Get your application ready
Do you own a small business or are you thinking of starting one? Here’s how to apply to the annual small business pitch competition Cleveland Chain Reaction—and your chance to win up to $40,000 in prize money.
Last year’s winners of Cleveland Chain Reaction, the pitch competition created by the Greater Cleveland Partnership’s Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE). Photo by Michael Collier/Greater Cleveland Partnership.
It’s back! Greater Cleveland Partnership’s Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) has begun accepting applications for the ninth season of Cleveland Chain Reaction. This small-business pitch competition connects local entrepreneurs with capital and mentors and places businesses in Greater Cleveland to create jobs and build prosperity.
Since its inception in 2017, Cleveland Chain Reaction has received more than 732 applications, coached and prepared 167 small-business semifinalists, connected winning businesses with more than $1.8 million in capital, and provided more than 740 hours of technical assistance.
Do you or someone you know have a small business worthy of support? Applications may be submitted at ClevelandChainReaction.org through Thursday, May 30. Those interested in locating or growing their business in Greater Cleveland should apply.
“Cleveland Chain Reaction is one of my favorite programs,” says Megan E. Kim, executive director of COSE. “Each year, we connect with passionate entrepreneurs ready to take their businesses to the next level. After receiving a record number of applications last year, we hope to connect with even more entrepreneurs this season and support them through mentorship, business plan coaching, and a powerful peer network.”
How It Works
The 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 on Wednesday, July 22, and Thursday, July 23. Judges will include representatives from Cleveland Chain Reaction program supporters Medical Mutual and Minutemen Workforce Solutions, as well as other entrepreneurial ecosystem partners.
Small businesses will be evaluated on their business narrative or story, growth strategy, financials, use of funds, and overall presentation. The three highest-scoring businesses 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. Winners will also receive complimentary advertising space from Mimi Magazine, Cleveland Chain Reaction’s print publication partner, and from FreshWater Cleveland, the competition’s digital publication partner.
Valuable Media Attention
Throughout the season, semifinalists will showcase their business 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 and FreshWater Cleveland.
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 locate their business, based on their specific real estate needs, industry, and target market.
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 Medical Mutual, Minutemen Workforce Solutions, MAGNET, and the COSE Benefit Plan. Mimi Magazine is the competition's print publication partner, and FreshWater Cleveland is the digital publication partner.
Cleveland Chain Reaction
Greater Cleveland Partnership’s
Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE)
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