Win up to $40,000 for your business!

Greater Cleveland Partnership’s Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) is accepting applications for the eighth season of Cleveland Chain Reaction. This small business pitch competition connects entrepreneurs to capital and mentors, and places new businesses in Greater Cleveland to create jobs and build prosperity.

Since its inception in 2017 (the competition was put on hold in 2020 due to the pandemic), Cleveland Chain Reaction has received 591 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. Applications may be submitted at ClevelandChainReaction.org through Friday, June 20.

Those interested in locating or growing their business in Greater Cleveland should apply. 

“Cleveland Chain Reaction is one of my favorite programs,” says COSE Executive Director Megan E. Kim. “We have the unique opportunity to connect with passionate entrepreneurs who are ready to take their businesses to the next level. We offer them mentorship, business plan coaching, exposure through our partnership with FOX 8 and best of all, a network of other entrepreneurs on the same journey.”

How It Works

The 20 businesses selected as semifinalists will participate in a boot camp hosted by JumpStart, where business experts will help the entrepreneurs prepare to pitch to a panel of judges at the showcase days, happening Wednesday, August 20, and Thursday, August 21. Judges will include representatives from Cleveland Chain Reaction program supporters Medical Mutual, Minutemen Family of Companies and MAGNET, along with other entrepreneurial ecosystem partners. 

Businesses will be evaluated based on their business narratives or stories, growth strategy, financials, use of funds and overall presentation. The three with the highest scores 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 2025 print publication sponsor.

Additional Publicity

Throughout the season, semifinalists have the opportunity to 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 in FreshWater Cleveland, Cleveland Chain Reaction’s digital publication partner.

The 2024 Winners

Last year’s first-place winner of $40,000 was Balance Cheer and Gymnastics, an athletic facility serving predominantly underrepresented female youth. The second-place winner of $20,000 was Covermecutee, a clothing company offering designs that celebrate modesty without compromising style, comfort or sustainability. The third-place winner of $10,000 was CLE Urban Winery, a working winery and tasting room in the Cedar-Lee neighborhood.

The Competition’s Origins

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 place their business based on their specific real estate needs, industry and target market. 

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. 

For more information, call 216-621-3300, visit ClevelandChainReaction.org, or email memberservices@cose.org.