Run Business Retention & Expansion Program

Description

Execute the collaborative Business Retention, Expansion, and Attraction (BREA) program, which helps the City identify business needs, respond with targeted support, and track outcomes.

Why is This Important

Keeping existing Akron businesses healthy and helping them grow here protects local jobs, strengthens the tax base, and signals that Akron is a place where companies can succeed. Regular conversations with businesses enables the City to understand their challenges and opportunities and connect them to the resources they need.

Initiative Wins

Completed 133 business visits through Elevate Greater Akron (EGA) and an additional 107 business visits outside the EGA portfolio in 2025. Provided a range of assistance based on businesses’ needs.
Supported 87 EGA site searches and conducted 10 independent site searches outside the EGA portfolio in 2025.
Awarded $80,000 in Business Enhancement Grants in 2025, catalyzing 250+ new jobs and $8M in payroll.
Attracted MKV Polymers, iQ, and Astral8 to Bounce Innovation Hub in Akron through international trade show engagement (2025-2026).

Impact Spotlight

What We’ve Done This Quarter

Completed 23 EGA business visits and 51 additional non-EGA business visits thus far in 2026.
Supported 28 site searches with EGA partners and conducted six independent non-EGA site searches thus far in 2026.
Welcomed iQ and Astral8 to Bounce Innovation Hub after engaging them at prior tradeshows.
Supported new Amazon development in Kenmore.

What We’re Working on Next Quarter

Striving to achieve annual goals of 150 EGA business visits (with a 75%+ Net Promoter Score) and 100 additional business visits outside EGA.
Supporting Ajinomoto's Home Avenue expansion as well as three Ascot Park businesses with expansion projects.
Planning strategic participation in international and national trade shows.
Supporting expansion of NSK Industries Inc in Ascot Industrial Park.