Small businesses are betting big on Cleveland Chain Reaction.
A record-breaking 141 entrepreneurs applied for the eighth season of Cleveland Chain Reaction. Twenty-two semifinalists are officially one step closer to funding, coaching and connections that could transform their businesses—and the neighborhoods they serve.
The pitch competition, led by Greater Cleveland Partnership’s COSE (Council of Smaller Enterprises), is designed to fuel local entrepreneurship by linking business owners to capital, mentors and the opportunity to grow in Greater Cleveland. Judges representing program supporters, including Medical Mutual, Minutemen Family of Companies, MAGNET, COSE, JumpStart, and other partners from the entrepreneurial ecosystem, reviewed the applications to select the semifinalists.
“This year’s response shows the incredible momentum in our region’s small business scene,” said Megan E. Kim of COSE. “We can’t wait to see what this talented group achieves.”
Next up, the semifinalists will head into an intensive business bootcamp hosted by JumpStart Inc., fine-tuning their pitches before showcase days taking place Wednesday, August 20, and Thursday, August 21. These businesses are vying for prizes that include $40,000 for first place, $20,000 for second place and $10,000 for third place.
“Every year, this program reminds us how much innovation and grit our small business community has,” said Lorne Novick of JumpStart.
Throughout the season, semifinalists have the opportunity to showcase their business and promote their products and services on “Kickin’ it with Kenny” during FOX 8 News in the Morning. They’ll also receive media coverage in Mimi Magazine, Cleveland Chain Reaction’s print publication partner, and in FreshWater Cleveland, the competition’s digital publication partner.
Since its inception (the competition was put on hold in 2020 due to the pandemic), Cleveland Chain Reaction has received 732 applications, coached and prepared 146 small business semifinalists, connected winning businesses to more than $1.8 million in capital and provided over 660 hours of technical assistance.
This year’s semifinalists (in alphabetical order):
Max & Alayna's Paws Play, Ltd.
Reasons To Care Healthcare Services, LLC
Cleveland Chain Reaction is produced by COSE in collaboration with FOX 8 News in the Morning’s “Kickin’ it with Kenny.” This season of Cleveland Chain Reaction is sponsored by Medical Mutual, Minutemen Family of Companies and MAGNET. Mimi Magazine is the competition's print publication partner, and FreshWater Cleveland is the competition's digital publication partner.
Visit clevelandchainreaction.org for more information.
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