Announcing the Cleveland Chain Reaction semifinalists

Greater Cleveland Partnership’s (GCP) Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) announced the 22 businesses that will advanced to the semifinals of Cleveland Chain Reaction, a small business pitch competition that connects entrepreneurs to capital and mentors and places new businesses in Greater Cleveland to create jobs and build prosperity.

One hundred forty-one small business owners applied to participate in in the program this year—the highest number since it launched in 2017. Judges representing program supporters, including Medical Mutual, Minutemen Workforce Solutions, MAGNET, COSE Benefit Plan, JumpStart, and other partners from the entrepreneurial ecosystem, reviewed the applications to select the semifinalists.

“We were thrilled to receive so many applications for this year’s program, further reinforcing the strength and growth of our entrepreneurial community,” says Megan E. Kim, executive director of COSE and senior vice president of membership development and marketing at GCP. “We look forward to working with our top 22 semifinalists to provide the education, coaching and capital they need to take them to the next level.” 

Now Comes the Bootcamp

The semifinalists will now participate in a bootcamp hosted by JumpStart Inc., where business experts will help them prepare to pitch to a panel of judges at showcase days taking place Wednesday, Aug. 20, and Thursday, Aug. 21. These businesses are vying for prizes that include $40,000 for first place, $20,000 for second place and $10,000 for third place. 

“Partnering with COSE on Cleveland Chain Reaction is always a highlight for us,” says Lorne Novick, chief services officer at JumpStart Inc. “Working with each new group of bootcamp semifinalists is incredibly rewarding. As these entrepreneurs learn to craft their pitches and scale their businesses, they’re not only shaping the future of their companies, but also helping to shape the future of Cleveland and the small business community.”

Throughout the season, semifinalists have the opportunity to showcase their businesses and promote their products and services on “Kickin’ it with Kenny” during FOX 8 News in the Morning. They’ll also receive media coverage in Mimi Magazine, Cleveland Chain Reaction’s print publication partner, and in FreshWater Cleveland, the competition’s digital publication partner. The publications will also offer semifinalists discounted advertising rates and will award winners complimentary advertising space.

Since its inception (the competition was put on hold in 2020 due to the pandemic), Cleveland Chain Reaction has received 732 applications, coached and prepared 146 small business semifinalists, connected winning businesses to more than $1.8 million in capital and provided over 660 hours of technical assistance.

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. 

Cleveland Chain Reaction is produced by COSE in collaboration with FOX 8 News in the Morning’s “Kickin’ it with Kenny.” This season of Cleveland Chain Reaction is sponsored by COSE Benefit Plan, Medical Mutual, Minutemen Workforce Solutions and MAGNET. Mimi Magazine is the competition’s print publication partner, and FreshWater Cleveland is the competition’s digital publication partner. Visit clevelandchainreaction.org for more information.

This year’s semifinalists include (in alphabetical order):

• Be Browed Etcetera, LLC
• Blasian Fusion
• Candyapple & Co., LLC
• Chirrups and Chatter
• Cleveland Cut and Sew
• Community Development, LLC
• Concession Stand Cleaners
• Daisy Makes
• FunktiniLand
• Gimmeahand Inc
• Lake Erie Scoops
• Mangia Dolce, LLC
• Max & Alayna’s Paws Play, Ltd.
• Phenomenal Foods Co.
• Reasons To Care Healthcare Services, LLC
• Salubata
• Sand Pebbles
• Squash the Beef
• The Golden Room Salon
• The Healing Studio
• The Studio Salon Group
• Zero Doubt Club