood residents Lisa and Eric Hollender wanted a bar where unleashed dogs could play and exercise while their humans relaxed and socialized. So, in 2021 they opened Taps & Tails in Tremont. The place is so popular, they're thinking about expanding with an east side location.
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.
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!
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.
Applications are now open for the seventh season of Cleveland Chain Reaction, the small business pitch competition to help entrepreneurs build their businesses in Cleveland neighborhoods, hosted by Greater Cleveland Partnership’s COSE. Freshwater talks to last year's winner, Saidah Farrell, who shares her tips for pitching Marshmallow of the Month Club. Find out how you can apply and take your small business to the next level!
Despite earning praise and a strong following, Proof Barbeque had to overcome bad timing with the COVID-19 pandemic and an inconvenient location before finding the perfect home and atmosphere in Ohio City. Four years after it first opened, then closed, Proof owner Dave Ferrante relaunched last month.
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.
Jason Toth's 2022 photo of a willow tree at Edgewater Beach sparked a transformative journey as he dealt with his POTS diagnosis. Two years later the former marketing exec has a booming career in Photographic Pop Art with J Toth Art in City Goods, and currently has an exhibit at Kaiser Gallery in Hingetown.
With a degree in games and simulation from the Emerging Technology and Business Design department at Miami University, Cleveland Heights resident, game designer, and Dungeons & Dragons pro Deckard Manne is releasing his Myrwoods D&D campaign book on Kickstarter next week—suited for gamers at all levels or people who enjoy delving into mythical fantasy worlds.
Lakewood City Schools teacher Laura Balliett's pitch for The Cool School Comics won the grand prize at the 10th annual Accelerate: Citizens Make Change competition last Thursday, Feb. 22. Twenty-six entrepreneurs presented their business concepts. Read about the winners and their pitches here.