One of the most rewarding things about getting to know so many entrepreneurs is seeing first-hand how many of them are focused on so much more than just financial results. So many of the folks we connect with are focused on having a positive social impact on their community or the world at large. Check out some of these amazing folks below.

Bill $haft | Hip Hop Artist and Show Promoter

Wasted & Sedated helps the local music scene by providing a safe space for artists to perform their unheard material. We connect artists with new artists to work with and new fans. Read more>>

Dominique Flaksberg | Founder and Maker at Circular Bodies

I started Circular Bodies inspired by my personal journey of reducing waste and transitioning to healthy products for my body and home. A lot of the “sustainable” options out there have hidden synthetic ingredients or come in plastic packaging that does not biodegrade. I wanted to find products that has simple, organic ingredients that I could afford and tht had packaging that would fully decompose or be reusable. Since I could not find that, I started making my own products, and later expanded that into Circular Bodies. Read more>>

Ro & Bree Wrozek | Co-Owners, Love The People

What drives us is people. We wholly love them. We love how they’re different and the same, all at once. We are captivated when someone experiences authentic love, and then the magic that happens there. And we marvel when that love is then generously passed to someone else. Read more>>

Virgil Carter | Owner, Personal/Group Fitness Trainer

My business, Express Fitness Studio, contributes to the community by empowering individuals to take charge of their health and fitness. Unfortunately, our country is grappling with issues related to weight due to dietary habits, inactivity, and poor exercise routines. The well-being of my community and neighboring areas near Express Fitness Studio is a top priority. What many may not realize is that exercise not only transforms our bodies but also significantly influences our mental state. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, which act as natural mood boosters. When you work out, various neurotransmitters like endorphins, endocannabinoids, and dopamine are activated. Moreover, exercise enhances neuroplasticity and boosts oxygen flow to the brain, leading to clearer thinking and better decision-making processes. Read more>>

DeDe Ash | Youth Department Manager

The Young Leaders Program caters to the East Cleveland and Collinwood community by providing a safe space for 6-12th grade youth to come together to complete homework, weekly community service and learn personal development skills through weekly hands-on activities. During the program we discuss different topics such as drugs, alcohol, peer pressure, greed, etc. to aid students in working on life and leadership skills through critical thinking, self-reflection, and problem resolution. The program also caters to the community by providing essential resources such as employment opportunities at job fairs, hosting community give aways for the local families such as clothes, coats, toys, and so on. The program partners with the various stadiums and arenas in Cleveland for fundraising, during the sports seasons our volunteers are staffed to work the concessions stands. The kids in the program collaborate with the volunteers from the Community Department to host events giving back to the community such as Community Christmas parties and Community Locker Room all located at the Collinwood Recreational Center. Read more>>