Prosperity Through Unity
The focus of Elevate Greater Akron is to transform the culture of economic development, expand opportunities for all residents, and position the Akron region on a new trajectory in an era of rapid global change.
Our community’s economic prosperity is inextricably linked to all of the facets of quality of life that we care about at GAR. An economy that works for everyone in our community leads to strong schools, robust career opportunities, a healthy tax base, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and an effective net of needed community services. In short, a healthy economy points to a healthy Akron. We can’t have the latter without the former.
The Elevate Greater Akron plan goes a step beyond “a healthy economy.” As a public-private partnership that brings multiple players to a shared planning and implementation table, EGA is laser-focused on ensuring that our economy works for everyone. We have seen cautionary tales coming out of other communities – places where unplanned growth was like a short-lived sugar high, followed by the inevitable crash of deep civic divides, unintended consequences, and dead-end jobs that cannot sustain a family.
The Strategies
As it stands today, there are five strategies that Elevate Greater Akron is pursuing that address small and middle-market business growth:
New Business Retention and Expansion
Goal: Supporting the recovery and growth of businesses through targeted outreach and the resources businesses need now.
Opportunity Akron
Goal: Ensuring that Akron’s Black community is positioned to engage in and share in the benefit of regional growth and prosperity
Spark Akron - Small Business & Tech
Goal: Positioning Greater Akron as an entrepreneurial hub by strengthening existing resources for startups, filling gaps, and ensuring that entrepreneurs have the resources they need to thrive.
Refocus on Downtown
Goal: Prioritizing downtown revitalization and development to support the growth of a vibrant business and residential community.
Lead Greater Akron
Goal: Providing support, visibility, and accountability for the activities and initiatives of Elevate Greater Akron We are bullish on Akron and on the Elevate Greater Akron partnership as a tool for making our community better, stronger, and more equitable.
Elevate Greater Akron is a regional economic development plan that requires collaboration and support from business, community, non-profit, and civic leaders. Below is a link to a list of the regional organizations helping to drive this work.