Applications are now live for a new Shaker Heights entrepreneur education program, the Shaker Startup Support Network, with the first cohort to launch in February. The program offers early-stage entrepreneurs – especially people of color, women, and other underrepresented entrepreneurs – hands-on workshops exploring what it takes to open and grow a small business. The deadline for applications is January 29.
Shaker Startup Support Network builds on earlier efforts. In 2020, the Van Aken District, in partnership with the City, created “Entrepreneurial Initiatives” to give early-stage entrepreneurs opportunities to showcase their ideas, products, and services within the Van Aken District. Entrepreneurs continue to sell directly to the public through Van Aken’s markets, mobile carts, and The Corner: a retail space showcasing local makers and their goods.
In 2022, the Van Aken District piloted an educational component, creating a classroom experience for entrepreneurs with sessions led by local and regional business professionals.
Focused on attracting, retaining, creating, and growing minority-owned and women-owned businesses, the City of Shaker Heights is now expanding this initiative and taking it city-wide. While continuing to support pathways for entrepreneurs at the Van Aken District and now beyond, the Shaker Startup Support Network prioritizes skill development for entrepreneurs and provides entrepreneurs with targeted education. The focus is on removing barriers and empowering future business owners to bring their business dreams to fruition in Shaker and beyond. This includes furthering support to home-based businesses as well as creating additional business opportunities within the Chagrin-Lee commercial district and with regional entrepreneurial networks.
Early-stage entrepreneurs, defined as entrepreneurs still finalizing ideas or gathering research and market data, will meet bi-weekly at The Dealership (3558 Lee Road) for workshops led by professionals on topics such as marketing for small businesses, business loans and grants, and real estate for small businesses,. Speakers will include community members, small business owners, and representatives of regional business support organizations. The workshop experience provides a hands-on, accessible learning approach in a classroom experience. And learning alongside fellow entrepreneurs offers opportunities for participants to build professional networks.
Interested entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners are encouraged to apply through the City’s website. Once applications have been reviewed, a staff member from the Economic Development Department will be in touch regarding eligibility into the program. Space is limited in order to provide an individualized and small-cohort experience for entrepreneurs. The Shaker Startup Support Network furthers the City’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion values while achieving the City’s Economic Development goals.