Small Business Assistance
If you have a business - or would like to open/move one - in the Clark Fulton, Brooklyn Centre, or Stockyard areas and need assistance, Metro West can provide support.
For further Small Business Assistance, contact Maria Anaya.
Monserrat Monterrubio
Economic Development Department Director
mmonterrubio@metrowestcle.org
216-961-9073 x204
Work Local Job Fair Series
WORK LOCAL is a FREE localized job fair, looking to connect community residents with employment and job training opportunities.
If you are a hiring business and would like to participate in our Work Local Job Fair series, please email us. A Metro West representative will contact you within the next two to five business days with more information about work local job fair.
To learn more about any of our upcoming Work Local Job Fairs, visit our Events Calendar.
Merit America Partnership
We’re thrilled to share that Metro West is teaming up with Merit America, a national nonprofit that helps hardworking individuals step into rewarding, well-paying tech careers—no college degree needed!
Merit America offers flexible, part-time programs that fit your busy schedule, combining online learning, one-on-one career coaching, and job placement support. This is your chance to gain the skills needed for high-demand technology jobs—without putting your life on hold.
Upcoming Info Sessions (led by Merit America staff):
Wednesdays at 4 PM CST
During these sessions, you’ll also learn about Merit America’s 0% interest financing options, so you can train now and pay later—with confidence.
Who's eligible?
Participants must:
· Be authorized to work in the U.S.
· Have a high school diploma or GED
· Be fluent in English
(Additional eligibility criteria may apply—attend an info session to learn more!)
Have questions about our partnership with Merit America? Contact Maria Anaya.
*Take a look at our Events Calendar to see information about in-person info sessions
Economic Development Department Event Highlights
We believe in the power of connection, learning, and growth. That’s why we’ve created events designed to impact our community, offering spaces where residents and small businesses can explore new ideas, build valuable skills, and access opportunities for development.
Let's Talk About Women in Business and Tech!
On March 8th, 2025, we gathered at the Hildebrandt Building to celebrate International Women’s Day with an empowering brunch and panel discussion honoring women in business. The event featured inspiring women leaders, vibrant music by DJ Yulissa, and opportunities to connect with local women vendors.
It was a powerful afternoon of connection, celebration, and community-building. Thank you to everyone who joined us in uplifting and supporting women entrepreneurs!
Hablemos de Negocios with Bricia and Paulina López
A Day of Inspiration and Connection-
We hosted a dynamic and free event that brought together entrepreneurs, creatives, and community leaders for an afternoon of empowerment and exchange. Attendees enjoyed meaningful conversations, networking opportunities, and an exciting chance to engage directly with special guests Bricia and Paulina López from La Guelaguetza Restaurant in LA.
From insightful discussions to valuable takeaways, Hablemos De Negocios sparked ideas, built connections, and celebrated the power of Latino entrepreneurship.
Thank you to everyone who made this event unforgettable!
City of Cleveland Near West Design Review
All new construction and exterior alterations to buildings and structures within designated districts must be approved by the Design Review Committee. Design review typically adds 1–2 weeks to the approval process and is often conducted concurrently with the Building Permit review.
If you are a community member and would like to learn more about what new projects are coming to our neighborhoods, join the Design Review meetings, held every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 8:30 a.m.
If you have any questions about the Design Review process, contact us.
Additional Business Resources
SCORE
SCORE Cleveland, founded 1965, is one of 250+ chapters in the national SCORE organization, a 501C3 non-profit organization affiliated with the Small Business Administration (SBA). SCORE is committed to fostering and educating the small business community in Northeast Ohio and throughout the United States. SCORE helps drive economic growth and job creation through small business formation and support.
Jumpstart
JumpStart is a venture development organization, combining the principles of (private) venture capital and (non-profit) economic development to help entrepreneurs start and grow companies. Check out the Jumpstart’s website for more information:
Hispanic Business Center
The Small Business Development Center at the Hispanic Business Center specializes in providing Spanish bilingual business development services to pre-venture, startup, and existing businesses. Check out the Hispanic Business Center’s website for more information: