Episode 80: Small Business Advocacy in Ohio

In this episode of Marketing Moves, we sit down with Megan Kim, Executive Director at COSE and Senior Vice President of Membership Development & Marketing at the Greater Cleveland Partnership, to explore her 20-year journey from event coordinator to strategic leader at the helm of Ohio’s largest small business support organization. Representing 11,000 of GCP’s 12,000 members, COSE provides advocacy, resources, and access to benefits like affordable healthcare through a MEWA with Medical Mutual. Megan shares how COSE is tackling small business challenges—like limited time, budget, and marketing expertise—through AI adoption, educational content, and a newsroom-style marketing team. With a growing LinkedIn presence and targeted support for industries like food, construction, and the arts, COSE is redefining what it means to serve entrepreneurs at every stage.

COSE and GCP are not just business organizations; they are powerful advocates for the small business community in Cleveland. COSE, specifically focused on smaller enterprises, provides a range of services, from healthcare benefits and cost savings programs to advocacy and educational resources. GCP, on the other hand, takes a broader approach, working to improve the overall business climate in Northeast Ohio, with a significant focus on supporting small business growth.

Their missions are intertwined: to create an environment where small businesses can thrive. This involves addressing key challenges such as access to capital, workforce development, and navigating regulatory hurdles. By working collaboratively, COSE and GCP amplify their impact, ensuring that the voices of small businesses are heard at the local, state, and federal levels.

One of the most significant benefits COSE and GCP offer is the sense of community they foster. Small business owners often feel isolated, facing challenges alone. These organizations provide platforms for networking, collaboration, and peer-to-peer learning.

Through events, workshops, and online forums, members can connect with other entrepreneurs, share experiences, and learn from each other's successes and failures. This sense of community is invaluable, providing emotional support, practical advice, and opportunities for collaboration.

COSE and GCP actively work to connect small businesses with larger corporations and government agencies, creating opportunities for partnerships and procurement. These connections can be game-changers for small businesses, opening doors to new markets and revenue streams.

Advocacy is a cornerstone of COSE and GCP's work. They actively engage with policymakers at all levels of government to advocate for policies that support small business growth. This includes lobbying for tax reforms, regulatory relief, and investments in infrastructure and workforce development.

COSE and GCP also serve as a voice for small businesses on important issues such as healthcare, energy, and environmental regulations. They conduct research, gather data, and present compelling arguments to policymakers, ensuring that the needs of small businesses are considered in the decision-making process.

Their advocacy efforts have resulted in significant wins for the small business community, including tax cuts, streamlined regulations, and increased access to funding. By working together, COSE and GCP amplify the voice of small businesses, ensuring that their concerns are heard and addressed.

Beyond community building and advocacy, COSE and GCP recognize the importance of providing valuable information and resources to small businesses. They develop and distribute strategic content, including articles, webinars, and guides, on a wide range of topics relevant to small business owners.

This content covers everything from marketing and sales to finance and operations. It is designed to be practical, actionable, and easy to understand, empowering small business owners to make informed decisions and improve their business performance.

For example, COSE offers a wealth of resources on topics such as social media marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and content marketing. These resources help small businesses attract new customers, build brand awareness, and drive sales. VividFront understands the importance of strategic content and how it can help businesses grow.

COSE and GCP are committed to measuring the impact of their programs and initiatives. They track key metrics such as job creation, revenue growth, and business survival rates to assess the effectiveness of their efforts.

This data is used to inform decision-making, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate the value of their services to members and stakeholders. By measuring impact, COSE and GCP ensure that they are continuously improving their programs and maximizing their impact on the small business community. They use this data to advocate for policies that support small business growth, demonstrating the economic importance of small businesses to policymakers.

Despite the support provided by COSE and GCP, small businesses in Cleveland still face significant challenges. Access to capital remains a major obstacle, particularly for startups and minority-owned businesses. Workforce development is another critical issue, with many small businesses struggling to find and retain qualified employees.

Navigating regulatory hurdles can also be a daunting task, especially for businesses that lack the resources to hire legal and compliance experts. COSE and GCP are actively working to address these challenges through a variety of programs and initiatives.

They provide access to funding through loan programs and grant opportunities. They offer workforce development training and apprenticeship programs. And they advocate for regulatory reforms that reduce the burden on small businesses.

The future of small business support in Cleveland will depend on innovation and collaboration. COSE and GCP are constantly exploring new ways to serve their members, leveraging technology and partnerships to deliver more value.

They are investing in online platforms and digital tools that make it easier for small businesses to access resources and connect with other entrepreneurs. They are also collaborating with other organizations, such as universities and community development corporations, to expand their reach and impact.

By embracing innovation and fostering collaboration, COSE and GCP are positioning themselves to be even more effective champions of small business growth in the years to come.

COSE and GCP are invaluable resources for small businesses in Cleveland. Through community building, advocacy, and strategic content, they empower entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. By understanding their mission, leveraging their resources, and engaging with their community, small business owners can position themselves for success.

As you navigate the complexities of running a small business, remember the power of community and advocacy. Connect with organizations like COSE and GCP, participate in their events, and leverage their resources. By working together, we can create a vibrant and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Cleveland.