Entrepreneurs + Innovators
While U.S. job growth overall might be stuck in neutral, IT professionals should be chomping at the bit. Experts say technology occupations will be at the leading edge of job growth for at least the next decade. Better still: Three of the hottest cities for IT jobs right now are here in Ohio.
Young, tech-based companies have a major impact on Northeast Ohio’s economy. In a report created by Cleveland State University and commissioned by JumpStart, 90 startup companies generated $155 million in revenue and created 1,000 jobs in 2010.
“Our objective with this report is to make sure people know why entrepreneurship is important to the community,” says Cathy Belk, chief relationship officer with JumpStart. “These are all early-stage companies. There were no mature companies or public companies included."
The study asked nearly 200 JumpStart client companies for feedback on revenue and jobs. The survey results are based on the 90 who responded. “This report is a real benefit to the community,” says Belk. “These numbers really make that quantitative and understandable.”
The companies surveyed increased state and local tax revenues by $7.5 million and federal tax revenues by $10.8 million, for an overall 2010 tax impact of $18.3 million. “The companies themselves are sometimes beneficiaries of state and federal monies, and that money is being returned to the government as the companies grow.”
Belk sees the report as an optimistic view of the future for the entrepreneurial climate in Northeast Ohio. “This offers a lot of promise,” she says. “A lot of these companies are going to continue to grow and continue to create jobs. Imagine what this will look like in five years.”
Source: Cathy Belk
Writer: Karin Connelly
“Our objective with this report is to make sure people know why entrepreneurship is important to the community,” says Cathy Belk, chief relationship officer with JumpStart. “These are all early-stage companies. There were no mature companies or public companies included."
The study asked nearly 200 JumpStart client companies for feedback on revenue and jobs. The survey results are based on the 90 who responded. “This report is a real benefit to the community,” says Belk. “These numbers really make that quantitative and understandable.”
The companies surveyed increased state and local tax revenues by $7.5 million and federal tax revenues by $10.8 million, for an overall 2010 tax impact of $18.3 million. “The companies themselves are sometimes beneficiaries of state and federal monies, and that money is being returned to the government as the companies grow.”
Belk sees the report as an optimistic view of the future for the entrepreneurial climate in Northeast Ohio. “This offers a lot of promise,” she says. “A lot of these companies are going to continue to grow and continue to create jobs. Imagine what this will look like in five years.”
Source: Cathy Belk
Writer: Karin Connelly
The Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) is holding its seventh annual small business conference on October 19th and 20th at the I-X Center in Cleveland. The event is the only one of its kind designed specifically for small business owners looking for an opportunity to learn, network and work together with other small businesses.
“Basically we put this together because we saw a gap in the marketplace for this kind of conference,” says Steve Millard, COSE president and executive director. “There aren’t a whole lot of places you can go as a small business owner. This two day conference is a chance to come together and be with other small business owners who understand the pressures of what they go through.”
The conference will feature 55 workshops on sales, marketing, HR, money, social media, technology, as well as personal and professional development. There will also be a 75-booth trade show, networking opportunities, interactive learning labs, and peer-to-peer roundtables on topics pertinent to small businesses.
Keynote speakers will be Daymond John, creator of FUBU and panelist on the ABC reality show “Shark Tank” and Jeffrey Rapport, a digital marketing, sales and e-commerce expert and founder and chairman of Marketspace, LLC.
Additionally, a panel of four local successful business owners will share their stories and the ups and downs of becoming successful. “It’s an opportunity to learn from others,” says Millard. “It’s a lot of energy, a lot of fun.”
The conference has earned a national reputation, and attendees have come from as far as California and Canada, says Millard. Organizers expect 2,000 small business owners to attend this year.
Source: Steve Millard
Writer: Karin Connelly
“Basically we put this together because we saw a gap in the marketplace for this kind of conference,” says Steve Millard, COSE president and executive director. “There aren’t a whole lot of places you can go as a small business owner. This two day conference is a chance to come together and be with other small business owners who understand the pressures of what they go through.”
The conference will feature 55 workshops on sales, marketing, HR, money, social media, technology, as well as personal and professional development. There will also be a 75-booth trade show, networking opportunities, interactive learning labs, and peer-to-peer roundtables on topics pertinent to small businesses.
Keynote speakers will be Daymond John, creator of FUBU and panelist on the ABC reality show “Shark Tank” and Jeffrey Rapport, a digital marketing, sales and e-commerce expert and founder and chairman of Marketspace, LLC.
Additionally, a panel of four local successful business owners will share their stories and the ups and downs of becoming successful. “It’s an opportunity to learn from others,” says Millard. “It’s a lot of energy, a lot of fun.”
The conference has earned a national reputation, and attendees have come from as far as California and Canada, says Millard. Organizers expect 2,000 small business owners to attend this year.
Source: Steve Millard
Writer: Karin Connelly
Thirty-year-old Mark Raymond has stayed in hostels all over the world, and now he's bringing his passion, ideas and money to Cleveland to create a 60-bed hostel on West 25th Street in Ohio City.
"A hostel is a very valuable asset for a city to have, and I think Cleveland is a good place to start one," says Raymond. "Hostels attract nontraditional travelers on a shoestring budget, and if a city doesn't have a hostel, many will skip over it."
The Cleveland hostel, which will be located at 2084 West 25th Street, in a building that is owned by real estate developer MRN Ltd., will offer dormitory-style accommodations as well as private and family rooms. Beds will start at $25 per night, and a shared kitchen will be available. Raymond is investigating the possibility of creating a rooftop patio and bike rental facility, as well.
Identifying a location that is well-trafficked and easily accessible to public transportation was key to making his new venture successful, says Raymond. Many hostel clients prefer public transportation or walking to get around. "People can stay in the 'burbs for $30 a night in Cleveland, but they can't get to the city and they don't have the communal aspect of a hostel," he says.
Raymond found the location he was seeking in Ohio City, which has recently experienced a boom of new businesses opening and developers rehabilitating buildings. "Ohio City is a good location because there's so much to do. It's close to downtown and there's good public transportation connections."
Raymond hopes to open the new hostel in May, just in time for the celebration of the West Side Market's centennial and the summer traveling season.
Source: Mark Raymond
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"A hostel is a very valuable asset for a city to have, and I think Cleveland is a good place to start one," says Raymond. "Hostels attract nontraditional travelers on a shoestring budget, and if a city doesn't have a hostel, many will skip over it."
The Cleveland hostel, which will be located at 2084 West 25th Street, in a building that is owned by real estate developer MRN Ltd., will offer dormitory-style accommodations as well as private and family rooms. Beds will start at $25 per night, and a shared kitchen will be available. Raymond is investigating the possibility of creating a rooftop patio and bike rental facility, as well.
Identifying a location that is well-trafficked and easily accessible to public transportation was key to making his new venture successful, says Raymond. Many hostel clients prefer public transportation or walking to get around. "People can stay in the 'burbs for $30 a night in Cleveland, but they can't get to the city and they don't have the communal aspect of a hostel," he says.
Raymond found the location he was seeking in Ohio City, which has recently experienced a boom of new businesses opening and developers rehabilitating buildings. "Ohio City is a good location because there's so much to do. It's close to downtown and there's good public transportation connections."
Raymond hopes to open the new hostel in May, just in time for the celebration of the West Side Market's centennial and the summer traveling season.
Source: Mark Raymond
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The Cleveland Council on World Affairs (CCWA) will once again be hosting former U.S. Undersecretary of Commerce, Frank Lavin tonight in its speaker series at the Union Club of Cleveland. Lavin, who recently co-published the book "Export Now," will talk about strategies for success in exporting to a global market.
“He is a great speaker and a great resource for organizations in the area,” says Jana Krasney, director of speaker programs for CCWA. “What Frank Lavin says in his book is that small and mid-sized companies are hesitant to go global because they might not think they have the resources, but they do and it’s very important.”
As chairman of public affairs for Edelman Asia Pacific, Lavin has worked with over 2,000 US companies to formulate export strategies. His talk will center on five keys to going global, in particular in the Asian market. “Lavin points out that US exports to China have grown tremendously in the last decade,” says Krasney. Tonight he will share his knowledge and expertise with companies and individuals interested in tapping that market.
CCWA is expecting about 50 to 75 participants in tonight’s presentation. Krasney says intentionally keep the audience small for plenty of one-on-one participation. “Lavin always stays to make sure people who want to ask specific questions will have an opportunity to do so,” she says.
The cost is $20 for members, $30 for non-members and $10 for students. People can registers on CCWA’s website. Registration begins at 6 p.m., followed by the program at 6:15 p.m. and a reception.
Source: Jana Krasney
Writer: Karin Connelly
“He is a great speaker and a great resource for organizations in the area,” says Jana Krasney, director of speaker programs for CCWA. “What Frank Lavin says in his book is that small and mid-sized companies are hesitant to go global because they might not think they have the resources, but they do and it’s very important.”
As chairman of public affairs for Edelman Asia Pacific, Lavin has worked with over 2,000 US companies to formulate export strategies. His talk will center on five keys to going global, in particular in the Asian market. “Lavin points out that US exports to China have grown tremendously in the last decade,” says Krasney. Tonight he will share his knowledge and expertise with companies and individuals interested in tapping that market.
CCWA is expecting about 50 to 75 participants in tonight’s presentation. Krasney says intentionally keep the audience small for plenty of one-on-one participation. “Lavin always stays to make sure people who want to ask specific questions will have an opportunity to do so,” she says.
The cost is $20 for members, $30 for non-members and $10 for students. People can registers on CCWA’s website. Registration begins at 6 p.m., followed by the program at 6:15 p.m. and a reception.
Source: Jana Krasney
Writer: Karin Connelly
LineStream Technologies is growing by leaps and bounds in the automated software control market. The company was created in 2008 as a spinoff out of research done by CSU’s Zhiqiang Gao, director of the Center for Advanced Control Technologies and focuses on commercializing and simplifying control software.
Basically, LineStream products increase efficiency, are easy to implement, and therefore improve the performance of automated systems.
“Any product using a motor, we look to improve energy efficiency and life of that motor,” explains David Neundorfer, LineStream president. “We simplify the design process and lop off weeks of [development].”
The company is getting attention from some of the major players in the automation industry. They just licensed their software to Texas Instruments. “We’re going to be putting software in a chip platform in motor and motion controls,” explains Neundorfer.
The deal adds to the company’s rapid growth. “It’s very exciting and a large deal for us,” says Neundorfer. “Some of the larger companies in the industrial space are interested in our technology.”
LineStream has grown to five employees this year, expects to be at eight to 10 by the end of the year, and double in size again next year. “We’re hiring and ramping up to establish a relationship with Texas Instruments.”
Source: David Neundorfer
Writer: Karin Connelly
Basically, LineStream products increase efficiency, are easy to implement, and therefore improve the performance of automated systems.
“Any product using a motor, we look to improve energy efficiency and life of that motor,” explains David Neundorfer, LineStream president. “We simplify the design process and lop off weeks of [development].”
The company is getting attention from some of the major players in the automation industry. They just licensed their software to Texas Instruments. “We’re going to be putting software in a chip platform in motor and motion controls,” explains Neundorfer.
The deal adds to the company’s rapid growth. “It’s very exciting and a large deal for us,” says Neundorfer. “Some of the larger companies in the industrial space are interested in our technology.”
LineStream has grown to five employees this year, expects to be at eight to 10 by the end of the year, and double in size again next year. “We’re hiring and ramping up to establish a relationship with Texas Instruments.”
Source: David Neundorfer
Writer: Karin Connelly
For just shy of three years, Crop Bistro & Bar attracted diners to its Warehouse District home, where chef Steve Schimoler wowed them with creative American gems. That all ended last spring when Schimoler decided to transplant his Crop to Ohio City. How could he not, he said, after first laying eyes upon the old bank space that could -- and would -- be his restaurant's new home. After months of construction -- all followed by Fresh Water shooter Bob Perkoski -- Crop Bistro opens its doors tonight and begins the next chapter of its delicious existence.
Justin Bibb, special assistant for education and economic development for Cuyahoga County executive Ed FitzGerald, was looking for a way to make sure his generation is heard in the business world. That’s when he founded YP Nation, a group of young professionals who want to play an active role in the nation’s policies and views.
“There’s a movement as baby boomers retire to engage millennials,” Bibb says of his generation. “Rarely is our voice elevated.” Today he is regional director of YP Nation, encouraging other young professionals to get involved and make their voices heard.
Founded in 2009, YP Nation has 3,000 members nationwide and access to half a million people through networking groups. Membership gives access to resources, information and services to help advance the next generation.
“Our core goal is to give young professionals a voice," says Michael Eisenstadt, the organization’s president. “There’s a lot of structural imbalance out there and we think it’s important for young people to get together and voice their ideas. The more we can get involved, the better it is for everyone.”
YP Nation’s website is chock full of articles and blogs meant to empower its readers to take action and make a change.
“These are tough times,” says Eisenstadt. “We just want more opportunity. Our goal is to coalesce this voice from younger Americans.”
Additionally, for $99 a year, members can get a YP Rewards card, which gives holders more than $3,500 in discounts on things that serve the young professional lifestyle.
Source: Michael Eisenstadt and Justin Bibb
Writer: Karin Connelly
“There’s a movement as baby boomers retire to engage millennials,” Bibb says of his generation. “Rarely is our voice elevated.” Today he is regional director of YP Nation, encouraging other young professionals to get involved and make their voices heard.
Founded in 2009, YP Nation has 3,000 members nationwide and access to half a million people through networking groups. Membership gives access to resources, information and services to help advance the next generation.
“Our core goal is to give young professionals a voice," says Michael Eisenstadt, the organization’s president. “There’s a lot of structural imbalance out there and we think it’s important for young people to get together and voice their ideas. The more we can get involved, the better it is for everyone.”
YP Nation’s website is chock full of articles and blogs meant to empower its readers to take action and make a change.
“These are tough times,” says Eisenstadt. “We just want more opportunity. Our goal is to coalesce this voice from younger Americans.”
Additionally, for $99 a year, members can get a YP Rewards card, which gives holders more than $3,500 in discounts on things that serve the young professional lifestyle.
Source: Michael Eisenstadt and Justin Bibb
Writer: Karin Connelly
Although just barely eight months old, ImageIQ has found a niche in the medical imaging field. The company, which is a spinoff of the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, takes a qualitative approach to diagnostic imaging.
“Anybody who acquires an image during a bio-science event, it’s a subjective process for anyone who looks at that image,” says ImageIQ CEO Tim Kulbago. “We build custom solutions to get quantitative scientific data.”
Kulbago likens ImageIQ’s capabilities to a police officer’s speed radar gun. Without it, people in the medical industry are just estimating their findings. The company has three areas of expertise: pharmaceutical, medical devices and research.
While the company still is in its infancy, the folks behind the research at Image IQ have years of experience. “We feel like we’re on the leading edge of actual medical imaging,” says Kulbago. “Our team has been doing this for over 10 years. Now we’re taking the idea of this service to market.”
ImageIQ has developed working relationships with NASA, MIT and, most recently, Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute (AORI) to enhance the ongoing joint replacement research. ImageIQ and AORI will apply state-of-the-art 3D imaging analytics to improve the assessment of the structural integrity and performance of various biomaterials in orthopedic implant wear studies.
ImageIQ has grown from four people on staff to eight in just eight months. “Now were at a point where word is starting to get out,” says Kulbago. They are prepared to grow as the company grows. Kulbago plans to host a webinar in November, “60 in 60: Speed Dating for Imaging Analytics,” which has already produced significant interest.
Source: Tim Kulbago
Writer: Karin Connelly
“Anybody who acquires an image during a bio-science event, it’s a subjective process for anyone who looks at that image,” says ImageIQ CEO Tim Kulbago. “We build custom solutions to get quantitative scientific data.”
Kulbago likens ImageIQ’s capabilities to a police officer’s speed radar gun. Without it, people in the medical industry are just estimating their findings. The company has three areas of expertise: pharmaceutical, medical devices and research.
While the company still is in its infancy, the folks behind the research at Image IQ have years of experience. “We feel like we’re on the leading edge of actual medical imaging,” says Kulbago. “Our team has been doing this for over 10 years. Now we’re taking the idea of this service to market.”
ImageIQ has developed working relationships with NASA, MIT and, most recently, Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute (AORI) to enhance the ongoing joint replacement research. ImageIQ and AORI will apply state-of-the-art 3D imaging analytics to improve the assessment of the structural integrity and performance of various biomaterials in orthopedic implant wear studies.
ImageIQ has grown from four people on staff to eight in just eight months. “Now were at a point where word is starting to get out,” says Kulbago. They are prepared to grow as the company grows. Kulbago plans to host a webinar in November, “60 in 60: Speed Dating for Imaging Analytics,” which has already produced significant interest.
Source: Tim Kulbago
Writer: Karin Connelly
pnc among best companies for working moms
For the 10th straight year, PNC has earned its way onto Working Mother's list of Best Companies.
"Working Mother readers want flexibility and they want it now," say the editors of the magazine. "In survey after survey, working moms rank flexible work arrangements as the most desired benefit they seek, even higher than compensation or paid days off."
The Working Mother 100 Best Companies are judged on answers to 650 questions, including data on the access and usage of flexible work arrangements, parental leave, childcare, health and wellness support and the advancement of women to all levels of management.
Jennifer Owens, Editorial Director of Working Mother said, "The reason flexibility is so important to working moms is that they want to do their best at home and in the office. Flexible work arrangements allow moms both. The Working Mother Best Companies want to win the war for talent and productivity -- especially in a down economy -- and they have figured out how to make flex work.”
See the full list here.
"Working Mother readers want flexibility and they want it now," say the editors of the magazine. "In survey after survey, working moms rank flexible work arrangements as the most desired benefit they seek, even higher than compensation or paid days off."
The Working Mother 100 Best Companies are judged on answers to 650 questions, including data on the access and usage of flexible work arrangements, parental leave, childcare, health and wellness support and the advancement of women to all levels of management.
Jennifer Owens, Editorial Director of Working Mother said, "The reason flexibility is so important to working moms is that they want to do their best at home and in the office. Flexible work arrangements allow moms both. The Working Mother Best Companies want to win the war for talent and productivity -- especially in a down economy -- and they have figured out how to make flex work.”
See the full list here.
Last month, crowds poured into the third annual F*SHO, an exhibit that showcased locally made contemporary furniture. The goal of the Midtown event was to promote what is widely being described as a burgeoning local industry. This year's F*SHO was twice the size of last year's. If you didn't make it, check out Fresh Water photographer Bob Perkoski's visual tour.
The Historic Haunts Walking Tour, an event now in its fifth year, provides family-friendly Halloween treks through the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood. Local residents sporting top hats and toting lanterns lead audiences along historic West Clinton and Franklin Boulevards. They stop at porches to watch costumed actors bring to life tales of murder, love and mayhem from the neighborhood's storied past.
Yet last year, the event did more than just entertain. It also led Cleveland couple Tim Brown and Andy O'Conke straight to the doorstep of their dream home.
"I looked up and saw a two-story house with a pillared porch," recalls Brown of the West Clinton colonial that he purchased earlier this year. "I thought: 'Three minutes from work, a small yard for the dog... This is the home for me!'"
Brown and O'Conke moved into their new home in mid-August -- just in time for this year's Historic Haunts. The couple's broad, welcoming porch has now been incorporated into the walking tour, and they're looking forward to the event.
In addition to the home's many green features, which were added during a top-to-bottom renovation by the Cleveland Housing Network (CHN), Brown and O'Conke were drawn to Detroit Shoreway by its welcoming, hyper-social residents.
"This is unbelievable neighborhood," says O'Conke. "As soon as we'd moved in, we met more neighbors than we had ever known at any other place we lived."
The home was renovated as part of the Opportunity Homes program, a targeted effort by the nonprofit Neighborhood Progress Inc. (NPI) and CHN to bring renovated, energy-efficient homes to six Cleveland neighborhoods.
(The tours take place October 7 and 8.)
Source: Judith Allen, Andy O'Conke, Tim Brown
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Yet last year, the event did more than just entertain. It also led Cleveland couple Tim Brown and Andy O'Conke straight to the doorstep of their dream home.
"I looked up and saw a two-story house with a pillared porch," recalls Brown of the West Clinton colonial that he purchased earlier this year. "I thought: 'Three minutes from work, a small yard for the dog... This is the home for me!'"
Brown and O'Conke moved into their new home in mid-August -- just in time for this year's Historic Haunts. The couple's broad, welcoming porch has now been incorporated into the walking tour, and they're looking forward to the event.
In addition to the home's many green features, which were added during a top-to-bottom renovation by the Cleveland Housing Network (CHN), Brown and O'Conke were drawn to Detroit Shoreway by its welcoming, hyper-social residents.
"This is unbelievable neighborhood," says O'Conke. "As soon as we'd moved in, we met more neighbors than we had ever known at any other place we lived."
The home was renovated as part of the Opportunity Homes program, a targeted effort by the nonprofit Neighborhood Progress Inc. (NPI) and CHN to bring renovated, energy-efficient homes to six Cleveland neighborhoods.
(The tours take place October 7 and 8.)
Source: Judith Allen, Andy O'Conke, Tim Brown
Writer: Lee Chilcote
cleveland's chris hodgson classy to the very end, says usa today
Each week for the past two months, Cleveland food truck fans -- and even those who aren't -- ardently followed Chris Hodgson on the Food Network's "Great Food Truck Race." During the show, the local chef competed against other national food truck operators for the grand prize of $100,000.
Hodgson, as we all know by now, made it all the way to the final episode. His truck, Hodge Podge, as we also know by now, was bested by Lime Truck.
In this item on the USA Today blog Pop Candy, writer Whitney Matheson says that she was particularly moved by Hodgson's class up to and including the very end.
"I thought it was particularly moving when chef Chris Hodge (sic) noted that, because of the competition,'Me and my sister got closer, me and my girlfriend got closer -- (and that's) the greatest win of my life.'"
Read it all here.
Hodgson, as we all know by now, made it all the way to the final episode. His truck, Hodge Podge, as we also know by now, was bested by Lime Truck.
In this item on the USA Today blog Pop Candy, writer Whitney Matheson says that she was particularly moved by Hodgson's class up to and including the very end.
"I thought it was particularly moving when chef Chris Hodge (sic) noted that, because of the competition,'Me and my sister got closer, me and my girlfriend got closer -- (and that's) the greatest win of my life.'"
Read it all here.
OnShift has found its groove. The Cleveland company continues to build success as a software developer for the senior living market.
“We specialize in healthcare organizations who want to manage their staffing and labor costs,” says CEO Mark Woodka.
Tapping into the senior living market happened by accident for the company, which was founded in 2007.
“Our founder (Gene Groys) was building a communications platform and was hosting a dinner party when an administrator of the nursing home expressed an interest in it,” says Woodka.
OnShift launched their first product in 2009 and has been building momentum ever since. “Our business is growing,” says Woodka. “The market we sell to is under-served. Historically, our customers haven’t had the technology to manage their staffs. We were in the right place and the right time.”
OnShift had 175 customers by the end of 2010, and expects to grow to 600 by the end of this year. They just hired four people to their 32-person staff, still have six open positions in a range of fields, and expect to grow to 55 to 60 total by the end of 2012.
“We’re growing like gangbusters here,” says Woodka. “And we’re an incredibly fun place to work.”
Source: Mark Woodka
Writer: Karin Connelly
“We specialize in healthcare organizations who want to manage their staffing and labor costs,” says CEO Mark Woodka.
Tapping into the senior living market happened by accident for the company, which was founded in 2007.
“Our founder (Gene Groys) was building a communications platform and was hosting a dinner party when an administrator of the nursing home expressed an interest in it,” says Woodka.
OnShift launched their first product in 2009 and has been building momentum ever since. “Our business is growing,” says Woodka. “The market we sell to is under-served. Historically, our customers haven’t had the technology to manage their staffs. We were in the right place and the right time.”
OnShift had 175 customers by the end of 2010, and expects to grow to 600 by the end of this year. They just hired four people to their 32-person staff, still have six open positions in a range of fields, and expect to grow to 55 to 60 total by the end of 2012.
“We’re growing like gangbusters here,” says Woodka. “And we’re an incredibly fun place to work.”
Source: Mark Woodka
Writer: Karin Connelly
Four Northeast Ohio organizations are one group of just 20 national winners of the Obama administration's $37 million Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge, a multi-agency competition to support the advancement of high-growth industry clusters across the country.
NorTech, JumpStart, MAGNET and Lorain County Community College came together to cooperatively apply for the $2 million grant that will help create jobs in the region. The program, the Northeast Ohio Speed-To-Market Accelerator (STMA), is designed to accelerate the speed-to-market for near-production or pilot-production prototypes in the advanced energy and flexible electronics industry clusters in Northeast Ohio.
The fact that the groups collaborated on the project is no surprise.
“There’s a history of organization in this region -- we work together collaboratively all the time,” says Cathy Belk, chief relationship officer with JumpStart. “The fact that we already knew each other made it easy to identify the needs and work together on the proposal.”
Each organization will assist in its area of expertise, from company advising to workforce development. The STMA consists of three components, explains Byron Clayton, vice president of NorTech. “The first step is holding outreach workshops to let companies know the service areas we are targeting. The second step is one-on-one counseling and a path-to-market analysis. The third step is to deliver the services.”
Aside from offering expertise and guidance, the four groups plan to speed up the jobs creation process within new companies. “We are asking what can we do to help you to speed this process up,” says Clayton. “We’re working together as a region, as a network of nationally-recognized organizations.”
Sources: Cathy Belk, Byron Clayton
Writer: Karin Connelly
NorTech, JumpStart, MAGNET and Lorain County Community College came together to cooperatively apply for the $2 million grant that will help create jobs in the region. The program, the Northeast Ohio Speed-To-Market Accelerator (STMA), is designed to accelerate the speed-to-market for near-production or pilot-production prototypes in the advanced energy and flexible electronics industry clusters in Northeast Ohio.
The fact that the groups collaborated on the project is no surprise.
“There’s a history of organization in this region -- we work together collaboratively all the time,” says Cathy Belk, chief relationship officer with JumpStart. “The fact that we already knew each other made it easy to identify the needs and work together on the proposal.”
Each organization will assist in its area of expertise, from company advising to workforce development. The STMA consists of three components, explains Byron Clayton, vice president of NorTech. “The first step is holding outreach workshops to let companies know the service areas we are targeting. The second step is one-on-one counseling and a path-to-market analysis. The third step is to deliver the services.”
Aside from offering expertise and guidance, the four groups plan to speed up the jobs creation process within new companies. “We are asking what can we do to help you to speed this process up,” says Clayton. “We’re working together as a region, as a network of nationally-recognized organizations.”
Sources: Cathy Belk, Byron Clayton
Writer: Karin Connelly
china-based investment of $100m will go to american and cleveland biomeds
A new partnership between a leading China-based biomedical development company and the Cleveland Bio Fund (CbF) will result in a $100 million fund to invest in U.S companies, including those in Cleveland. The Cleveland Bio Fund will help identify and invest in small- to mid-size medical device companies looking to enter the Chinese market.
“[Cleveland Bio Fund] will provide both capital and know-how for device companies looking to expand their products into China. It is a unique boutique style investment strategy needed for that market,” explains Eddy Zai, CEO of CbF
Executives are traveling to Cleveland this week to meet local officials, tour the Health Tech Corridor, and meet with companies that could take advantage of this unique business model.
Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson welcomes the investment in Cleveland from China.
"Investments in the City of Cleveland are good, whether they are made locally or by foreign investors. We welcome the opportunity to partner with the Cleveland Bio Fund as it will better connect Cleveland to the global economy," said Mayor Frank Jackson.
Read the rest here.
“[Cleveland Bio Fund] will provide both capital and know-how for device companies looking to expand their products into China. It is a unique boutique style investment strategy needed for that market,” explains Eddy Zai, CEO of CbF
Executives are traveling to Cleveland this week to meet local officials, tour the Health Tech Corridor, and meet with companies that could take advantage of this unique business model.
Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson welcomes the investment in Cleveland from China.
"Investments in the City of Cleveland are good, whether they are made locally or by foreign investors. We welcome the opportunity to partner with the Cleveland Bio Fund as it will better connect Cleveland to the global economy," said Mayor Frank Jackson.
Read the rest here.
Bizdom U, a business accelerator that trains, mentors and funds innovative, growth-oriented startup companies, kicks off its inaugural class in less than two weeks. Based on a similar program in Detroit that was launched three years ago by Quicken Loans owner Dan Gilbert, Bizdom U hopes to kindle a new wave of entrepreneurial spirit in Cleveland.
Despite dire news to the contrary, the indie bookstore is not dead -- especially in Cleveland, one of the most literate cities in the nation. But that doesn't mean booksellers can coast on sales of Woolf, Pynchon and Roth. More than simply literary vending machines, the best indie bookstores have learned to adapt by offering poetry readings, book signings, live music, and even glasses of Australian chardonnay.
Aeroscena is tapping into the world of aromatherapy with Ascents -- little sachets of essential oils that creators say not only smell nice, but help with everything from weight loss and insomnia to energy and relaxation. Aeroscena CEO Mark Kohoot says the idea was inspired by the 18th and 19th century trend of women wearing their own personal scents around their necks.
“Ascents are an innovative way to experience aromatherapy in a portable diffuser,” explains Shannon Gibb, product manager. “They are all natural, made with essential oils."
There are five different scents, each of which comes in a little packet. Unseal the packet and inhale the scent up to 500 times. The five signature blends are: Sleep, Energize, Calm, Focus, and Curb for weight loss.
Founded a little over a year ago, Aeroscena employees telecommuted from home until June of this year, when the company opened offices in the Leader Building downtown. Ana Sorel was just hired as marketing manager and Aaron Cornell was brought on as the new CFO. Gibb says the next step is to build a solid sales rep staff.
Ascents are available on the company’s website, at Nature’s Bin in Lakewood and at 360-5 Wellness Store at the Cleveland Clinic. The Clinic also gives Ascents to participants in their online sleep program, Go! to Sleep.
Source: Shannon Gibb
Writer: Karin Connelly
“Ascents are an innovative way to experience aromatherapy in a portable diffuser,” explains Shannon Gibb, product manager. “They are all natural, made with essential oils."
There are five different scents, each of which comes in a little packet. Unseal the packet and inhale the scent up to 500 times. The five signature blends are: Sleep, Energize, Calm, Focus, and Curb for weight loss.
Founded a little over a year ago, Aeroscena employees telecommuted from home until June of this year, when the company opened offices in the Leader Building downtown. Ana Sorel was just hired as marketing manager and Aaron Cornell was brought on as the new CFO. Gibb says the next step is to build a solid sales rep staff.
Ascents are available on the company’s website, at Nature’s Bin in Lakewood and at 360-5 Wellness Store at the Cleveland Clinic. The Clinic also gives Ascents to participants in their online sleep program, Go! to Sleep.
Source: Shannon Gibb
Writer: Karin Connelly
Fashions by Fowler, a popular women's clothing boutique run by sisters Renay and Tracy Fowler, has relocated to a Shaker Square storefront that has been sitting empty for years. Previously home to Metropolitan Galleries and Ann Taylor Loft, the 5,200-square-foot space is considerably larger than the boutique's old home on Mayfield Road.
"It's been very exciting," says Renay Fowler of the new space. "Shaker Square is so diverse in terms of nationalities and cultures, which I love. We're also positioned right between a bank and a Subway store, so we get a lot more walk-in traffic."
Fowler says that she has had little trouble filling her larger digs with both merchandise and customers. "We have a very diverse inventory, and we specialize in unique, one-of-a-kind items," she says. Some of the items the store carries include costume jewelry, furs and cowhide boots inlaid with rhinestones.
"If you're looking for something fun, glitzy and one-of-a-kind, that's what we do," says Fowler. "People assume our inventory is more expensive than it actually is -- you can get an entire outfit in our store for under one hundred dollars."
Fashions by Fowler features work by local clothing designers as well as smaller companies that are based in New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Atlanta. In addition to its unique clothing inventory, the store employs an in-house milliner and a staff person that repairs costume jewelry.
"That's very hard to find these days," says Fowler. "People can bring a drawing in and get a hat or costume jewelry made for them."
Source: Renay Fowler
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"It's been very exciting," says Renay Fowler of the new space. "Shaker Square is so diverse in terms of nationalities and cultures, which I love. We're also positioned right between a bank and a Subway store, so we get a lot more walk-in traffic."
Fowler says that she has had little trouble filling her larger digs with both merchandise and customers. "We have a very diverse inventory, and we specialize in unique, one-of-a-kind items," she says. Some of the items the store carries include costume jewelry, furs and cowhide boots inlaid with rhinestones.
"If you're looking for something fun, glitzy and one-of-a-kind, that's what we do," says Fowler. "People assume our inventory is more expensive than it actually is -- you can get an entire outfit in our store for under one hundred dollars."
Fashions by Fowler features work by local clothing designers as well as smaller companies that are based in New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Atlanta. In addition to its unique clothing inventory, the store employs an in-house milliner and a staff person that repairs costume jewelry.
"That's very hard to find these days," says Fowler. "People can bring a drawing in and get a hat or costume jewelry made for them."
Source: Renay Fowler
Writer: Lee Chilcote