Small Business Resources
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.
Resources
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 Heights Business ENews
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.
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.
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.
Shaker Life
Advertise your business in Shaker Life magazine, which is published quarterly and distributed free to Shaker’s 40,000 residents.
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.
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
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.
Hebrew Free Loan Association
The Hebrew Free Loan Association makes interest free loans to Northeast Ohioans.
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.
Cleveland Culinary Launch & Kitchen
Cleveland Culinary Launch and Kitchen is a shared kitchen and food business incubator in Cleveland, Ohio.