When it
comes to helping communities in need, Cleveland professionals step up
to the plate. Generosity and cooperation are much a part of Midwest
culture. Cleveland’s business leaders and their staff play a big
role in helping under served families here, through pro bono
consulting and Cleveland
team building activities designed for corporate social responsibility
(CSR).
Top
business leaders in Cleveland are part of The
Four Cities Project,
a group of consultants teaming up with business experts in Detroit,
Durham and New Orleans to support inner city neighborhoods. Cleveland
companies are also tapping into their inner resources, sending
employees out to volunteer and build connections with the community
through social service. Popular Cleveland
team building activities, such as bike building
and assembling prosthetic hands, align with CSR programs and serve
local kids in need.
Cleveland
officials in The Four Cities Project identified four areas of
Cleveland inner cities that are prime areas for rejuvenation. The
group facilitated a 2-year $100,000 grant to teach inner city youth
about entrepreneurship with an eye toward building local businesses
in the future.
Cleveland’s
panel of 31 business leaders are focusing on the four following inner
city areas for support:
- La Villa Hispana (West 25th Street near Clark Avenue)
- Opportunity Corridor (East 79th Street)
- Food Corridor (East 55th Street)
- University Circle area (East 105th Street)
Development for La Villa Hispana, an economic and cultural epicenter for Cleveland’s Hispanic Community, is now underway. Step one is to build El Mercado, or “The Marketplace,” the cornerstone of the community. The Business of Good Foundation pledged $16,000 to build the market, designed to hold 20 booths for retailers, according to the Hispanic Business Center. Forward Cities’ inspired the residents organizing La Villa Hispana to include a Retail Boot Camp, similar to a program offered in Detroit. The organizers are developing a simple plan to help new shopkeepers in choosing a location, manage inventory and supplies.The Opportunity Corridor is another work in progress. The Four Cities has collected resources and printed handouts to help business owners easily access resources to help them be successful. The group aims to facilitate area businesses in taking advantage of opportunities as the Opportunity Corridor is being built.
The
Food Corridor
is also on the move. The Hub 55 rehabilitation project will soon host
healthy local restaurants, bringing new neighbors to Café 55 and the
new Goldhorn Brewery.
The
newest part of the project is near University
Circle.
A new committee is in the planning process. They aim to help small
businesses attract customers and create mutually beneficial
relationships and capture the college crowd.
Building
business in four inner city neighborhoods is a tall order. But this
is a huge opportunity for Cleveland businesses who seek to improve
employee engagement. Research shows strong workplace engagement is a
major factor in keeping and retaining top talent and keeping firms
productive and profitable. If Cleveland firms lend their staff to
volunteer and help inner cities become successful, they, too will
benefit
with improved employee engagement
and a stronger corporate-community connection.
