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Public Services

WIRE-Net can be your direct link to a range of public services through our CIRI program (Cleveland Industrial Retention Initiative). Through your WIRE-Net Industrial Outreach manager, you can access a broad range of city services, including safety and security issues, your councilperson, your neighborhood CDC (Community Development Corporation) and other community based organizations.

CITY of CLEVELAND Graffiti Abatement Program 

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICE DIVISION OF STREETS 

PROGRAM OBJECTIVE: To ensure the removal of graffiti from all areas of the City of Cleveland 

ACTIVITY: 

  • Eradicate graffiti with the use of City employees and volunteers. 

  • Enforcement of anti-graffiti ordinances. 

  • Educating the public, especially children, concerning the negative aspects of having graffiti in the neighborhoods. 

  • Empowerment of the community to take action to eliminate graffiti through the various community groups 

Through this program the City will removes graffiti from commercial and industrial buildings at no cost to the owner. Since the program is complaint driven a company should call Barbara who mans the streets maintenance complaint line at (216) 664-2310. The request is then sent to either Mr. Warren or Mr. Powers for processing at the facility located at 49th and Harvard. The direct number to that location is (216) 432-6000.

YOUR LINK TO CITY of CLEVELAND SERVICES

City of Cleveland
Division of Purchases & Supplies
601 Lakeside Avenue - Room 128
Cleveland, Ohio 44114

  • NeighborhoodLink!  - These pages are designed to provide citizens with information on the City Council: its members, its committees, and the current issues before the Council.

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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - Cleveland, OH

WHAT SBA IS AND DOES...
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. Small business is critical to our economic strength, to building America's future and to helping the United States compete in today's global marketplace. Through its extensive network of field offices and partnerships with other public and private organizations, SBA is able to deliver its services to the most remote areas of the United States.

OHIO SCORE CHAPTERS
SCORE: "Counselors to America's Small Business" is a 12,400-member volunteer association sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration. It matches volunteer business-management counselors with present and prospective small business owners in need of expert advice. SCORE has experts in virtually every area of business management and maintains a national skills bank to help identify the best counselors for its clients. The collective experience of SCORE counselors spans the full range of American Enterprise.

SCORE Chapters offer low-cost "How to Start Your Business" workshops that address topics such as assessing entrepreneurial potential, developing a start-up checklist, selecting a legal identity, creating a business plan and securing funding. Other workshops assist experienced business owners in expanding their business, purchasing a franchise, and creating marketing strategies, among many others.

There may be a nominal fee for training workshops and seminars. Look on the Ohio Calendar of Events to find a workshop near you.

SCORE's free and confidential one-on-one counseling is available through its 389 chapters around the country. Counseling by SCORE teams is available in many locations. In addition, the organization offers e-mail counseling via the Internet through the national SCORE homepage.

SERVICE CORPS OF RETIRED EXECUTIVES
More than 12,400 volunteers provide training and one-on-one counseling at no charge.
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS
SBDCs provide training, counseling, research and other specialized assistance at nearly 1000 locations nationwide.
BUSINESS INFORMATION CENTERS
Business Information Centers (BICs) provide a one-stop location where current and future small business owners can receive assistance and advice.
U.S. EXPORT ASSISTANCE CENTERS
USEACs offer a full range of federal export programs and services from a number of federal agencies under one roof. Many locations have new-to-export programs called E-TAP.
WOMEN'S BUSINESS CENTERS
SBA's network of more than 60 Women's Business Centers (WBC) provides a wide range of services to women entrepreneurs at all levels of business development.

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BUREAU OF WORKERS COMPENSATION - Ohio

EMPLOYER FEATURES

  • Employer guided tour – A general introduction to BWC and Workers' Compensation for the employer.
  • File a claim – Complete the First Report of Injury (FROI) online.
  • Apply for coverage – Complete the application online and get your temporary certificate of coverage.
  • MCO Directory Lists – Contact information for reporting claims, submitting medical information and medical billing.
  • Personalized policy scenarios – Allow you to view the effect participation in an alternative rating program or discount program may have on your premiums.
  • Drug-Free EZ – Learn more about this new incentive program designed specifically for small businesses.

EMPLOYER POLICY INFORMATION

  • Demographic information – Review and update your name, address, and company Web site.
  • Coverage history – Review the coverage history associated with your policy.
  • Optional supplemental coverage – Review and update optional supplemental coverage, i.e., sole proprietors and partners, family farm corporations, ministers associated with your policy.

SAFETY SERVICES

  • BWC's Division of Safety & Hygiene can meet all your safety and health needs, and at no direct cost to you.
  • Learn how the Division of Safety & Hygiene helps employers reduce their claims frequency and costs.
  • Get up-to-date safety & health information from a variety of sources such as safety councils, sample programs and related links.
  • Learn about the free, on-site, injury-prevention services BWC provides all Ohio employers and request those services here.
  • Find out if you're eligible to earn matching grants for investing in specific safety improvements.
  • From videos to classes, find ways to teach your employees about workplace safety here.
  • Take advantage of these online services, such as training presentations and ergonomics Web sites, to help you improve safety in your workplace.

PROGRAMS

  • Flex Pay Program: Alternative method of paying your premium.
  • Group Rating: Join a group within your industry.
  • Premium Discount Program: An incentive program designed to assist experience-rated employers establish a safer, more cost effective workplace.
  • Drug Free Workplace Program: A program that encourages employers to detect and deter substance use and misuse, and take appropriate corrective action.
  • Drug Free EZ Program: A program specifically designed to help small employers (average of 25 or fewer employees) deter and detect substance use and misuse, and take appropriate corrective action.

Other Northeast Ohio Resources
Many of these organizations can provide important information and support (including loans, technical expertise, community and political support, etc.) to companies that need assistance both inside and outside their operations, or are expanding (adding equipment, providing training, or growing their facility). Others have a more narrow focus. If you need assistance, or know of another opportunity to strengthen NE Ohio's economy by connecting a colleague to these resources, please refer them to one or more of these resources. And feel free to contact WIRE-Net with questions or for help identifying where to start.

Cleveland Department of Economic Development: Information, Financing, Assistance with City Services
The Department is a good starting place in you need something from the City of Cleveland (alternatives include the Councilperson for your area, your local community development organization, or WIRE-Net). In addition the Department supports manufacturing in three major ways: through its leadership in the Cleveland Industrial Retention Initiative (CIRI), which calls on hundreds of Cleveland manufacturers each year and helps resolve mostly "outside the gate" issues; and, secondly, through the provision of loans and tax incentives in order to stabilize and grow manufacturing in Cleveland; and, thirdly, by providing financial support and technical assistance to help firms train new or existing workers.

Brian A. Reilly, Director
City Hall, 601 Lakeside, Room 210
Cleveland, Ohio 44114 (216)664-2406
http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/government/departments/econdev/edind.html 

Greater Cleveland Partnership and the Growth Capital Corporation: Information, Support and Financing.

The Greater Cleveland Partnership is organized around four key strategies that will drive the private sector's efforts to support job creation and increase economic vitality. GCP's Growth Capital Corporation provides below-market financing for job creation and retention through SBA and State of Ohio 166 Loan programs. The Growth Capital Corporation is a good place to start for help in matching your financing needs with the many sources of below-market rate financing available in NE Ohio.

  • Innovation, Technology and High-Growth Businesses
  • Business Retention, Expansion and Attraction
  • Connected Physical Development
  • Education and Workforce Development

Greater Cleveland Partnership
Tower City Center, 50 Public Square, Suite 200
Cleveland, Ohio 44113-2291
Phone: (216) 621-3300; (866) 553-5427
Fax: (216) 621-4617 General Inquiries: customerservice@gcpartnership.com 
http://www.clevelandgrowth.com/ 

Governor's Northern Ohio Economic Development Office: Information, Support and Financing
The Governor's Economic Development Office works in partnership with local governments and organizations such as the Greater Cleveland Growth Association, to provide programs that ensure every need is met to guarantee a successful venture. Their staff can guide businesses through loan, grant and other assistance programs for growing businesses for real estate projects, equipment and job training.
Contact:
Fran Migliorino
Governor's Regional Economic Development Representative
Lausche State Office Building
615 West Superior Ave., 12th Floor
Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: (216) 787-3240 Fax: (216)787-3244 fmigliorino@odod.state.oh.us 

MAGNET: Information, Support, Technical Assistance and Financing for manufacturing product development.
The mission of MAGNET, the Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network, is to support, educate and champion Northeast Ohio manufacturing with the goal of transforming the region's economy into a powerful, global player. WIRE-Net is working with MAGNET on its Advocacy, Innovation and Workforce Initiatives.

www.magnetwork.org 
4600 Prospect Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44103-4314
216.432.5300
877.GROW.MFG

Cuyahoga County Department of Development: Information, Support & Financing.
The Community & Economic Development Division provides financial and technical assistance to businesses and communities through a number of economic development programs. For example, the M.A.D.E. in Cuyahoga County Program offers financial assistance incentives specifically targeted at manufacturing industries that are relocating, expanding, upgrading or building new in Cuyahoga County.
http://development.cuyahogacounty.us/commdev.htm 

Cleveland-Cuyahoga Port Authority: Information and Financing.
The Port has a development office that several WIRE-Net members have tapped as a source of below-market financing for acquisition and expansion. They can provide "off balance sheet financing", where the Port builds/buys and owns a facility, and leases it back to the user on a long-term basis, including an option to buy, reducing the amount of debt on your books.
Through its Development Finance Authority, the Port fosters public-private partnerships to assist in the creation of jobs and community revitalization. The Development Finance Authority offers a portfolio of financing options tailored to fit individual needs.
Since its inception, the Development Finance Authority has assisted area businesses in obtaining financing for community projects totaling more than $1.4 billion.
Financing options include:

  • Fixed-Rate Financing Program
  • Off-Balance Sheet Financing and Leasing Program
  • Infrastructure Financing Program

Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority
One Cleveland Center, 1375 East Ninth St., #2300
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
http://www.portofcleveland.com/development/overview.asp 
216-241-8004
info@portofcleveland.com 
Linda E. Highsmith-Poole
Vice President, Development Finance
216-241-8004 ext. 24 
lhighsmith@portofcleveland.com 

JumpStart: Financing and Technical Assistance for start-ups.
Have an idea and a plan to start a fast growing company in NE Ohio? JumpStart funds high-growth businesses and ideas, works with their founders to develop the businesses into venture-ready entities and simultaneously celebrates Northeast Ohio's early-stage company successes. "High-growth" means that the company has a solid plan for reaching $30 to $50 million in annual revenues within five to seven years.
The best place to get information is from their website and online application forms.

www.jumpstartinc.org 
737 Bolivar Road Suite 3000 Cleveland, Ohio 44115
P 216.363.3400 F 216.363.3401 Email ask@jumpstartinc.org 

TeamNEO: Information and Support.
Team NEO acts as the regional catalyst to understand the needs of the key industries of the region (including manufacturing and logistics) and develop public-private partnerships to provide solutions to address them. Through this role, Team NEO serves as the first point of contact for businesses in targeted industries that are seeking to locate or expand in Northeast Ohio.
Manufacturing- Shilpa Kedar - 216.363.5422 Website: www.teamneo.org 

NEO411.biz: Information.
NEO411 is a service of the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE). NEO411.biz has worked with thousands of individuals and small businesses, helping them connect with regional service providers and resources for assistance starting or growing their business. Their website is a comprehensive listing of resources to help you start a new venture, or grow an existing one.

www.NEO411.biz 
50 Public Square, Suite 200
Cleveland, Ohio 44113-2291
Telephone: 1.800.505.4811; 216.696.1292
Fax: 216.781.3349
E-mail: info@neo411.biz 

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