Chain Reaction is an offshoot of the LeBron James/Maverick Carter-produced Cleveland Hustles reality show, which was broadcast on CNBC last summer and responsible for the growth of businesses like Cleveland Bagel and Fount in Detroit Shoreway.
After a June 24 showcase at the Alex Theater in the Nine, which featured 24 businesses give a 12-minute or less presentation to the investors, the field was narrowed down to these final 10 businesses:
-Baby Munch, a baby food company
-Distinct CLE, which makes Cleveland-specific gift baskets
-Holmes Mouthwatering Applesauce
-Inca Tea
-Lina Wines LLC
-Metro Croissants
-Midwest Blanks, a clothing company
-Ray’s Sausage
-Revival Body Care
-Sides to go BBQ
According to a press release from the group, each business was selected for its potential growth and impact on jobs and investment in Greater Cleveland.
“Throughout this process, we have met so many innovative entrepreneurs who all share a deep-rooted passion for our community and for our mission of creating economic prosperity for all residents,” said Lillian Kuri, Cleveland Foundation investor for Chain Reaction, in the statement. “We look forward to partnering with the finalists to bring their ideas to scale in Slavic Village, which we hope will set off a chain reaction throughout Greater Cleveland.”
This article appears in Jul 12-18, 2017.
I’m so proud of this project and all of our great partners who are making it happen. This is an urban development machine like no other! While most projects like this would still be doing feasibility studies, we are going from zero to a million in 9 short months! You’ll see it all culminating this year in Slavic Village. COSE, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, Fox8, Kenny Crumpton, Cleveland Foundation, the City of Cleveland, the Slavic Village CDC—–all joined together and are making it happen! It’s really exhilarating! Maybe we should do it again???