This collaborative workforce system of the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County, helps local businesses stay competitive. Employment Connection oversees training programs and can supply businesses with information concerning hiring and financial incentives that businesses can benefit from including:
Research and labor market industry information
Recruitment and screening
Employee training and retention
Layoff aversion and assistance
Tax credits
Federal bonding
Workforce Training Grants
216.664.3073 – Weekdays 8 am to 5 pm – Fax: 216.664.2951
Grant money for employee training is available to Cleveland businesses through Employment Connection, a comprehensive group of partners which include government, education and supportive service providers that offer workforce development assistance. Grants are available for training dollars for existing as well as new workers and can include money for on-the-job training. In order to apply for the grant, the business must submit a completed application and contact Employment Connection at the above phone number. The employer is responsible for up to 50% of the cost associated with the program.
The HUBZone Empowerment Contracting program provides federal contracting opportunities for qualified small businesses located in distressed areas. Fostering the growth of these federal contractors as viable businesses, for the long term, helps to empower communities, create jobs, and attract private investment. The US SBA:
regulates and implements the program
determines which businesses are eligible to receive HUBZone contracts
maintains a listing of qualified HUBZone small businesses Federal agencies can use to locate vendors
adjudicates protests of eligibility to receive HUBZone contracts
reports to the Congress on the program's impact on employment and investment in HUBZone areas
Vacant Property Initiative Fund
216.664.2406 - Weekdays 8 am to 5 pm - 601 Lakeside, Room 210
These loans are designed to overcome barriers to the re-use of abandoned, idled or underutilized commercial and industrial properties. Eligible applicants include private developers and businesses, and non-profit CDC’s. -more
Department of Economic Development Tracey A. Nichols, Director 601 Lakeside Ave, Room 210 Cleveland, Ohio 44114
To provide assistance to businesses expanding within or locating to the city of Cleveland including financing, workforce solutions and technical assistance that will encourage investment in the community to enhance the lives of our citizens.
