Kaleb Knowlton, Appalachian Regional Representative, Sen. Sherrod Brown’s office, and East Liverpool Mayor Bobby Smith watch as Thomas Chema, president of The Gateway Group, announces $650,000 in funding from the Small Business Administration for the creation of a business hub in East Liverpool. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

EAST LIVERPOOL — The East Liverpool Community Revitalization Project (ELCPR) announced Monday morning that it has received $650,000 in funding through the Small Business Administration (SBA) which it will use to create of a business incubator and accelerator known as Hub.

“The Hub will aim to promote entrepreneurship and will focus on the arts, entertainment and hospitality sectors as well as other industries which have historically fueled the East Liverpool economy,” Drew Dawson, marketing director at True North Holdings, said. “This project marks a crucial step in the revitalization of east Liverpool, positioning the city as a hub for creative and economic growth. »

The Hub will be a dedicated space for entrepreneurs to innovate, collaborate and grow their businesses, according to a press release.

According to Thomas Chema of The Gateway Group, the entrepreneurship program has been in the works for a few years, but now that they have the funds, they can move forward with the project.

Funds are routed through SBA, a federal agency. said Chema. The funds are appropriations designated by Congress by Senator Sherrod Brown and administered by the SBA.

“The senator has been great to us here in East Liverpool. Someone like Senator Brown understands East Liverpool and what we need and rather than money just going into an agency’s pot somewhere, he has specifically designated us here for a specific project that we know we can work with. we can do all kinds of great things. So this is really significant money; It’s an important program,” said Chema.

Chema noted that students at East Liverpool High School can take an entrepreneurship program, but what do they do afterward. This program will not only impact students graduating from this program, but also all entrepreneurs in the tri-state area.

“In the 19th and 20th centuries, this region was one of the most entrepreneurial regions in the country. Unfortunately, the 1960s and 1970s were not good for us, but that entrepreneurial spirit is still there. » said Chema.

He also noted that while the Hub will focus on the arts, culture and hospitality sectors, anyone with an entrepreneurial idea can come and seek support at the Hub.

Chema said they do not currently have a location for the hub, but have had good communications with Kent State University regarding hosting there until a permanent location is found for installation. He also said he thought there were several buildings in the city center that would be suitable and there were plans to initially lease them once they found a good location, but until As the funds arrive, they couldn’t make any commitments, but now they can.

Mayor Bobby Smith said he appreciated everyone trying to make East Liverpool what it was. He also said he thinks it’s time to stop saying what it is and start saying what it is.

Smith said he thinks with a focus on the arts and hospitality, people can expect to see a 50 percent increase in everything the city currently does, including adding more vitality to the region, particularly by focusing on an area that will attract many. different types of things and he’s very enthusiastic about it.

When asked if he saw the Hub as an opportunity to provide a better future for young people in the area, Smith said “absolutely.”

Chema said the Hub would not teach anyone to become an artist or work in the hospitality industry, but would help people understand the business side of their vocation or hobby and help them transform their interest in a business for themselves and for the community. a whole. He also said that this would definitely apply to young people who have big ideas and don’t know how to implement them. He also hopes that businesses in the tri-state area that have ideas on how to expand their product base or market will want to take advantage of the Hub and its entrepreneurs-in-residence.

Entrepreneurs in Residence will be individuals who are experts in accounting, developing legal documentation for a business, assembling marketing and business plans and more.

The Hub will be a mentorship with multiple mentors for people who want to embark on a business opportunity.

The Hub will also work with other hubs in Akron, Youngstown, Warren, Pittsburgh and others, all of which have different objectives that can be used to support local business development in East Liverpool.

Dawson noted that the focus on arts and hospitality comes from the fact that it is part of the local DNA with many artists in the area and they looked for an easy starting point to point them in the right direction and the arts are where there are a bunch of small small businesses where an entrepreneurial spirit could be initiated in the area.

“We used to be a very entrepreneurial field, and we’ve moved away from that, so this is just a starting point to take us in that direction.” Dawson said.

Moving into the arts and hospitality is a bit like returning to the region’s roots, which began with pottery and porcelain, and examining those strong roots for a new beginning. He also pointed out that the region is successful when it comes to music festivals and that many musicians are unsure of what they can do with their music from a business standpoint.

“This is a pivotal moment for East Liverpool” Rick Dieringer, president of ELCPR, said. “These projects and funding mark a major step in the revitalization of the city. »

The ELCPR is actively seeking entrepreneurs who align with its long-term vision for East Liverpool, says a press release provided by Dawson. “By fostering partnerships with regional entrepreneurial networks and supporting local businesses, the project is poised to create lasting economic and cultural impact.

Those interested in more information on how to get involved with the ELCPR or the initiative’s upcoming projects can contact Dawson at [email protected] or 330-708-9608.

Once funds are awarded, work can begin to establish the Hub as an entity. The first step will be to appoint a board of directors to oversee the initiative, with Dieringer serving as president and executive director.

A pilot program is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2025. Chema said it was not ready to disclose details of the pilot program.

According to the press release, this new investment along with the $4.2 million renovation of the Thompson Building and True North’s new headquarters are crucial parts of the city’s broader revitalization strategy. These projects will bring workforce housing, retail space and high-tech jobs, strengthening East Liverpool’s role in Ohio’s economic recovery.

The ELCPR strives to make East Liverpool a vibrant center of creativity and entrepreneurship.

“ELCPR’s mission to foster entrepreneurship in the arts, entertainment and hospitality sectors is exactly what East Liverpool needs to drive innovation and economic growth” Drew Cooper, ELCPR board member, said. “By providing local entrepreneurs with the resources and support they need, we are laying the foundation for a thriving creative economy that will benefit the entire community.

The ELCPR, established in 2015, has nine board members and a community initiative aimed at revitalizing East Liverpool by fostering entrepreneurial efforts in the arts, entertainment, hospitality and other key industries. They are committed to creating sustainable economic growth by supporting local businesses and leveraging partnerships with regional entrepreneurial hubs.

[email protected]