Stories spark connections. They allow us to see ourselves in history and help us to relate to those around us. They remind us of our commonalities and serve as critical junctures for ideas, opportunities, and a sense of community.

Storytelling is a universal concept that lies at the foundation of this work. There are stories of growth, innovation, collaboration and progress all around us. They need to be told as a way to connect people and inspire them to keep moving forward. Share your story with us and help us to continue to Elevate Greater Akron.

Growth Story

Submit a growth story of an entrepreneur or business to be featured in the storytelling initiative #ChooseGrowth.

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Ethicrace Clothing Company

By ElevateGreaterAkron / March 22, 2022

“My brand is not just for one demographic of people. It’s for everybody in the whole world so that is where we came up with the name Ethicrace.” – Terrence Bailey Sr., CEO/Co-Founder Ethicrace Clothing Company Want to learn more about this growth story? Visit Ethicrace Clothing Company

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Akron CNC Training

By ElevateGreaterAkron / March 22, 2022

“People can come in, get enrolled, train for just four months and literally change their life. People have changed professions. People have gained employment in just four months and many of our graduates nowadays are placed before they even graduate because the demand is so high.” Want to learn more about this growth story? Visit…

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Green Harvest Capital

By ElevateGreaterAkron / March 15, 2022

“Green Harvest Capital is a private equity fund that was founded to own and operate workforce housing real state in Northeast Ohio. We look for neighborhoods like Highland Square, walkable neighborhoods with establishments that are convenient to our tenants.” Want to learn more about this growth story? Visit Green Harvest Capital

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Legacy 31

By ElevateGreaterAkron / January 31, 2022

“In the last 7 months or so, I’ve actually doubled the people that I reach out to. I had a semi viral post on Facebook and so with that post a lot of people reached out, “Hey can you tell your story here; Hey can you tell your story there.” Because I did that and…

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Barry Pediatrics

By ElevateGreaterAkron / January 31, 2022

“One of the pieces of advice that I was given that I remind myself all the time is it’s not about the decision, it’s about being decisive. If I have to pivot, if I have to change what I’m doing, I will do that but I am just not planning on giving up until it’s…

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Rogue Awakening

By ElevateGreaterAkron / January 7, 2022

“Connect with other local businesses. That is the biggest thing I can say is connect with other local businesses. Support them. They’ll support you back and be vulnerable with your community.” Giovanna Knudsen, Owner, Rogue Awakening Want to learn more about this growth story? Visit Rogue Awakening

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Welcome to the Pit

By ElevateGreaterAkron / January 6, 2022

“My wife and I, we wanted to open up a gym to help our family members and just give back. We wanted it to be more of a family type of gym where everybody felt comfortable to train the way they wanted to train. And one of the things we wanted to stress was versatility…

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The Tea Lady

By ElevateGreaterAkron / December 20, 2021

“Write your plan. Save your money. Make an investment. Put a stake in the ground. Make sure its deep enough that it doesn’t come up if you have a bad day. You are going to stick to it because you want it to survive.” Renea Woods-Baylor, President and Tea Lady, Ohio Tea Lady Want to…

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VineWorks Marketing

By ElevateGreaterAkron / December 20, 2021

“My advice for a growing business in Akron and anywhere to be honest is to allow yourself the space to evolve. I say that almost everywhere I go because there are so many opportunities for organic growth and organic change that can just blossom in ways we can’t predict in business…” Want to learn more…

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Additive Engineering Solutions

By ElevateGreaterAkron / October 28, 2021

“Additive Engineering Solutions is an advanced manufacturing company that utlilizes some of the largest 3D printers in the world. Here at AES, we make a multitude of products from tooling and molds to the aerospace and construction industry to products for marine where we are printing full length 20ft. long submarines.” Want to learn more…

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