Cleveland Chain Reaction​

Cleveland Chain Reaction is on a mission to create jobs, investment and prosperity in Greater Cleveland while providing education and information for entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners to benefit our community.

The small business pitch competition connects entrepreneurs to capital and mentors and places new businesses in Cleveland neighborhoods to create jobs and build prosperity. The first-place winner receives a $40K grant, second-place wins a $20K grant and third-place wins $10K.  

Cleveland Chain Reaction is produced by COSE in collaboration with Jumpstart and FOX 8 News in the Morning’s “Kickin’ it with Kenny.” 

Questions about Cleveland Chain Reaction? Contact Megan Kim, Executive Director, COSE, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Membership Development at mkim@greatercle.com or call 216-592-2356.

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Learn More about Cleveland Chain Reaction's History

Since its inception, Cleveland Chain Reaction has received 822 applications, coached and prepared 167 small business semifinalists, connected winning businesses to more than $1.8 million in capital and provided 740 hours of technical assistance.

The inaugural season of Cleveland Chain Reaction took place in Slavic Village. Old Brooklyn hosted the 2018 edition and Collinwood was the 2019 host neighborhood. Since 2021, winners can select any city in Greater Cleveland to place their business based on their specific real estate needs, industry and target market. 

Cleveland Chain Reaction was inspired by Cleveland Hustles, the reality series produced by LeBron James that aired on CNBC in 2016. Cleveland Chain Reaction is an independent and unrelated effort that supports the continued opportunity that Cleveland Hustles initiated.

Chain Reaction Application

The application window for Cleveland Chain Reaction season 9 is now open! Please complete the application form below by May 30, 2026. The top 20 businesses chosen to participate in this year's program will be informed by June 9, 2026.

Apply Now



Cleveland Chain Reaction Process



1. Determine if Business is a “fit” & Apply

Read the Criteria
  • Businesses of any type (retail, service, manufacturing, etc.) will be considered for Cleveland Chain Reaction and should have the following characteristics:
  • A track record of some level of operations with customers and revenue that demonstrate a viable business.
  • You must be in business for a minimum of 6 months at the time of application with the ability to show financials.
  • A pathway and a desire for significant growth.
  • The ability to produce business financials for review.
  • A business that is currently in Greater Cleveland or a desire to locate business operations in the region.
  • An ownership team that is coachable.
  • If you meet these criteria, complete and submit the application.



2. If Selected, Participate in Business Bootcamp

Learn More
  • The top 20 businesses selected as semifinalists will participate in a bootcamp hosted by JumpStart where business experts will help the entrepreneurs prepare to pitch to a panel of judges at the showcase days.

 



3. Pitch your Business 

Learn More
  • Businesses will be evaluated based on their business narrative or story, growth strategy, financials, use of funds and overall presentation. The three with the highest scores will win: first place will receive $40,000; second place will receive $20,000; and third place will receive $10,000. Judges, local investors and mentors may choose to contribute additional capital to the businesses.

Cleveland Chain Reaction Presenting Sponsors:

Digital Publication Partner:

Print Partner:

Mimi Magazine is the competition’s print publication partner.

Cleveland Chain Reaction Partner

Cleveland Chain Reaction is produced by COSE in collaboration with Jumpstart. 

Explore Past Seasons

And the Cleveland Chain Reaction Season 6 grand prize goes to

Kenny reveals Cleveland Chain Reaction Season 5 finalists

Cleveland Chain Reaction Season 4 semi-finalists share business ideas with Kenny

And the winner is....Kenny Crumpton reveals Cleveland Chain Reaction Season 3 Winners

Cleveland Chain Reaction Season #2 triggering growth in Old Brooklyn

And the season 6 Cleveland Chain Reaction winners are... - COSE

Cleveland Chain Reaction season 6 – where are the semifinalists now? - COSE

Cleveland Chain Reaction pitch competition returns for fifth season - COSE

Cleveland Chain Reaction season 4 winners announced - COSE