Greater Cleveland Partnership

Talent:Dynamic businesses need abundant talent to grow. Our focus is catalyzing business-led initiatives and work-based learning opportunities for in-demand jobs. We collaborate with employers, educators, and career training partners to increase enrollment and completion in degree and credential programs across high-growth industries. We also strengthen pathways into the workforce through internships, apprenticeships, and co-ops driven by industry needs. To build early awareness and engagement, we support programs that connect high school students to career exploration and real-world experiences, helping young people navigate their options and pursue meaningful employment.Retain college graduates: Through the Cleveland Talent Alliance, GCP helped host record-setting intern engagement events, including Summer in the Land, College Fest and a Winter Career Fair, connecting 1,700+ interns to the region and showcasing local career opportunities. 2024 also saw a rise in college and university enrollments and graduate retention in Greater Cleveland.Expand apprenticeships and tech credentials: In addition, GCP operated the Apprenticeship Hub with a focus on engaging companies and individuals in apprenticeships in non-traditional industries such as health care, financial services, and hospitality. GCP also promoted increased usage of tech credentialing to up-skill workers.Broaden career awareness among high school students through exposure programs: Through partnerships, GCP supported expansions of apprenticeship programs, linking high school and post-secondary students to career pathways. GCP engaged over 2,600 high school students from across the region in career connected learning experiences with industry volunteers from over 50 Northeast Ohio companies and supported the Greater Cleveland Career Consortium's expansion to 10 school districts to broaden access to career-connected and work-based learning programs.

Business Innovation & Growth:A thriving regional economy depends on the strength of its business community. Our focus is on driving growth through productivity, innovation, and strategic support for businesses of all sizes. We work alongside partners to promote business expansion by connecting companies to growth incentives, real estate solutions, and workforce strategies. For small and mid-sized firms, we offer access to capital, cost-saving programs, and opportunities to build networks and share ideas. We accelerate innovation across startups, established companies, and research institutions through targeted sector strategies, cross-sector collaboration, and increased funding to fuel new technologies and commercialization.Innovation Initiatives: In 2024, GCP supported major innovation alliances including the NEO-Smart NSF Engines and Polymer Tech Hub efforts that connect industry and institutions. GCP continues to lead efforts to grow NASA Glenn through advocacy and community partnerships. In addition, GCP continued to lead a group of 50 company and institutional sustainability leaders focused on innovations and operations, hosting quarterly events, an energy working group, and organizing an annual Sustainability Summit with over 400 business attendees.Promote business expansions and site readiness: In 2024, GCP advocated for funds for site development and brownfield remediation. In addition, it supported Team NEO and JobsOhio initiatives for business expansion and attraction in the region.Grow small and middle-market enterprises by connecting them to business building resources, funding opportunities and cost-saving benefits: As the small business division of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) has supported and advocated for entrepreneurs and small business owners for over 50 years. Members benefit from cost-saving programs, educational resources, networking opportunities, and personalized navigation to the tools and funding they need to grow. COSE also serves as a strong voice for small business interests, working to ensure a supportive policy environment for local enterprises. Small and mid-sized companies are a cornerstone of the regional economy, driving job creation, innovation, and neighborhood vitality. In 2024, COSE built a Resource Hub for entrepreneurs, launched network groups for food, construction, and arts businesses, and continued to foster entrepreneurial success through its signature program, Cleveland Chain Reaction, a small business pitch competition that connects entrepreneurs with capital, mentorship, and community exposure. Now in its seventh season, the initiative remains a powerful engine for economic inclusion and growth in Cleveland's emerging neighborhoods.

Advocacy:GCP advocates for policies and programs at the regional, state, and federal levels to secure the policies, partnerships, and investments that advance the region's growth and competitiveness. In 2024, our advocacy efforts supported inclusive development, innovation, workforce readiness, and high-impact infrastructure projects that shape Greater Cleveland's future. We:- Promoted innovation-led growth through support for advanced materials research, energy innovation, and NASA Glenn expansion- Promoted business friendliness measures related to state policies- Promoted talent development policies and programs focused on education and training access, internships, credentialing, and career-exposure programs- Supported funding for lakefront access, and site readiness to advance major development projects