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With more than 16,000 member businesses, the Council of Smaller Enterprises ( COSE), the small business partner of the Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP), continues to strengthen its services to, and representation of, the Northeast Ohio small business community. During the past year, COSE has worked to enhance its outreach and working relationships with minority-owned businesses in particular. Examples include:
Increasing minority business participation. COSE will co-sponsor a business matchmaker with the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) on May 11-12, 2010, at Cleveland Browns Stadium. COSE is working with the Commission and its Minority Business Accelerator 2.5+ initiative, and other minority-focused organizations to encourage attendance by MBEs along with women-owned and other small businesses.
Building relationships with complimentary minority business organizations. During 2009, COSE established a relationship with the Hispanic Business Association to publicize their organizations' offerings to their respective memberships.
Working within the GCP to recruit minority business prospects. The Commission, which is a program of the GCP, also actively encourages minority businesses it works with through the Minority Business Accelerator 2.5+ to join COSE to take advantage of the numerous benefits offered to small companies.
Reaching further into the minority business community. In 2010, COSE will launch a multicultural marketing campaign to broaden its visibility in the minority business community. The campaign will include conducting focus groups, expanding ad placement, and increasing community involvement.
For more information on COSE membership, visit the COSE Web site.
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