The inaugural BIG Summit was a homecoming for the business community

Think BIG.

That was the challenge of the day for small business owners and leaders at the COSE BIG Summit at Public Hall Tuesday.

Mission accomplished.

More than 400 entrepreneurs, risk takers and innovators registered to attend the inaugural event for a day of learning, networking and inspiration.

"This is a day that is about all of you.  The business owners, the entrepreneurs, the risk takers, rebels and innovators ...the people who decided to follow their passion, those who dug their heels in, went against the grain, and became the boss of their own destiny. Those who define Greater Cleveland’s small business community, making it stronger, more diverse, more accomplished and more impactful,” said COSE Executive Director Megan E. Kim in her opening remarks.

The event had the feel of a reunion as many business owners attended their first large business gathering since Covid.  As one business owner put it, “I feel like Dorothy and I just got home!" Hugs were plentiful.

“Since our inception, it has been core to COSE’s mission to bring small business owners together to network, share ideas, and learn from one another,” says Kim.  “I would describe the Summit as a homecoming reuniting businesses that have been a part of COSE’s fiber for years and welcoming new businesses into our entrepreneurial community, a community of leaders and owners who share a passion and drive for building successful and thriving businesses.”

The day-long event focused on “Business Innovation and Growth” included more than 25 workshops, networking and thought leadership on innovations, ideas and strategies focused on spurring small business growth. The historic setting – the American launchpad for so many of the most innovative artists of the last century, form the Beatles to David Bowie – provided the perfect inspiring – and oh so “Cleveland” – backdrop.

Workshops included topics such as “Using tech to engage the right talent equitable, right now,” “Amplifying impact across generations: How multigeneration workforces can unlock innovation and extend leaders' legacies” and “Building a belief-based brand.”

Keynote presentations by nationally renowned business leaders Victoria Labalme and Paul Roetzer. Roetzer, one of the country’s most in-demand AI business experts and educators, were the highlights of the day.

Labalme, a Hall of Fame Speaker and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of “Risk Forward,” shared strategies to help small businesses embrace the unknown. She began by speaking about the importance of time – “in the world of small business, we don’t get to take a day off.”

Her high-energy keynote included group projects, video and even mime.

“Risking forward is trusting yourself and taking action,” she challenged rapt crowd.

Roetzer focused on how small businesses can adapt and thrive with AI.

“The value you gain from AI, and how quickly and consistently that value is realized, is directly proportional to your understanding of, access to and acceptance of the technology.

“You can become the change agent within your business and be the one who drives the next frontier in digital transformation,” he concluded.

Attendees mingled and networked between learning.

“We’re here to make some connections,” said Jack Price, branch manager of Hudson-based Ascent Global Logistics – a longtime COSE member.  “There’s so much to learn, too. It’s a great selection of workshops.”

Seryell Davis, owner of Seryell’s Food Products LLC, did make connections. “I was invited to speak to another group in two weeks,” says the Youngstown-based businessman – a veteran who makes salsa and other food products, and is also a motivational speaker. “I’ve learned so much today.”

 Greater Cleveland Partnership’s All In vision for a Great Region on a Great Lake has five key priorities: Dynamic Business, Abundant Talent, Inclusive Opportunity, Appealing Community and Business Confidence. All of our work ties back to these values. This story relates to Dynamic Business.