The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with the following organizations to promote economic development within the community.
City of Lakewood, Planning & Development Department
The Department of Planning and Development at City Hall coordinates long-range planning, zoning, and economic development for the City as well as administers the federal Community Development Block Grant Funds awarded to Lakewood by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
LakewoodAlive
Lakewood’s nonprofit 501(c)(3) economic development organization, was founded in 2002 by the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lakewood. LakewoodAlive is a member of Heritage Ohio, the oversight organization for the Ohio Main Street Program. The revitalization of downtown Lakewood and housing outreach are the main focus areas of LakewoodAlive.
Downtown Lakewood
Downtown Lakewood is a volunteer-based program of LakewoodAlive. Using the Main Street Approach, this organization is committed to the revitalization of Lakewood’s historic business district.
Small Business Administration
SBA Cleveland District Office helped 1,818 small businesses obtain access to capital through Agency loan programs during Fiscal Year 2017, putting over $421 million into the hands of small business owners. This number represents a steady increase in total dollar amount during the past four years, culminating in a 20% increase over that period. The SBA Cleveland District is home to twelve Ohio Small Business Development Centers and five chapters of SCORE, a volunteer organization that provides free business counseling.
Merchants’ Associations
The Downtown Lakewood Business Alliance (DLBA), Uptown Lakewood and WE Lakewood are merchant associations that meet regularly and promote their respective business districts by holding special events, cross-promotions, etc.
SCORE Business Mentor Program
The SCORE Association, supported by SBA, is a nonprofit association of thousands of volunteer business counselors throughout the U.S. and its territories. SCORE members are trained to serve as counselors, advisors and mentors to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners. Here are some of the ways you can connect with SCORE and get free business advice:
Email a mentor: Choose a mentor online and get answers to your business questions virtually
Visit Your Local SCORE Office: Make an appointment with a mentor for in-person advice or attend a business workshop
Online Workshops: Participate in free, online workshops or register for small business webinars
E-Newsletters: Subscribe to SCORE’s e-Newsletters and get free business tips and read interviews with small business experts
