Beachwood Business Compass

Growing a business is easier when you have the right connections and support system behind you. In this episode of the Beachwood Business Compass, David Lapierre, Executive Director of the Beachwood Chamber of Commerce, discusses how local businesses can take advantage of the City of Beachwood’s business growth and expansion visits through the Office of Economic Development. These consultations pr...

Small businesses are the backbone of Beachwood’s economy, and long-term success depends on having access to the right tools, partnerships, and support systems. In this episode of Beachwood Business Compass, Chad Hamman, Vice President of Membership and Product Development for the Greater Cleveland Partnership, discusses the new COSE Small Business Resource Hub and how it is helping entrepreneurs a...

For more than 50 years, the Beachwood 100 Club has been supporting Beachwood’s police officers, firefighters, and first responders. In this episode of Beachwood Business Compass, we highlight the organization’s mission to provide financial assistance, recognition, and encouragement to those who protect our community every day. Listeners will hear from Beachwood 100 President Ivor Kiwi, who shares...

Energy decisions can be complex—but NOPEC (Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council) is helping Northeast Ohio residents and businesses navigate them with confidence. In this episode of Beachwood Business Compass, Aaron Marcovy, Chief Business Development Officer at NOPEC, explains how the organization leverages collective buying power to secure competitive electricity and natural gas rates. Beyond co...

In this episode of the Beachwood Business Compass Podcast, we explore the growing Kindland movement and its mission to make compassion visible across our communities. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary this July, Kindland is inspiring individuals, organizations, and businesses to recognize and share stories of everyday kindness—from neighbors helping neighbors to volunteers and compani...

This inspiring episode spotlights Beachwood High School marketing students who transformed a classroom assignment into a mission-driven startup serving children in local hospitals. Their student-run initiative assembles care packages filled with comforting items and an original self-published children’s book designed to inspire hope and bravery during difficult times. Partnering with regional hosp...

This month’s Beachwood Business Compass podcast explores alternative financing options for small businesses outside traditional banking institutions in Beachwood and the greater Cleveland region. The discussion features the Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI), a leading SBA microloan intermediary and Community Development Financial Institution, and the Hebrew Free Loan Associatio...

This episode of Beachwood Business Compass, the City of Beachwood’s Economic Development Department, sits down with Nate Ward, Director of the Global Business Center and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Export Assistance Network, for an in-depth discussion on international business growth. With extensive global experience across the manufacturing and banking industries, Nate brings ins...

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here, and it’s reshaping the way businesses operate, compete, and grow. In this episode of the Beachwood Business Compass Podcast, host David Lapierre, Executive Director of the Beachwood Area Chamber of Commerce, is joined by Charles Dull, Dean of Computer Science at Tri-C Community College. Together, they preview the upcoming Beachwo...

In this episode of the Beachwood Business Compass Podcast, we turn the spotlight on women entrepreneurs who are driving job creation and reinvestment across Northeast Ohio. Host David Lapierre welcomes Renee DeLuca Dolan, founder of Contempo Design and Communications, for a conversation about the upcoming Female Entrepreneur Summit—a day-long symposium designed to connect, inspire, and empower wom...

In this episode, Economic Development Director Cathy Bieterman sits down with Bryce Sylvester, Managing Director at CRESCO, to discuss how strategic vision and site readiness are shaping Northeast Ohio’s economic future. The conversation highlights Chagrin Highlands, a premier district along the I-271 corridor, known for its strong mix of offices, medical centers, hotels, and retail. With Beachwoo...

In this episode of the Beachwood Business Compass Podcast , we sit down with Mayor Justin Berns and the city’s Economic Development Director for an in-depth look at the exciting business opportunities on the horizon for Beachwood. Mayor Berns shares insights into the city’s strategic initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining businesses that align with Beachwood’s emerging industry clusters. Di...

In this episode of the Beachwood Business Compass Podcast, we sit down with Katie Van Dyke, Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), to explore how businesses can gain momentum using the SBDC Growth Wheel.  Katie shares how the SBDC empowers entrepreneurs and business owners across Northeast Ohio with tailored strategies, expert consulting, and connections to key resources like AP...

In this episode of the Beachwood Business Compass Podcast, Beachwood's Community Services Director Derek Schroeder and Graphic Designer Ryan Kennedy explore how local businesses can boost visibility and create meaningful connections through participation in city-sponsored events. As digital marketing continues to dominate, Schroeder and Kennedy highlight the unique power of face-to-face inter...

In this heartwarming episode of the Beachwood Business Compass Podcast, we spotlight two remarkable Beachwood High School seniors, Elizabeth Liu, and Radha Pereek, as they share their passion for Hope for Heroes — a student-led initiative that's making a difference across Northeast Ohio. Born from the innovative spirit of the Beachwood Excel TECC Marketing program, Hope for Heroes harnesses t...

This month on the Beachwood Business Compass Podcast, we dive into the driving force behind Beachwood’s entrepreneurial momentum. Join us for a dynamic conversation with Ronna McNair, Executive Director of the Center for Entrepreneurs, and Josh Troche, Podcast Connoisseur with Pedal Stomper Productions. Discover how the Center for Entrepreneurs—powered by Cuyahoga Community College—is cultivating...

In the premiere episode of the Beachwood Business Compass podcast, host Cathy Bieterman, Beachwood’s Development Director, sits down with David Lapierre, Executive Director of the Beachwood Chamber of Commerce, and Scott Morrison, owner of Discovery Photo and a proud chamber member. Together, they explore the many benefits of chamber membership, from networking opportunities to business growth res...