Civic Innovation Lab Provides $60,000 to Launch Women's Leadership Initiative and Entrepreneurs EDGE
Nov. 17, 2005
CLEVELAND, Ohio (November 17, 2005) - An initiative to facilitate gender equity in the workplace and one to help entrepreneurs take advantage of the resources available to them have received a combined $60,000 from the Civic Innovation Lab (the Lab) of The Cleveland Foundation. In addition to the grants, the Lab has also matched each project with a community leader who will provide mentorship for one year.
"These are two passionate champions who are determined to make a positive economic impact through their initiatives," says Jennifer Thomas, director of the Civic Innovation Lab. "The Women's Leadership Initiative addresses both workforce development and brain drain issues. Entrepreneurs EDGE will provide support to mid-market companies, an integral business market in our region."
Barbara Danforth was granted $30,000 to launch the Women's Leadership Initiative. Ms. Danforth, executive director of the YWCA, will provide women with coaching and seminars to educate them on how to effectively advance their careers. She will also provide employers with the tools to educate their leaders and employees about the value of diversity in the workplace. The Women's Leadership Initiative consists of monthly workshops led by recognized experts on various topics.
"The format will vary depending on the audience," says Ms. Danforth. "Middle and entry-level women will be taught how to succeed, while senior-level managers will be taught how to capitalize on the talents of the individuals reporting to them."
Danforth intends to eventually package the program and market it to companies, organizations and municipalities. The program will ultimately get beyond issues related to gender by developing an atmosphere of cooperation and collaboration that draws on the strengths of all economic participants. The program will be available to employers of all sizes and to employees at all stages of their career. Kate Hubben, executive director of Global Patient Services for the Cleveland Clinic, will mentor the project.
Kirk Neiswander also received $30,000 from the Lab which he will use to launch Entrepreneurs EDGE. The initiative will create and deliver programs and services that will help CEOs of mid-market companies (up to $500 million in revenue) in Northeast Ohio to increase their value and actively participate in efforts to enhance regional economic development. This initiative complements existing efforts in the region such as JumpStart's focus on entrepreneurs and COSE's focus on small business services.
Focusing on the 17-county region, Entrepreneurs EDGE will provide educational programs, specialized services, networking opportunities and best practices for the CEO, key managers and other employees. The collective use of resources and brain power will allow mid-market companies to grow in value, spin out new stand-alone businesses, and create and nurture new business concepts. In addition, Entrepreneurs EDGE will provide mid-market leaders with a vehicle for a collective civic voice. "The focus is not just on innovation or global markets," says Mr. Neiswander, "but instead on increasing the value of participating businesses and then having them share some of this new-found value with the community."
Michael Cristal, president and CEO of Consolidated Risk Management, will mentor the project. Contacts
Jennifer Thomas, Director
The Civic Innovation Lab
216-685-2008
jthomas@civicinnovationlab.org Women's Leadership Initiative
Champion: Barbara Danforth, Executive Director
YWCA
216-881-6878
bdanforth@ywcaofcleveland.org
Mentor: Kate Hubben: 216-445-2868 Entrepreneurs EDGE
Champion: Kirk Neiswander
216-469-8299
kirk@edgef.org
Mentor: Michael Cristal: 216-619-1274 x106
The Civic Innovation Lab was launched in September 2003 to provide mentoring and funding to individuals with great ideas to grow Greater Cleveland. The Lab has received over 250 proposals since its inception and has funded nineteen initiatives, providing over $450,000 in grants to impact the local economy. The Lab's mentors work one-on-one with a champion to help turn an idea into a reality. The Cleveland Foundation is a public charity dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Greater Cleveland. It is the oldest and second-largest community foundation in the nation. Its establishment in 1914 is cited as one of 10 events that most heavily influenced the development of the nonprofit sector in the 20th Century and it continues to be a leader in its field. The Foundation has assets of approximately $1.63 billion and in 2004 awarded more than $86 million in grants and low-cost loans to Cleveland area nonprofit organizations. Since its inception, it has provided more than $1 billion to nonprofit organizations and causes.
The Cleveland Foundation is made up of more than 800 funds created by individuals, families, organizations and corporations. It offers donors of all means the opportunity to have a lasting impact on their community while maximizing income, gift and estate tax benefits.
For more information about the organization, visit www.clevelandfoundation.org
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