V.L. Finley is a nature lover. After seeing the success of games like Temple Run and Candy Crush, the filmmaker decided to try his own hand at developing a game that would combine his love for wildlife with his movie background. The result is Bird Fishing, a downloadable app for Android phones where the player is a bird of prey attempting to catch fish.
“The objective of the game is to catch fish and survive for the next level,” explains Finley. “As you move up levels, you will get stronger birds. Each level is harder -- from catching the fish, flying and rewards.”
A Cleveland native, Finley moved to Phoenix to start his film company, AGP Films, after studying cinematography at Tri-C. The company makes short films based on life in Cleveland. He then decided to move back to Cleveland and dive into the app business with his wife and two other partners.
“The goal is to create a major film in Cleveland for the next 10 years and to create a major game app or sequel every year,” Finley says. “I feel this will change the way the people look at Cleveland, and the film and game app scene in Greater Cleveland.”
Bird Fishing is designed to appeal to all ages. Finley is hoping to make the game available for free download on National Geographic, zoos and national parks websites. “Bird Fishing will convert many people to the parks, hunting, fishing, birding and all things nature,” he says.
Finley is still trying to raise money through gofundme.com. The app should be available in August.
“The objective of the game is to catch fish and survive for the next level,” explains Finley. “As you move up levels, you will get stronger birds. Each level is harder -- from catching the fish, flying and rewards.”
A Cleveland native, Finley moved to Phoenix to start his film company, AGP Films, after studying cinematography at Tri-C. The company makes short films based on life in Cleveland. He then decided to move back to Cleveland and dive into the app business with his wife and two other partners.
“The goal is to create a major film in Cleveland for the next 10 years and to create a major game app or sequel every year,” Finley says. “I feel this will change the way the people look at Cleveland, and the film and game app scene in Greater Cleveland.”
Bird Fishing is designed to appeal to all ages. Finley is hoping to make the game available for free download on National Geographic, zoos and national parks websites. “Bird Fishing will convert many people to the parks, hunting, fishing, birding and all things nature,” he says.
Finley is still trying to raise money through gofundme.com. The app should be available in August.
Ethan M. Holmes learned how to make applesauce from his grandfather at a young age. By the time he was 15, he had mastered the recipe and decided to go into business with it. “I looked at the market and saw an opportunity,” says Holmes. “I looked at other applesauces and they were all made with corn syrup and artificial flavoring.”
Holmes Mouthwatering Applesauce makes an all-natural product in plain and cinnamon varieties. “My goal was to take all the stuff out of it and make something mothers and kids love,” Holmes explains. “The only ingredients are apples, pears and apple cider.”
Today, at age 20, Holmes sells his applesauce at farmers’ markets, area events and through his website. He is in talks with local grocery stores and is joining the Cleveland Culinary Launch and Kitchen.
Recently, Holmes gave out samples of his sauce at Entrovation. The attendees voted the company one of the top five at the event, earning Holmes the chance to pitch his applesauce company to a panel of judges at the Innovative Entrepreneur of The Year Competition. Holmes took home $500 from the event, tying for third place.
Holmes is using the money to cover the Culinary Launch fees and inventory. “We are on our way this upcoming month to producing our first run in their facility,” Holmes says of his move to the Culinary Launch. “This will help us create a large amount of product and educate us in the licenses and procedures needed to be in retail markets.”
Holmes donates 10 percent of his profits toward fighting childhood obesity.
Holmes Mouthwatering Applesauce makes an all-natural product in plain and cinnamon varieties. “My goal was to take all the stuff out of it and make something mothers and kids love,” Holmes explains. “The only ingredients are apples, pears and apple cider.”
Today, at age 20, Holmes sells his applesauce at farmers’ markets, area events and through his website. He is in talks with local grocery stores and is joining the Cleveland Culinary Launch and Kitchen.
Recently, Holmes gave out samples of his sauce at Entrovation. The attendees voted the company one of the top five at the event, earning Holmes the chance to pitch his applesauce company to a panel of judges at the Innovative Entrepreneur of The Year Competition. Holmes took home $500 from the event, tying for third place.
Holmes is using the money to cover the Culinary Launch fees and inventory. “We are on our way this upcoming month to producing our first run in their facility,” Holmes says of his move to the Culinary Launch. “This will help us create a large amount of product and educate us in the licenses and procedures needed to be in retail markets.”
Holmes donates 10 percent of his profits toward fighting childhood obesity.
Global Cleveland will take its Talent Attraction Campaign on the road to Washington D.C. in the hopes of enticing people to relocate to Cleveland.
On June 26, leaders from Cleveland will travel to our nation’s capital to share the many employment opportunities in our region. Attendees also will hear about the exciting things happening in Cleveland like the thriving arts and culture scene coupled with our low cost of living.
“We’re very excited to take Global Cleveland on the road to show the rest of the country -- and really, the world -- what we’re capable of and what’s attractive about Cleveland,” says Joy Roller, President of Global Cleveland.
The Talent Attraction Campaign will promote its principal tool, the online portal at globalcleveland.org that can orient job seekers toward all of the offerings that Cleveland provides. The organization is billing it as a one-stop-shop about Cleveland. In addition to highlighting the newly launched portal, the event also will focus on its virtual job fair that runs June 23-27. Local companies across many sectors have posted opportunities and Global Cleveland is working to spread the word about the job fair outside of Cleveland in hopes of attracting more people to the region.
The event organizers are looking to Clevelanders to alert those they know in the D.C. area to this event to help drive attendance. If you know someone in the D.C. area, forward them this invitation to help spread the good news.
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On June 26, leaders from Cleveland will travel to our nation’s capital to share the many employment opportunities in our region. Attendees also will hear about the exciting things happening in Cleveland like the thriving arts and culture scene coupled with our low cost of living.
“We’re very excited to take Global Cleveland on the road to show the rest of the country -- and really, the world -- what we’re capable of and what’s attractive about Cleveland,” says Joy Roller, President of Global Cleveland.
The Talent Attraction Campaign will promote its principal tool, the online portal at globalcleveland.org that can orient job seekers toward all of the offerings that Cleveland provides. The organization is billing it as a one-stop-shop about Cleveland. In addition to highlighting the newly launched portal, the event also will focus on its virtual job fair that runs June 23-27. Local companies across many sectors have posted opportunities and Global Cleveland is working to spread the word about the job fair outside of Cleveland in hopes of attracting more people to the region.
The event organizers are looking to Clevelanders to alert those they know in the D.C. area to this event to help drive attendance. If you know someone in the D.C. area, forward them this invitation to help spread the good news.
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An annual economic impact study conducted by Center for Economic Development at Cleveland State University’s Levin College of Urban Affairs shows that companies that received support from 16 of the area’s business accelerators, incubators and other organizations generated $424 million for Ohio.
Of the 245 companies surveyed, 236 companies are in Northeast Ohio, generating $306.2 million in the region. These numbers reflect good news for the startup community in Cleveland. “Companies that start here are growing,” says JumpStart chief marketing officer Cathy Belk. “The fact that companies are growing and generating jobs reflects that those courageous folks jumping into the startup world are able to access great people, capital and the expertise -- and are able to lead their companies forward. The ecosystem here is robust and getting more robust all the time.”
Of the companies included in the latest study, 42 local businesses have participated each year over the past four years. “Over that time, they have grown payroll by $14.7 million and created and retained 134 jobs in this region,” says Belk. “This reflects that startups here are able to be successful, creating sustainable jobs for people who live here.”
Belk wants to see these trends grow. “We want entrepreneurs to continue to decide to start companies in this area, and keep them here because of their ability to be successful here,” she explains. “We have to make sure we continue to have the successful startup programs and ecosystem in this region, ensuring companies are able to access the capital they need. And we must continue to help a broader number of small businesses -- including those that could create a significant number of jobs. These are all next steps for our community to maintain and accelerate our momentum.”
Of the 245 companies surveyed, 236 companies are in Northeast Ohio, generating $306.2 million in the region. These numbers reflect good news for the startup community in Cleveland. “Companies that start here are growing,” says JumpStart chief marketing officer Cathy Belk. “The fact that companies are growing and generating jobs reflects that those courageous folks jumping into the startup world are able to access great people, capital and the expertise -- and are able to lead their companies forward. The ecosystem here is robust and getting more robust all the time.”
Of the companies included in the latest study, 42 local businesses have participated each year over the past four years. “Over that time, they have grown payroll by $14.7 million and created and retained 134 jobs in this region,” says Belk. “This reflects that startups here are able to be successful, creating sustainable jobs for people who live here.”
Belk wants to see these trends grow. “We want entrepreneurs to continue to decide to start companies in this area, and keep them here because of their ability to be successful here,” she explains. “We have to make sure we continue to have the successful startup programs and ecosystem in this region, ensuring companies are able to access the capital they need. And we must continue to help a broader number of small businesses -- including those that could create a significant number of jobs. These are all next steps for our community to maintain and accelerate our momentum.”
Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) and Ernst & Young named Thomas W. Harvey High School junior Brandon McClain "Young Entrepreneur of the Year" during its annual ceremony. McClain is CEO of B Kind Cards, which features his original photography of Cleveland landmarks. He received $1,000 and the chance to compete in the national Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) competition in November at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California.
Y.O.U. is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping at-risk teens succeed in life. The E-City program uses the NFTE curriculum to teach entrepreneurship, business and leadership skills and encourages participants to start their own companies. “They can go to school, take the E-City class, enter the workforce and pursue their own ideas,” explains Emily Bacha, development and marketing administrator for Y.O.U. “Lots of students go on to continue their businesses after taking the class.”
Y.O.U.’s E-City classes prepare students for the real business world, especially when finding a decent job or going to college can be difficult right out of high school.
“Teaching our students about entrepreneurism and how to start their own business is important because it provides another route to economic and personal success,” says Bacha. “A number of our alumni have sustained their businesses after finishing the program and the income they’re earning is helping them pay bills and pay for college.”
Eight high school entrepreneurs from Horizon Science Academy, John F. Kennedy High School, Shaw High School and Thomas W. Harvey High School had eight minutes to present their business plans to a panel of three judges on May 22 at E&Y’s new Flats-based offices.
The experience of presenting provides its own rewards in putting classroom lessons into practice. “Youth are tasked with presenting their business plans, but are rewarded with practical advice on how to grow their businesses from successful entrepreneurs,” says Bacha. “Our finalists are rewarded with financial investments in their businesses.”
In addition to McCain, Harvey senior Byron Alston, CEO of Jazzy Scarves, took second place and won $500 from Y.O.U. to put towards his business and a trip to the NFTE competition. Shaw senior and CEO of KJ’s Steam Clean Service Kevin Alexander took third place, winning $250.
Y.O.U. is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping at-risk teens succeed in life. The E-City program uses the NFTE curriculum to teach entrepreneurship, business and leadership skills and encourages participants to start their own companies. “They can go to school, take the E-City class, enter the workforce and pursue their own ideas,” explains Emily Bacha, development and marketing administrator for Y.O.U. “Lots of students go on to continue their businesses after taking the class.”
Y.O.U.’s E-City classes prepare students for the real business world, especially when finding a decent job or going to college can be difficult right out of high school.
“Teaching our students about entrepreneurism and how to start their own business is important because it provides another route to economic and personal success,” says Bacha. “A number of our alumni have sustained their businesses after finishing the program and the income they’re earning is helping them pay bills and pay for college.”
Eight high school entrepreneurs from Horizon Science Academy, John F. Kennedy High School, Shaw High School and Thomas W. Harvey High School had eight minutes to present their business plans to a panel of three judges on May 22 at E&Y’s new Flats-based offices.
The experience of presenting provides its own rewards in putting classroom lessons into practice. “Youth are tasked with presenting their business plans, but are rewarded with practical advice on how to grow their businesses from successful entrepreneurs,” says Bacha. “Our finalists are rewarded with financial investments in their businesses.”
In addition to McCain, Harvey senior Byron Alston, CEO of Jazzy Scarves, took second place and won $500 from Y.O.U. to put towards his business and a trip to the NFTE competition. Shaw senior and CEO of KJ’s Steam Clean Service Kevin Alexander took third place, winning $250.
Three organizations -- LaunchHouse, Civic Commons Ideastream and Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI) -- have come together as the lead partners in supporting entrepreneurs with ideas to improve their communities.
SEA Change, a Social Enterprise Accelerator, provides up to $50,000 in funding, coaching and connections to eligible candidates trying to make a difference in Cleveland neighborhoods. “We’re funding people who have ideas to improve their communities in a sustainable way,” says Mike Shafarenko, Civic Commons director. “A number of organizations came together last November to discuss how to revive development and support of social enterprises in Northeast Ohio.”
Seven other groups are also involved, including JumpStart, Foundation Center Cleveland and Business Volunteers Unlimited (BVU). SEA Change is funded by the Business of Good Foundation, the Generation Foundation, the Burton D. Morgan Foundation and the George Gund Foundation.
Shafarenko says SEA Change emerged as the involved organizations saw a need to support the growing number of social enterprises in Cleveland. “We have a tremendous amount of talented, active people in Northeast Ohio who just don’t have the means to execute their ideas,” he explains. “The entrepreneurial spirit needs a little bit of coaching and support to take it to the next level.”
Examples of existing successful social enterprises include Edwins Restaurant at Shaker Square, which employs former inmates, Tunnel Vision Hoops, which manufactures and sells hoop houses to extend the growing season, and From the Blue Bag, which converts recyclables into works of art.
Sea Change will host training sessions on Friday, June 13 and Friday, July 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The events will provide training, one-on-one consultation and networking to help participants get social enterprise ideas off the ground.
SEA Change, a Social Enterprise Accelerator, provides up to $50,000 in funding, coaching and connections to eligible candidates trying to make a difference in Cleveland neighborhoods. “We’re funding people who have ideas to improve their communities in a sustainable way,” says Mike Shafarenko, Civic Commons director. “A number of organizations came together last November to discuss how to revive development and support of social enterprises in Northeast Ohio.”
Seven other groups are also involved, including JumpStart, Foundation Center Cleveland and Business Volunteers Unlimited (BVU). SEA Change is funded by the Business of Good Foundation, the Generation Foundation, the Burton D. Morgan Foundation and the George Gund Foundation.
Shafarenko says SEA Change emerged as the involved organizations saw a need to support the growing number of social enterprises in Cleveland. “We have a tremendous amount of talented, active people in Northeast Ohio who just don’t have the means to execute their ideas,” he explains. “The entrepreneurial spirit needs a little bit of coaching and support to take it to the next level.”
Examples of existing successful social enterprises include Edwins Restaurant at Shaker Square, which employs former inmates, Tunnel Vision Hoops, which manufactures and sells hoop houses to extend the growing season, and From the Blue Bag, which converts recyclables into works of art.
Sea Change will host training sessions on Friday, June 13 and Friday, July 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The events will provide training, one-on-one consultation and networking to help participants get social enterprise ideas off the ground.
Navigating the streets of Cleveland on a bicycle is nothing new to Will Ansley; he's an experienced and dedicated bike messenger. “A lot of people do it for a little bit and either can’t handle it or don’t like it,” Ansley says of the high rate of turnover in his vocation.
The only problem Ansley has encountered is that he wasn't earning his fair share. “A lot of [messenger] companies these days don’t give you a fair percentage of the rate they are charging,” Ansley says. “Since you’re not getting that much money and the company doesn’t care about their workers, people leave.”
So Ansley decided to take matters into his own hands. This past March he launched Ohio City-based North Coast Courier, the only employee-owned bike courier service in Cleveland. He based the company on a trend he’d seen in Chicago, where many courier companies are worker-owned and everyone gets a say in company decisions.
Right now, North Coast Courier is focused on personal deliveries, like food and groceries. But the company will deliver pretty much whatever a customer wants. The delivery zones are downtown from the lake to Carnegie Avenue and E. 30th Street, Tremont, Ohio City and Gordon Square. The cost is only $5 for delivery in any of these zones and $7 for delivery beyond E. 9th Street.
There are a few spots that North Coast Courier also will deliver to: The Hildebrandt Building, 78th Street Studios, the Flats and Jakprints. “It’s because we know a lot of people in those buildings and lots of them are worker-owned businesses or solo-owned,” explains Ansley.
The only problem Ansley has encountered is that he wasn't earning his fair share. “A lot of [messenger] companies these days don’t give you a fair percentage of the rate they are charging,” Ansley says. “Since you’re not getting that much money and the company doesn’t care about their workers, people leave.”
So Ansley decided to take matters into his own hands. This past March he launched Ohio City-based North Coast Courier, the only employee-owned bike courier service in Cleveland. He based the company on a trend he’d seen in Chicago, where many courier companies are worker-owned and everyone gets a say in company decisions.
Right now, North Coast Courier is focused on personal deliveries, like food and groceries. But the company will deliver pretty much whatever a customer wants. The delivery zones are downtown from the lake to Carnegie Avenue and E. 30th Street, Tremont, Ohio City and Gordon Square. The cost is only $5 for delivery in any of these zones and $7 for delivery beyond E. 9th Street.
There are a few spots that North Coast Courier also will deliver to: The Hildebrandt Building, 78th Street Studios, the Flats and Jakprints. “It’s because we know a lot of people in those buildings and lots of them are worker-owned businesses or solo-owned,” explains Ansley.
Startup accelerator Bizdom is looking for its ninth group of tech companies to join its three-month summer/fall session. Bizdom’s accelerator program mentors and provides companies with up to $125,000 to launch and grow their tech-based businesses in Cleveland.
"We're looking for amazing founders -- founders with passion, uncommon ideas and the technical, design and leadership skills to build a business," says Bizdom Cleveland leader Paul Allen. "We're looking for everything from an idea on a napkin to a business that's already developed a product and has one or two customers."
Bizdom primarily is looking for web and mobile software, and technology-enabled services companies. "We're especially interested in seeing sports, wellness, healthcare, financial tech, marketing, real estate and hospitality related business ideas," explains Allen. "Those are ones where we can really leverage the over 100 business in the Quicken Loans Family of Companies to help the startups grow bigger faster."
Startups are a critical part of Cleveland’s economic success, says Allen, and he describes Bizdom as the first rung on the ladder to success. "To have a thriving economy you need to have lots of smaller, more agile companies that push the boundaries with new technologies and business models," he says. "Not all of these businesses will succeed, but many will. Over time, these businesses will contribute greatly to the regional GDP. But just as importantly, they attract a highly desirable type of creative worker to the region."
Twelve tech companies will be accepted into the next session. The deadline to apply is Monday, June 2. The session begins on July 7. The summer session is funded $240,000 grant from the Ohio New Entrepreneurs (ONE) Fund.
"We're looking for amazing founders -- founders with passion, uncommon ideas and the technical, design and leadership skills to build a business," says Bizdom Cleveland leader Paul Allen. "We're looking for everything from an idea on a napkin to a business that's already developed a product and has one or two customers."
Bizdom primarily is looking for web and mobile software, and technology-enabled services companies. "We're especially interested in seeing sports, wellness, healthcare, financial tech, marketing, real estate and hospitality related business ideas," explains Allen. "Those are ones where we can really leverage the over 100 business in the Quicken Loans Family of Companies to help the startups grow bigger faster."
Startups are a critical part of Cleveland’s economic success, says Allen, and he describes Bizdom as the first rung on the ladder to success. "To have a thriving economy you need to have lots of smaller, more agile companies that push the boundaries with new technologies and business models," he says. "Not all of these businesses will succeed, but many will. Over time, these businesses will contribute greatly to the regional GDP. But just as importantly, they attract a highly desirable type of creative worker to the region."
Twelve tech companies will be accepted into the next session. The deadline to apply is Monday, June 2. The session begins on July 7. The summer session is funded $240,000 grant from the Ohio New Entrepreneurs (ONE) Fund.
Finding the perfect apartment to rent can be a pain in the neck. Factor in the desired amenities, attractions and location, and the search becomes even more difficult. Amit Patel thought of all that when designing Quo, a rental tool that matches users with apartments that suit their lifestyles.
“The idea around Quo is how we can change the way people search for residential rentals,” explains Patel. “There are hundreds of places on sites like Craigslist, all with the same feel and all through the same basic search engine. We wanted to understand what people are looking for, what their lifestyle is.”
Scheduled to launch later this month, Quo targets college students and young professionals who are looking for specific features in their neighborhoods. “Now you can put in preferences like, I want to live near a Starbucks, or near nightlife or places to eat,” explains Patel. “Or, choose areas that are walkable, bikeable or driveable.”
The site also will have a renter’s toolkit, where users can pay rent, split the rent between roommates and purchase renters insurance. A referral program offers incentives for renters who introduce friends to Quo. If a referral rents an apartment through the site, the referring user gets a cash incentive.
Even though Quo hasn’t yet officially launched, excitement already is building through word of mouth. The company already has more than 2,100 likes on its Facebook page.
“The idea around Quo is how we can change the way people search for residential rentals,” explains Patel. “There are hundreds of places on sites like Craigslist, all with the same feel and all through the same basic search engine. We wanted to understand what people are looking for, what their lifestyle is.”
Scheduled to launch later this month, Quo targets college students and young professionals who are looking for specific features in their neighborhoods. “Now you can put in preferences like, I want to live near a Starbucks, or near nightlife or places to eat,” explains Patel. “Or, choose areas that are walkable, bikeable or driveable.”
The site also will have a renter’s toolkit, where users can pay rent, split the rent between roommates and purchase renters insurance. A referral program offers incentives for renters who introduce friends to Quo. If a referral rents an apartment through the site, the referring user gets a cash incentive.
Even though Quo hasn’t yet officially launched, excitement already is building through word of mouth. The company already has more than 2,100 likes on its Facebook page.
The New Ventures Healthcare Challenge once again will kick off the Cleveland Clinic’s 2014 Medical Innovation Summit, introducing the world to healthcare information technology companies with new and creative concepts.
"We’re looking for anything creative, innovative or inspiring," says Gary Fingerhut, executive director of Cleveland Clinic Innovations (CCI). “We want anything that’s going to revolutionize the health of our patients.”
While the summit does not start until October 27, the deadline for the first round of the challenge -- a video submission -- is Friday, May 30. “This year is a much more structured approach, with three rounds,” says Fingerhut. “There is the new video round, which explains what’s unique, why the idea is a game changer and how big an impact it will have." The second round is a web conference presentation. A select group of candidates will then be asked to present at the summit to a panel of experts and venture capitalists."
The winning company will work with CCI and its advisory board on commercialization strategies. The team will also demonstrate its product to a select group of Cleveland Clinic caregivers.
“Last year, the competition added a lot of energy because we had these really bright entrepreneurs from 40 states and 20 countries,” says Fingerhut. “It’s an exciting way to kick things off.” Eleven teams ultimately presented their concepts to the board.
Last year’s winner presented a thermometer that connects to the cloud for predictive analysis of the flu across the country. CCI currently is assisting the team with commercialization end of the product.
Applicants must submit a You Tube link to MIS2014@ccf.org by May 30 to be considered for the video round.
"We’re looking for anything creative, innovative or inspiring," says Gary Fingerhut, executive director of Cleveland Clinic Innovations (CCI). “We want anything that’s going to revolutionize the health of our patients.”
While the summit does not start until October 27, the deadline for the first round of the challenge -- a video submission -- is Friday, May 30. “This year is a much more structured approach, with three rounds,” says Fingerhut. “There is the new video round, which explains what’s unique, why the idea is a game changer and how big an impact it will have." The second round is a web conference presentation. A select group of candidates will then be asked to present at the summit to a panel of experts and venture capitalists."
The winning company will work with CCI and its advisory board on commercialization strategies. The team will also demonstrate its product to a select group of Cleveland Clinic caregivers.
“Last year, the competition added a lot of energy because we had these really bright entrepreneurs from 40 states and 20 countries,” says Fingerhut. “It’s an exciting way to kick things off.” Eleven teams ultimately presented their concepts to the board.
Last year’s winner presented a thermometer that connects to the cloud for predictive analysis of the flu across the country. CCI currently is assisting the team with commercialization end of the product.
Applicants must submit a You Tube link to MIS2014@ccf.org by May 30 to be considered for the video round.
Welcome to the latest edition of Who’s Hiring in Cleveland?
There are plenty of good jobs to be found here in Cleveland. This is the latest installment in a regular series of posts in which we feature companies that are hiring, what those employers are looking for, and how to apply.
Here’s the latest Cleveland hiring news:
Lazorpoint, a customer-service driven information systems consulting company, has positions available within their IT help desk. The company also needs support/system engineers, .NET application developer and a CRM architect. Visit the Lazorpoint careers page for more information on each position and how to apply.
JumpStart, an organization that partners with community leaders to spark the growth of new entrepreneurial companies and builds resources and support for those companies, has three positions open: a marketing principal; a director of the mentoring program development; and a product development manager. Register with JumpStart’s career center to apply for these jobs.
Beachwood-based Luscious Verde, creators of handmade cards, invitations and announcements, needs a rock star full time salesperson. The position pays a base salary plus commission. The candidate with a great track record will be compensated accordingly. Send resume and cover letter to the hiring manager.
Have hiring news you’d like to share? Email Karin at Fresh Water Cleveland and send us this information or career links!
There are plenty of good jobs to be found here in Cleveland. This is the latest installment in a regular series of posts in which we feature companies that are hiring, what those employers are looking for, and how to apply.
Here’s the latest Cleveland hiring news:
Lazorpoint, a customer-service driven information systems consulting company, has positions available within their IT help desk. The company also needs support/system engineers, .NET application developer and a CRM architect. Visit the Lazorpoint careers page for more information on each position and how to apply.
JumpStart, an organization that partners with community leaders to spark the growth of new entrepreneurial companies and builds resources and support for those companies, has three positions open: a marketing principal; a director of the mentoring program development; and a product development manager. Register with JumpStart’s career center to apply for these jobs.
Beachwood-based Luscious Verde, creators of handmade cards, invitations and announcements, needs a rock star full time salesperson. The position pays a base salary plus commission. The candidate with a great track record will be compensated accordingly. Send resume and cover letter to the hiring manager.
Have hiring news you’d like to share? Email Karin at Fresh Water Cleveland and send us this information or career links!
jointly issued report shows positive economic growth for region
A report issued jointly by 10 different economic development organizations shows positive economic growth for Northeast Ohio as a region. The Northeast Ohio 2013 Regional Economic Development Report shows business investment projects created or retained 26,092 jobs, $1.2 billion in payroll and $2 billion in capital investment last year.
The report, which was produced by Team NEO, was initiated by 10 regional groups, each with its own economic development concentration: BioEnterprise, Greater Akron Chamber, Greater Cleveland Partnership, JumpStart, MAGNET, NorTech, Stark Development Board, Team Lorain County, Team NEO and the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber.
“This certainly means there are signs of economic vitality, and it shows a whole lot of good things going on,” says Team NEO CEO Tom Waltermire. “There are a lot of positive things happening, a lot of businesses growing and adding employment.”
This is the second year the group has compiled the report. “We thought it would be interesting to look at the impact that all of these businesses together have in Northeast Ohio,” says Waltermire of the regional report, as opposed to just a Cleveland-focused report. “When we act as a region and collaborate, it makes us much stronger and more competitive.”
The individual cities in the region only benefit from collaboration. “The competition is mainly outside the region,” explains Waltermire. “It would not even make sense for our metropolitan areas to compete.”
Rebecca Bagley, president and CEO of NorTech, stresses the importance of each of the 10 specialized organizations working together. “Through each organization we fill a specialized role, but working in concert leads to a healthy, thriving economy,” she says.
The report also highlights success stories related to business attraction; business growth and development; entrepreneurship; and technology, innovation and commercialization.
The report, which was produced by Team NEO, was initiated by 10 regional groups, each with its own economic development concentration: BioEnterprise, Greater Akron Chamber, Greater Cleveland Partnership, JumpStart, MAGNET, NorTech, Stark Development Board, Team Lorain County, Team NEO and the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber.
“This certainly means there are signs of economic vitality, and it shows a whole lot of good things going on,” says Team NEO CEO Tom Waltermire. “There are a lot of positive things happening, a lot of businesses growing and adding employment.”
This is the second year the group has compiled the report. “We thought it would be interesting to look at the impact that all of these businesses together have in Northeast Ohio,” says Waltermire of the regional report, as opposed to just a Cleveland-focused report. “When we act as a region and collaborate, it makes us much stronger and more competitive.”
The individual cities in the region only benefit from collaboration. “The competition is mainly outside the region,” explains Waltermire. “It would not even make sense for our metropolitan areas to compete.”
Rebecca Bagley, president and CEO of NorTech, stresses the importance of each of the 10 specialized organizations working together. “Through each organization we fill a specialized role, but working in concert leads to a healthy, thriving economy,” she says.
The report also highlights success stories related to business attraction; business growth and development; entrepreneurship; and technology, innovation and commercialization.
flashstarts launches only software mentorship program of its kind
Flashstarts, which recently won an award for best small company internship at the annual Expys, is launching a new mentorship program for aspiring software developers. The interns will be a part of a Flashstarts 12-week accelerator program – assisting the startup companies with their software needs while receiving advice and coaching from mentors who are senior software developers.
“Our mentors serve different roles, depending on their areas of expertise,” explains Flashstarts CEO and founder Charles Stack. “A lot of software developer interns haven’t had experience working in groups. We thought we’d expand that experience.”
Flashstarts hired 20 interns from multiple disciplines for the summer of 2013. The interns worked for 10 startup teams that participated in Flashstarts’ first accelerator class and provided each team with software development, marketing, graphic design and business management services.
The organization is one of only a few startup accelerators in the country to hire interns as support staff for their startups. There are still two software developer internships open for this summer’s group of startups.
Additionally, Flashstarts raised its follow-on funding from $1.25 million last year to $2.5 million this year. “This will give us much more follow-on funding,” explains Stack. “Teams can get up to a half-million in funding upon graduation.”
The accelerator teams trade eight percent equity for a $25,000 investment, office space and access to coaching and services. The summer 2014 program begins May 27.
“Our mentors serve different roles, depending on their areas of expertise,” explains Flashstarts CEO and founder Charles Stack. “A lot of software developer interns haven’t had experience working in groups. We thought we’d expand that experience.”
Flashstarts hired 20 interns from multiple disciplines for the summer of 2013. The interns worked for 10 startup teams that participated in Flashstarts’ first accelerator class and provided each team with software development, marketing, graphic design and business management services.
The organization is one of only a few startup accelerators in the country to hire interns as support staff for their startups. There are still two software developer internships open for this summer’s group of startups.
Additionally, Flashstarts raised its follow-on funding from $1.25 million last year to $2.5 million this year. “This will give us much more follow-on funding,” explains Stack. “Teams can get up to a half-million in funding upon graduation.”
The accelerator teams trade eight percent equity for a $25,000 investment, office space and access to coaching and services. The summer 2014 program begins May 27.
Welcome to the latest edition of Who’s Hiring in Cleveland?
There are plenty of good jobs to be found here in Cleveland. This is the latest installment in a regular series of posts in which we feature companies that are hiring, what those employers are looking for, and how to apply.
Here’s the latest Cleveland hiring news:
MidTown Cleveland, Inc. is looking for a director of the Cleveland Health-Tech Corridor. This newly created position will be responsible for the development, coordination and implementation of the business and marketing strategy of the Cleveland Health-Tech Corridor. For a complete description, click here. Interested applicants should email their resumes and cover letters to Jim Haviland, MidTown Cleveland executive director.
BlueBridge Networks, the region's leading total technology solutions provider, is looking to hire a systems engineer to ensure the stability, integrity and efficient operation of the in-house information systems that support core organizational functions as well as any external customers. The company also is looking for a network engineer. Apply here.
InStore Finance, a seller-finance company that is taking off, has a number of open positions, including a merchant optimization manager. This position drives incremental consumer contracts through the merchant by creating training materials, facilitating webinar training classes, motivating merchant employees, creating awareness and establishing accountability. Most important, the person in this position will increase the number of new consumer contracts per merchant location. Email resumes here.
Have hiring news that you’d like to share? Email Karin at Fresh Water Cleveland and send us this information or career links!
There are plenty of good jobs to be found here in Cleveland. This is the latest installment in a regular series of posts in which we feature companies that are hiring, what those employers are looking for, and how to apply.
Here’s the latest Cleveland hiring news:
MidTown Cleveland, Inc. is looking for a director of the Cleveland Health-Tech Corridor. This newly created position will be responsible for the development, coordination and implementation of the business and marketing strategy of the Cleveland Health-Tech Corridor. For a complete description, click here. Interested applicants should email their resumes and cover letters to Jim Haviland, MidTown Cleveland executive director.
BlueBridge Networks, the region's leading total technology solutions provider, is looking to hire a systems engineer to ensure the stability, integrity and efficient operation of the in-house information systems that support core organizational functions as well as any external customers. The company also is looking for a network engineer. Apply here.
InStore Finance, a seller-finance company that is taking off, has a number of open positions, including a merchant optimization manager. This position drives incremental consumer contracts through the merchant by creating training materials, facilitating webinar training classes, motivating merchant employees, creating awareness and establishing accountability. Most important, the person in this position will increase the number of new consumer contracts per merchant location. Email resumes here.
Have hiring news that you’d like to share? Email Karin at Fresh Water Cleveland and send us this information or career links!
Disease Diagnostics Group, a startup company out of CWRU, won the top $1,500 prize in the Charter One Foundation Student Business Idea Competition. Three winners were announced at the Northeast Ohio Entrepreneur Expo on April 7.
Disease Diagnostics has developed a hand-held device for early detection of malaria. The company was founded by CEO John Lewandowski, who earned his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering and his masters in engineering management from CWRU, and Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) Brian Grimberg, assistant professor of international health at Case School of Medicine’s Center for Global Health and Disease.
“It was Dr. Grimberg’s technology,” explains Lewandowski. “This device is reusable, portable, inexpensive and fast. One billion tests are needed. Five hundred million to 700 million cases are documented and people don’t even know they have it.”
Disease Diagnostics’ Rapid Assessment of Malaria (RAM) device can help people get treatment early. The test costs only about 25 cents to run, takes about a minute for results and has 94 percent accuracy. “Malaria is completely curable disease,” says Lewandowski. “With early detection, you won’t die from it and you won’t spread it. Being able to detect it in someone who doesn’t have symptoms yet would be monumental.”
The company is in the final stages of testing its device and collecting field data, in part thanks to funding from the Case-Coulter Translational Partnership. Lewandowski foresees the RAM device to be on the market soon for national and international government programs.
Lewandowski says they will use the $1,500 for final prototyping and lab tests.
Other recipients of Charter One Foundation funds were Sprav Water, a company out of Case that is developing a shower head that monitors water consumption, and Holmes Mouthwatering Applesauce, an applesauce manufacturer out of Hiram College. Sprav received $400 and Holmes received $600.
The three winners were selected by a panel of judges and by popular vote.
Disease Diagnostics has developed a hand-held device for early detection of malaria. The company was founded by CEO John Lewandowski, who earned his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering and his masters in engineering management from CWRU, and Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) Brian Grimberg, assistant professor of international health at Case School of Medicine’s Center for Global Health and Disease.
“It was Dr. Grimberg’s technology,” explains Lewandowski. “This device is reusable, portable, inexpensive and fast. One billion tests are needed. Five hundred million to 700 million cases are documented and people don’t even know they have it.”
Disease Diagnostics’ Rapid Assessment of Malaria (RAM) device can help people get treatment early. The test costs only about 25 cents to run, takes about a minute for results and has 94 percent accuracy. “Malaria is completely curable disease,” says Lewandowski. “With early detection, you won’t die from it and you won’t spread it. Being able to detect it in someone who doesn’t have symptoms yet would be monumental.”
The company is in the final stages of testing its device and collecting field data, in part thanks to funding from the Case-Coulter Translational Partnership. Lewandowski foresees the RAM device to be on the market soon for national and international government programs.
Lewandowski says they will use the $1,500 for final prototyping and lab tests.
Other recipients of Charter One Foundation funds were Sprav Water, a company out of Case that is developing a shower head that monitors water consumption, and Holmes Mouthwatering Applesauce, an applesauce manufacturer out of Hiram College. Sprav received $400 and Holmes received $600.
The three winners were selected by a panel of judges and by popular vote.
