THE CIVIC INNOVATION LAB

Launched in 2003, the Civic Innovation Lab, a project funded by The Cleveland Foundation, offers mentorship, training, and funding for ideas that have can have an impact on the Greater Cleveland economy.

The Lab allows any individual to take a risk, innovate, and present a new idea that can make change. We have already funded 34 great ideas led by passionate and knowlegable individuals we call champions.

The Lab connects present community leaders (mentors) and future community leaders (champions).

The Lab provides four services:

1. Encouraging and engaging “champions” to come forward with ideas to grow Greater Cleveland.

2. Conducting training sessions for applicants to focus and refine their ideas.

3. Providing grants of up to $30,000 for promising initiatives with tangible economic impact and mentoring by well-connected members of the community to the champions.

4. Providing champions and applicants networking sessions that highlight civic projects and connect Lab participants to the community.

OUR MENTORS:

The Mentorship Panel is a unique group of individuals who are experienced entrepreneurs and civc leaders. Our mentors are committed to offering their expertise and networks to new entrepreneurs in order to guide them successfully toward their goals.

Each member of our mentorship panel has a background that prepares him or her to recognize strong proposals when they see them – and the know how, contacts and willingness to mentor that project and see it through to the next level. At any given time, 12-18 individuals serve on our panel.
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OUR ADVISORS:

The Advisory Board's role is to assist the Lab with the new mentor selection process and advise the Lab on strategic issues. Michael Cristal serves as Chairman of the Civic Innovation Lab Advisory Board.
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OUR STAFF:

Jennifer Thomas, Director
Nichelle McCall, Program Coordinator
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