Glenville, like many urban areas, is an example of how significant community involvement is essential in promoting economic vitality and job-growth and enhancing the livability of Cleveland’s urban neighborhoods.
 
 

Designated an Empowerment Zone, Glenville receives grant and loan funds from the Federal government, and with the aid of the Glenville Development Corporation, these funds help businesses expand or relocate within the Zone, help existing businesses with property acquisitions and renovations, and promote urban areas such as Glenville as a viable retail and industrial opportunities.
 

Following the national trend, servicing has been replacing manufacturing in the Glenville area.   Thus the economic and employment health of the community depends highly on retail businesses and shopping districts in the neighborhood.  Over the years, however, the servicing sector has also faced considerable pressure as suburban malls, nationally owned retailers and internet shopping threaten the existence of the locally owned retail businesses that help to sustain the community.

The market carries grocery items that one finds in other communities.  Compared to items in Medina (South) and Cleveland’s western suburbs, the prices reflect the economic reality of the local community.

 

Glenville Towne Center
 

 

In 2001, a development effort to provide shopping facilities to the Glenville neighborhood produced an $8.5 million 45,000 square foot shopping center that was designed to compliment the existing East Side Market.
 
 

Glenville Development Corporation

Such threats include suburban malls and big box retailers such as Wal-Mart which compete with locally-owned businesses that not only provide employment but keep resources within the community for future reinvestment.

The Retail Commercial Support Initiative was formed by areas CDCs to increase the visibility of investment opportunities in urban areas.  Retail and commercial real estate offerings and other information is promoted to potential retailers and developers interested in urban areas.  The initiative also develops strategies such as training seminars and advocacy programs to support retail development.

As retail and servicing continue to be the economic life-blood of Glenville, continued community support is essential to maintain such locally-owned businesses, compete with national chains, keep resources in the community, attract new businesses, and provide an atmosphere where those who are educated in the Glenville community will want to return and invest their time and resources.
 
 

Glenville Small Businesses