Program areas at GCP
Appealing Communities:Attractive communities are essential for drawing in and keeping vibrant businesses and talented individuals. Our priority is creating a next-generation appeal for working, living, and playing in Greater Cleveland. We collaborate with partners to enhance our downtown and waterfront areas through interconnected and inclusive developments in residential, commercial, and public spaces. We also invest in neighborhoods, focusing on both residential growth and commercial corridor development, ensuring they are supported by accessible and efficient transit. Additionally, we advocate for resources to expand amenities such as parks, arts and culture, sports, and other recreational activities. Recognizing the economic and social benefits of strong air services, we work closely with the city of Cleveland and other organizations to enhance air travel options for both business and leisure. Enhancing Downtown and Waterfronts: In 2023, we continued to partner with the Mayor of the City of Cleveland and his administration to lead a planning process to redevelop the Downtown Cleveland Lakefront. City reveals North Coast Master Plan for lakefront and enters into an agreement for riverfront development.Invest in Neighborhoods: Transformative real estate development aimed at creating an attractive and inclusive community is a top priority. GCP collaborates with its real estate development affiliate, Cleveland Development Advisors (CDA), and external partners to maximize existing assets and initiate new catalytic projects that drive further economic growth.Expand Recreational Amenities including Parks, Arts and Culture, and Sports: GCP serves as a catalyst and advocate for maintaining and enhancing the region's vibrant array of arts and culture, parks and trails, sports and entertainment, and air services. These offerings contribute to a high quality of life and play a key role in attracting businesses and talent to the area.Improve Airport and Air Service Connections: Enhanced air services attract businesses, boosting the local economy by facilitating trade, tourism, and investment. Improved connectivity makes the region more accessible to global markets, encouraging corporate expansions and new business ventures. GCP continued to work with Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to build a plan to improve the airport services and facilities. International Airline launches nonstop service from Cleveland to Dublin; Airline selects CLE for crew hub and starts new flights to San Diego, San Francisco, Dallas, Charlotte, San Juan and Jamaica.
Business Innovation & Growth:A prosperous region thrives on dynamic businesses, and our focus is on driving growth through productivity and innovation for companies of all sizes. We collaborate with partners to support business expansions by connecting them with growth incentives, real estate opportunities, and talent solutions. For small and mid-sized businesses, we provide access to funding opportunities, cost-saving benefits, and platforms for idea exchange and networking. Additionally, we enhance innovation across startups, corporations, and research institutions (including federal facilities) through targeted sector strategies, industry partnerships, and increased funding.Innovation Initiatives: Expand innovation at start-ups, corporates and research institutions through partnerships and increased funding: We encouraged partnerships between corporations and research institutions to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial applications. In 2023, the region experienced increased access to venture capital, grants, and other funding opportunities for startups and research-focused projects. Sustainable manufacturing and materials innovation hubs, Akron and corporate partners win federal awards, resulting in development of an $300M research facility by local Ivy League school. During 2023, Cleveland start-ups raise over $370M in investment and 20 companies make Inc. Magazine's list of 5,000 fastest growing companies.Promote Business Expansions by Connecting Companies to Growth Incentives, Real Estate Options and Talent Sources: In 2023, Greater Cleveland saw numerous collaborations between businesses and organizations that improved access to growth incentives, real estate, and talent. Grow Small and Middle-market Enterprises by Connecting Them to Business Building Resources, Funding Opportunities and Cost-saving Benefits: The Council of Smaller Enterprises' (COSE) mission is to grow small businesses. As the small business arm of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, members have access to educational content, networking opportunities, cost-saving benefits, and navigation to resources that best support their business needs and interests. COSE also advocates for small businesses to ensure a positive business environment. Small and middle-market businesses play a significant role in driving local and regional economic growth. By supporting their expansion, we help create jobs, increase economic activity, and contribute to a more vibrant and resilient economy. In 2023, COSE held the 6th season of Cleveland Chain Reaction pitch. Cleveland Chain Reaction is a business competition and economic development initiative designed to support and grow small and minority-owned businesses in Cleveland. Launched in 2016 by the Greater Cleveland Partnership, the program aims to stimulate economic activity and job creation by providing resources and support to businesses looking to expand and thrive in the Cleveland area.
Talent:Dynamic businesses require a steady supply of talent to thrive. Our focus is on work-based learning for both current and future job markets. We collaborate with partners to boost enrollments and completions in degree and certificate programs for growth sectors, and to enhance internships, apprenticeships, and co-op opportunities through industry-led partnerships with educational institutions and training providers. Additionally, we aim to increase career awareness among high school students through exposure and placement programs that create clear pathways to employment.Increase Degree and Certificate Completions and Retain Graduates: Our region has seen a net increase in college-educated individuals over the past six years. A more educated workforce often leads to increased innovation and productivity, driving economic development and attracting higher-value industries.Expand Internships, Apprenticeships, Co-ops and Tech Credentials: Summer in the Land is a community initiative and series of events aimed at showcasing and celebrating the vibrancy of Greater Cleveland during the summer months. It includes a variety of activities designed to engage residents and visitors, promote local businesses, and highlight the region's cultural, recreational, and social offerings. In 2023, Summer in the Land attracted over 1,000 interns from 300+ companies.Broaden Career Awareness among High School Students through Exposure Programs: Early career exposure helps students, and their families plan for post-secondary education and career paths, making the transition from high school to higher education or the workforce smoother and more strategic. Also, by learning about different professions and industries early, students can start developing relevant skills and interests, aligning their education with their career aspirations. As a result, in 2023, Ohio's budget features the largest increases ever recorded for college aid and technical career training.
Advocacy:GCP advocates on behalf of its mission and members for policies and programs at the regional, state, and federal levels that advance our vision and priorities. We work with partners to ensure that our region has dynamic businesses, abundant talent, inclusive opportunities, and an appealing community for its talent. In 2023, we:- Supported investments in our research institutions and companies that will drive innovation across multiple industries;- Helped to expand access to post-secondary education, attracted over 1,000 interns from 300+ companies, and attracted funding to support meaningful training and credentialing programs in our communities;- Assisted with the expansion of broadband access, invested in our MBDA and related programs, and broadened city development benefits through a community benefits ordinance; and - Attracted significant funding and investments to our communities that ensures our region's ability to realize its visionary projects that will enhance our waterfront.