Business Support
The following list includes many resources for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Be sure to review them - many of these organizations offer grants, loans and business education.
Shaker Heights Business News
Our email newsletter for the Shaker Heights business community, specifically brick-and-mortar businesses with a location in Shaker Heights and Shaker home-based businesses. Contact Katharyne Starinsky, Sr. Economic Development Specialist, to be added to the subscription list.
Recent Issues:
Business News—November 2021
Business News—October 2021
Business News—September 2021
Business News—August 2021
Business News—July 2021
Business News—June 2021
Business News—May 2021
Business News—April 2021
Business News—March 2021
Business News—February 2021
Business News—January 2021
Business News—December 2020
Community
Shaker Heights Development Corporation (SHDC)
The Shaker Heights Development Corporation is a community improvement 501(c)( 3) nonprofit corporation created to help the City realize its strong vision for the future.
Business Associations
Meet your fellow Shaker business owners! Join one of our active business associations, including: Larchmere, Chagrin+Lee and Van Aken District. Contact Shaker Heights Development Corporation for meeting details.
The Dealership
The Dealership, a former car dealership where deals are done, networks are created and collaborations are forged, is a shared office entrepreneurial hub at 3558 Lee Road. The Shaker Heights Development Corporation operates the space where individuals and small businesses can rent an office, join the co-work space and come to the many events and programs that will be held there.
Amenities include:
- High-Speed Fiber Internet
- Conference / Meeting Rooms
- Kitchen Facilities
- Free Bike and Car Parking
The Dealership is easily accessible by bike, public transit and car. For more information, email the Shaker Heights Development Corporation or call at 216-491-1425.
Heights-Hillcrest Regional Chamber of Commerce
The City of Shaker Heights has been an active member of the Heights Hillcrest Regional Chamber of Commerce (HRCC) since 1949. Membership benefits include networking events, professional development, health insurance, business referrals, energy savings and discounted office supplies.
Marketing Opportunities
Shop Shaker
Shop Shaker is a marketing initiative to encourage businesses and residents to spend their dollars locally. Contact the Economic Development Department at 216-491-1335 with questions and to get your Shop Shaker window cling to prominently display on your storefront window.
Shaker Life
Advertise your business in Shaker Life magazine, which is published quarterly and distributed free to Shaker’s 40,000 residents.
Technical Assistance
Small Business Administration
Since its founding on July 30, 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration has delivered millions of loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions, and other forms of assistance to small businesses. A loan program created in partnership with Cuyahoga County and the Small Business Administration (SBA) is now available to Shaker Heights businesses that qualify for an SBA loan. For help determining the best incentive program for your business needs, email the Economic Development Department or call at 216-491-1335.
Small Business Development Center
The Ohio Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Network is the premier technical assistance program for Ohio’s small businesses.
Please visit one of our local Ohio SBDCs:
- Cleveland State University SBDC Knowledge and Innovation Center at the Cleveland Heights Public Library at
2340 Lee Road
Phone: 216-321-1633 - Urban League located Downtown/Mid-town
2930 Prospect Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44115
Phone: 216-622-0999 - Hispanic Business Center located on the West Side at
2511 Clark Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44109
Phone: 216-281-4422
You do not need to be Hispanic to utilize HBA services
State of Ohio
A new Office of Small Business Relief (OSBR) within the Ohio Development Services Agency will focus on identifying and providing direct support to Ohio small businesses to help during the current public health crisis and to position small business for a strong rebound. Visit https://businesshelp.ohio.gov.
The Economic Community Development Institute
The Economic Community Development Institute (ECDI) supports loans for new and established businesses, including SBA loans. Many of their other services can help develop a new business into a loan-ready client. ECDI’s loans range from $500 to $350,000 and show a large variety in their clients and the uses for the loans. Equipment-based loans are currently very popular, but others use the funds for entrepreneurial ventures and other operating costs. ECDI provides the tools, technical assistance and support for businesses to succeed.
Urban League of Greater Cleveland
The Urban League of Greater Cleveland’s (ULGC) core mission focuses on the following: Education & Youth, Economic Empowerment, Health & Quality of Life, Civic Engagement, Civil Rights and Racial Justice. Business services include: business planning, legal services, product development and technical resources. There are programs to support every stage of business within the ULGC Entrepreneurship Center.
Jumpstart
Jumpstart employs the skills, experience and creativity to directly invest and assist diverse entrepreneurs in Northeast Ohio. They grow and strengthen Northeast Ohio’s regional entrepreneurial ecosystem by overseeing an interconnected network of support resources, including incubators and accelerators, investors, research foundations and education programs, to supply young, high growth companies with the capital, mentoring, space and connections they need.
Hebrew Free Loan Association
The Hebrew Free Loan Association (HFLA), for more than a century, has offered its services to all persons regardless of race or religion. HLFA’s mission is to lend money for worthy purposes, interest free to needy and responsible persons in Northeast Ohio.
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses at Cuyahoga Community College is a practical business management education program that helps you develop the skills you need to grow your company. If you are selected to participate, you also will receive a series of one-on-one business advising sessions from dedicated professionals to help develop a tailored plan for growth.
Central Kitchen
Central Kitchen offers several options for entrepreneurs to launch, build and grow their food business through their Craft Food Classroom, Incubator and Food Hub program options.