The Win-Win Business Challenge
Shaker Heights business competition and entrepreneur training program in partnership with
the Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI) and Huntington Bank
July 2015
The City of Shaker Heights is pleased to announce the Win-Win Business Challenge, a small business education
program and grant competition in partnership with the Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI).
Up to ten businesses will be selected as a cohort to drive development in the Chagrin-Lee area of Shaker
Heights. These Finalists will receive training through ECDI and be eligible to win a grant in addition to other
financial incentives. There is a total of $20,000 in grant funds available ($10,000 from the City of Shaker Heights
and $10,000 from Huntington Bank).
All entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply: home-based businesses ready for brick-and-mortar locations, startups and established ventures looking for new, expanded, or additional space. The candidates selected for the
training and grant competition will be assisted in identifying leasable storefront space in the Chagrin-Lee area,
including:
 New and vintage/historic properties ranging from 1,000 to 3,000-square feet along Chagrin Boulevard
and Lee Road
 Adaptive reuse projects of former service and garage facilities ranging from 1,500 to 4,000-square feet
adjacent to traditional mixed-use buildings
 Office and creative space for flexible work environments
All business concepts will be accepted for review. Special consideration in selecting the cohort of Finalists will be
given to neighborhood retail, service retail, food and beverage enterprises, office and creative studios.
TO APPLY
To apply, read the following instructions and submit application by 5 pm on September 4. Submit only the
materials requested for the competition.
Application Materials
 Applicant Information Form (hard copy or online).
 Business Pitch – Written summary (500 words or less) of your business idea/plan.
 Business Model Canvas – Visual business plan that enables easy presentation of a business concept for
entrepreneurs at all stages of business development. Applicants are encouraged to attend a short
Business Model Canvas training session offered by ECDI for assistance. RSVP to Lauren Smith,
[email protected] , 216-912-5665, or click on a date bellows to register to attend a session. Sessions will
be offered from Noon-1 pm at ECDI (2800 Euclid, Suite 620, Cleveland, OH 44115) on the following
dates:
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August 5
August 19
September 2
Additional dates may be added.
CITY OF SHAKER HEIGHTS I ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
3400 LEE ROAD I SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH 44120 I TEL 216.491.1334 I FAX 216.491.1465 I OHIO RELAY SERVICE 800.750.0750 I WEB shakeronline.com
The Win-Win Business Challenge
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Submission Details
You must submit your Application Materials so they are received no later than 5 pm on September 4. You may
submit your Application:
 By email: [email protected]
 In-person/mail to: City of Shaker Heights, Department of Economic Development, 3400 Lee Road,
Shaker Heights, OH 44120
 Online
Applications received after the due date and time will not be accepted.
Finalist Selection Process
 The City of Shaker Heights will review applications and select the Finalists for the competition and
training based on the following: organization, clarity, and thoroughness of the Application Materials; the
practical logic of the business plan in demonstrating its chance of success; and the extent to which the
proposed business fits into the Chagrin-Lee neighborhood and Shaker Heights market. The number of
Finalists and the selection of Finalists are solely within the discretion of the City.
 Finalists will be notified by email by no later than September 21, 2015.
Grant Winner Selection Process
 Finalists must participate in the four-week Small Enterprise Development (SEED) training provided by
ECDI. For SEED training description, click here. Classes will meet on the following Thursdays from 5-8
pm (location TBD): October 8, 15, 22 and 29.
 Using the skills and knowledge acquired in the course and working with their business mentor, Finalists
will assemble a Business Pitch to compete for a grant(s) to assist opening their business in Shaker
Heights.
 Finalists will present their Business Pitch to a panel of industry professionals and community
stakeholders. Pitch competition will take place on November 5 or 12 from 5-8pm at Shaker
LaunchHouse (3558 Lee Road, Shaker Heights).
 To be eligible to be selected as a grant winner, Finalists must complete the SEED Training, submit a
comprehensive business plan, participate in the pitch competition, and plan to locate the business in the
City of Shaker Heights.
 The panel will select one or more winners. The City will select the panel that will determine the
winner(s).
 The selection of one or more winners will be based on the factors listed above for the selection of the
Finalists. The selection of one or more winners by the panel is final.
 The selection of one or more winners is expected to occur by November 30, 2015.
Information for Grant Recipients
 Grants will be paid once lease agreements have been fully executed and project costs are clearly
defined, including provision of two bids for each contractor/equipment purchase.
 A grant agreement will be executed between the winning business(s) and the City of Shaker Heights.
 The grant may be used for capital improvements and the purchases of equipment. The grant will be paid
directly to the business owners.
 The City would like grant recipients to be moved into their new spaces by March 31, 2016.