Driving Inclusive + Strategic Economic Development
MidTown Cleveland is committed to strengthening the economic vitality of the neighborhood by supporting businesses, employers, entrepreneurs, property owners, and investments that create a diversity of housing options.
We take a community-centered and collaborative approach to economic development, bringing together local businesses, employers, property owners, developers, residents, and public partners to understand neighborhood needs, address challenges, and advance opportunities for growth. Our work spans business support and retention, employer engagement, commercial strategy, real estate and development, and partnerships that strengthen the neighborhood economy.
From opening a storefront to redeveloping a property, growing a business to connecting with neighborhood partners, MidTown Cleveland helps people navigate the local ecosystem and turn opportunities into action.
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HOW WE SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY
Community Engagement for Development Projects
As investment continues to shape the neighborhood, meaningful community engagement is essential to creating development projects that are both successful and responsive to the communities they serve.
MidTown Cleveland works with developers, property owners, public partners, and community members to facilitate a clear, consistent, and transparent engagement process for development and planning projects. We help project teams understand neighborhood context, connect with the right community stakeholders, and incorporate community perspectives early in the process creating greater clarity, building trust, and helping projects move forward with stronger community relationships and better outcomes.
Our goal is to make community engagement a constructive part of the development process while ensuring that the voices of people who live, work, and invest in the neighborhood help shape its future.
Site Selection and Location Assistance
MidTown Cleveland can serve as a facilitator between available spaces and interested businesses or organizations.
MidTown Cleveland offers a variety of commercial opportunities for businesses at different growth stages. We assist entrepreneurs by:
- Maintaining knowledge of available retail, office, and mixed-use spaces
- Connecting prospective tenants with property owners and brokers
- Supporting businesses looking to relocate or expand within the district
- Highlighting MidTown’s central location between Downtown and University Circle
how to work with us
how to work with us
how to work with us
DEVELOPERS & PROPERTY OWNERS
MidTown Cleveland works with developers and property owners throughout the development process from identifying opportunities and understanding the neighborhood to engaging the community, navigating local partnerships, and bringing projects to life.
We help projects move forward by providing local knowledge, connections, and coordination while ensuring that development reflects the character, priorities, and needs of the surrounding community.
We can provide assistance with:
- Connecting developers and property owners with available properties, redevelopment opportunities, and potential partners
- Sharing neighborhood data, market insights, development priorities, and community context
- Assisting with site selection, project concepts, and early feasibility discussions
- Connecting project teams with city departments, public agencies, and community stakeholders
- Facilitating community engagement and helping establish a clear, transparent process for gathering and incorporating community input
- Supporting projects through planning, development, and implementation by helping navigate neighborhood relationships and identify opportunities for collaboration
- Connecting completed projects with opportunities to activate commercial spaces, attract businesses, and strengthen surrounding corridors
EMPLOYERS, NON-PROFITS, INSTITUTIONS, & COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Our neighborhood is home to a thriving community of businesses, non-profits, institutions, and other community partners. To help sustain and continue to grow MidTown as one of Cleveland’s largest employment centers, MidTown Cleveland offers the following services:
- Assisting with site selection and early feasibility discussions
- Tenant attraction and retention
- Connecting organizations to incentives, development opportunities, and partners
- Addressing quality-of-life issues in the public right of way
- Creating opportunities for collaboration within our community
- Ensuring the needs of neighborhood organizations are met and issues are addressed
SMALL BUSINESSES & ENTREPRENEURS
MidTown Cleveland supports small businesses and entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, from exploring a new location or opening a storefront to growing, adapting, or planning for the future. We help businesses navigate neighborhood resources, connect to technical assistance and funding opportunities, identify available spaces, navigate basic permitting questions, and connect with opportunities to promote and grow their business.
In addition to the support provided by MidTown Cleveland, neighborhood businesses can benefit from a network of regional organizations that offer funding, training, and technical assistance. Key partners include:
Grantmaking, community initiatives, and nonprofit support
Small business advising, funding connections, and entrepreneurship support
Free mentoring and business workshops
Business planning, financial projections, and startup guidance
Community development support and neighborhood investment initiatives
Regional business resources and advocacy
Regional business resources and advocacy
Microloans, technical assistance, and business development support
Programs, incentives, and guidance for business growth, real estate development, and neighborhood revitalization
Programs, incentives, and guidance for business growth, real estate development, and neighborhood revitalization