Upcoming Events
   No events available.

Speak to a Real Person

Call the Entrepreneurship Center at 216-622-0999, ext. 200. Our hotline is open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., EST, Monday through Friday to help research and answer your business resource questions and to guide you to the right organization for business assistance.

Cleveland EC Founders

National Urban League

Clevenald Urban League

Business Roundtable

The White House - President George W. Bush

Founded by the National Urban League * Business Roundtable * Stonehenge Capital LLC
* Small Business Administration * Urban League of Greater Cleveland

Giving Back to Entrepreneurship
"Growing small and medium-sized minority owned businesses is one of the best ways to close the wealth gap in America."
Marc H. Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League

Welcome to the Cleveland Entrepreneurship Center

The Entrepreneurship Center works with private, public and nonprofit resources to build strong, sustainable and successful minority businesses. The result will be wealth creation, job creation and better economic health in the minority and urban core communities of Cleveland.

What does the Cleveland Entrepreneurship Center do?

The Entrepreneurship Center assesses the needs and capabilities of minority business owners in the Cleveland area. Then those aspiring or current business owners are linked with resources, classes, training and counseling that will help them grow to the next level of success. Each person contacting the Entrepreneurship Center will receive an initial assessment of their needs. Then they will be matched to the appropriate resource or service that meets those needs.

Who sponsors it?

The Entrepreneurship Center is part of a national program, of the same name, developed through a partnership of the National Urban League, the Business Roundtable and the White House National Economic Council. In Cleveland, the Urban League of Greater Cleveland hosts the Entrepreneurship Center.

How can I get assistance with my business?

Simply contact the Urban League of Greater Cleveland through our Hotline number, 216-812-3161, ext. 229 or through our online Resource Navigator

What kind of services are offered?

Many resources are available in the Cleveland area to help start or expand businesses. The list below highlights the most frequently requested services:

  • Business planning
  • Financial resources and assistance
  • Franchising
  • Legal services
  • Libraries and research organizations
  • Management issues and training
  • Manufacturing, high tech and life sciences development
  • Marketing
  • Networking
  • Nonprofit development
  • Office, laboratory and meeting space
  • Product development
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Selling to the government and large corporations
  • Tax services
  • Technical assistance

How much do services cost?

The initial assessment and matching is free. There may be fees for counseling, training classes, etc.

Do I have to meet a certain set of standards to get help?

The program is designed for minority business owners who live or work in the Cleveland area.

News From The Wall Street Journal
  • Start-Ups Will Keep StrugglingEntrepreneurs are hoping 2010 will be a better year to start a small business, but so far the outlook remains bleak.
  • Firms Reflect and Look AheadSmall businesses are using the quiet holiday season to reflect on their business strategies and reposition their companies.
  • Cash Prizes for Good IdeasAs entrepreneurs turn to employees in search of innovative ideas, many are discovering the usefulness of cash incentives or other rewards.
  • Restaurants Barter for BusinessIn lean times, independent restaurants are turning to an old-fashioned method to fill tables: barter.

News from Entrepreneur.com