And the winners are...

For nine seasons, Cleveland Chain Reaction has done more than award prize money to promising entrepreneurs. It has become a launch pad for Greater Cleveland small businesses, providing coaching, mentorship, business connections and the confidence to take the next step.

This year’s competition once again showcased the creativity and innovation thriving across the region as the Greater Cleveland Partnership’s Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) and JumpStart Inc. announced the winners of the 2026 Cleveland Chain Reaction competition.

Taking home the competition’s top honor was Noblewins LLC, which earned the $40,000 first-place prize for its unique business of transforming retired wind turbine blades into striking public art. The concept blends sustainability with artistic design, giving new life to materials that would otherwise be discarded while creating distinctive installations for communities.

Second place and a $20,000 award went to Engineered 2 Entertain, a company that creates custom props, fan engagement experiences and entertainment elements for professional sports organizations. Mouma’s earned the $10,000 third-place prize for its convenient Indian meal products, while Jam by Josh received a special fourth-place award and $5,000 for its premium fruit spreads. In addition to cash awards, all four winners received advertising packages from Mimi Magazine and FreshWater Cleveland to help introduce their businesses to even more customers.

The competition’s impact extends well beyond the winners.

Each of the remaining 17 semifinalists received a $2,000 grant, discounted advertising opportunities, a COSE membership and continued access to business advising and support. Before stepping on stage, all 21 semifinalists completed a four-week business boot camp led by JumpStart’s expert advisors, sharpening their business plans and preparing for the final two-day pitch competition.

According to Megan E. Kim-McGinty, executive director of COSE and executive vice president of small business, marketing and tech initiatives at Greater Cleveland Partnership, this year’s competition was especially close because of the caliber of entrepreneurs participating.

“The scores were remarkably close,” says Megan, noting that judges decided to recognize an additional entrepreneur with a special fourth-place award. She said the finalists demonstrated the creativity, ambition and commitment to growth that continue to strengthen Greater Cleveland’s small business community.

That sentiment was echoed by JumpStart Vice President, Small Business Services and Capital, Patty Ajdukiewicz, who emphasized that Cleveland Chain Reaction is designed to leave every participant with more than prize money. Entrepreneurs walk away with stronger business strategies, valuable professional relationships, increased confidence and access to ongoing support as they continue to grow.

Since launching in 2017, Cleveland Chain Reaction has become an important economic development tool for the region. The program has received 822 applications, coached 188 semifinalists, connected winning businesses with more than $1.8 million in capital and provided 830 hours of technical assistance.

For Greater Cleveland entrepreneurs, those numbers represent more than statistics. They reflect new businesses opening their doors, products reaching new markets and innovative ideas becoming sustainable companies. Whether creating public art from renewable energy materials, developing authentic food products or designing unforgettable fan experiences, this year’s winners demonstrate the ingenuity that continues to drive the region’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Cleveland Chain Reaction

Greater Cleveland Partnership’s Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) 

216-621-3300

ClevelandChainReaction.org