2025

Awarded $6.4M in federal and local funding to support workforce training for good jobs in the advanced manufacturing and polymer industries

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2024

Completed The Downtown Akron Vision and Redevelopment Plan Update in January. Ohio Senate approved $2.5M in June for Cascade Plaza redevelopment. Polymer Industry Cluster received competitive $51M award as the nation’s Sustainable Polymer Tech Hub. Polymer Industry Cluster received competitive $31M State of Ohio Polymer Innovation Hub award in September. Development Fund of the Western…

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2023

Launched the Greater Akron Business Navigator to provide all business with easy-to-access information on over 200 resources, attracting over 6,000 visitor in its first year. Awarded a $250K Industry Sector Partnership Accelerant grant in January to increase the talent pipeline in polymer-related jobs. Successfully advocated for the creation of the Ohio Innovation Hub Program Designated…

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2022

Secured US Economic Development Administration award in May to expand the Bounce Innovation Hub Generator, adding more space for startups and the community to gather. Produced over 70 videos highlighting the stories and impact of local small businesses, who ‘choose growth’ every day.

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2021

Launched the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area in downtown Akron in August. Launched the Polymer Industry Cluster in January to elevate Northeast Ohio’s polymer industry into a truly dynamic enterprise that is better position for strong, sustainable growth.

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2020

Launched MORTAR at the Bounce Innovation Hub in February and having since hosted 11 cohorts, 118 entrepreneurs, 11 Life’s a Pitch competitions, and awarded $33K in grant funds. Coordinated the distribution of over $14.3M in Covid Small Business Grants to over 3,200 businesses across 30 Summit County communities, 21% going to minority-owned businesses and 38%…

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2019

Opened The Generator in May, officially inviting the public into the Bounce Innovation Hub on a daily basis. Published the Inclusion Narrative and hosted the inaugural Greater Akron Inclusion Summit in September, illustrating the impact of racial exclusion on the regional economic and actional essential to creating an inclusive approach to economic development.

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