Business Resources

GCBA HOMEPAGE MEMBER BENEFITS MEMBER APPLICATION MEMBER RESOURCES MEMBER DIRECTORY

University Circle Inc. stands with our business community, as programs and services become available we will communicate them to the businesses located in University Circle as well as the alumni of our business development programs. Recieve updates on all business resources by joing Greater Circle Business Alliance today!

Open Applications: 

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready: Cleveland Summit in partnership with Luminary:

• Full day of in person learning and connection designed to help grow your business.
• Robust workshops from subject matter experts across all areas you need to run your business and valuable time to connect with other local business owners.
• When?  Monday, June 12, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Where?  Cleveland State University - Fenn Tower Ballroom, 1983 E. 24th Street, Cleveland, OH 44115.
• Register to reserve your spot today!

Case Western Reserve University's Black Business Expo:

• CWRU's Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Engagement will host its inaugural Black Business Expo, showcasing Black businesses from around Greater Cleveland.
• Those interested in being a vendor at the expo should complete a vendor participation registration form.
• Reach out to Diversity Program Manager G. Tiara Sargeant with any questions.
• When? Tuesday, June 20th, 12:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• Where? Case Western Reserve University's Tinkham Veale University Center, 11038 Bellflower Road, Cleveland OH, 44106.

JumpStart's Four Minute Limit Small Business Pitch Party

• Put your ideas to the test and meet other entreprenurial small business owners from across Northeast Ohio while competing for prizes.
• Selected participants will be given a Four-Minute Limit to persuade the judges that they most deserve the top prize of $2,500 with each of the remaining contestants walking away with $500.
• Eligibility Criteria: meet with a JumpStart advisor to review your pitch prior to application deadline and currently operate (or have an idea for) a small business within the Greater Cleveland area.
• Apply now, application deadline is Friday, July 21, 2023.

Are you looking for vending opportunities with UCI? Click here. 

Business Organizations:

Cuyahoga County Small Business Resouce Center

• Cuyahoga County launched their Small Business Resource Center in partnership with dozens of other business development organizations. 
• It can assist with applying for the EIDL program, consulting services, retention services and more
• Open Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
• Call 216-452-9741
• Visit www.cuyahogacounty.us/helpforbusiness

HFLA of Northeast Ohio

• Provides interest-free loans to promote the economic self-sufficiency and growth for Notheast Ohioans.
• Seeks to create a more equitable Northeast Ohio where everyone has equal access to capital and all residents participate in the growth and prosperity of their communities.
• Visit https://interestfree.org/

The Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI)

• Supports access to businesses through funding and mentoring services, a leading SBA microloan intermediary. 
• Visit https://www.ecdi.org/resources

The President's Council

• An organization tasked to provide leadership, innovative ideas and resources to advance Black businesses, thus contributing to the overall growth and economic development in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.
• Visit https://thepresidentscouncil.com/

Northeast Ohio Hispanic Business Center

• Committed to providing professional and qualified consulting and group training services aimed at equipping business owners with the education they need to make informed business risks and make management decisions.
• Visit https://hbcenter.org/hbc-home/

Plexus

• Serves as a point of connection for corporations, supporters, LGBT businesses and professionals, a unique and influential network through connecting, educating, and advocating.
• Visit https://www.thinkplexus.org/

COSE: The Council of Smaller Enterprises

• A small business division of Greater Cleveland Partnership, supports and advocates for small businesses through networking and educational events.
• Visit https://cose.org/

Jumpstart

• Combines capital, services, and connections to help entrepreneurs grow, researchers commercialize and corporations innovate.
• Visit https://www.jumpstartinc.org/