Mandy Kraynak, Author at The Land

Juan Medina at the Spanish American Committee's booth at the construction opportunity fair

“I helped build that”: Programs aim to increase Latino representation in Cleveland construction workforce

By Mandy Kraynak ● Economy ● February 15, 2023

Through training programs and networking opportunities, the Spanish American Committee and the Hispanic Business Center are working to connect Latino workers with jobs in construction and help Latino-owned construction businesses grow.

GlenVillage operations manager LaRese Purnell high-fiving Rep. Shontel Brown and talking to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.

Secretary of Commerce, Rep. Shontel Brown visit GlenVillage, promote upcoming grants for minority-owned business support

By Mandy Kraynak ● Entrepreneurs ● January 30, 2023

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) announced $93.5 million in grants for incubators and accelerators that provide technical assistance to underrepresented entrepreneurs late last year. Earlier this month, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Rep. Shontel Brown visited GlenVillage, a business incubator in Glenville.

Zach Cooper stands in front of the former funeral building at 3929 Lorain Ave., future home of Sartorial

Suit shop, speakeasy set to reinvent long-vacant Lorain Ave. funeral home

By Lee Chilcote & Mandy Kraynak ● Development ● January 26, 2023

At 3929 Lorain Ave., Sartorial will sell clothing basics, as well as custom and off-the-rack suits. It will also make suit-fitting more of an event for groomsmen, offering space for them to enjoy entertainment and a speakeasy-style bar.

Cleveland workforce programs offer wraparound supports, address barriers to employment

By Mandy Kraynak ● Economy ● January 24, 2023

Many employers have a shortage of workers, not job openings. But lack of access to transportation, child care, and health care are barriers that hinder people from obtaining and maintaining jobs.

Chicken cooking facility to bring 220 living-wage jobs to Central neighborhood

By Mandy Kraynak ● Development ● January 13, 2023

The project received a nearly $9.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to transform a vacant Goodwill building into a facility that will prepare fully cooked frozen meals for institutions like schools and hospitals.

Vitiman Kandie set to open health-focused restaurant in MidTown

By Mandy Kraynak ● Entrepreneurs ● January 11, 2023

A certified herbalist and fitness trainer, Vitiman Kandie owner Mary Johnson is opening a new location at 7228 Euclid Ave., pursuing her goal of promoting health and wellness in the community.

Founders of color lead way to more equitable tech ecosystem in Cleveland

By Mandy Kraynak ● Entrepreneurs ● January 4, 2023

As Cleveland stakes its claim as an emerging tech hub, tech founders of color are teaming up with nonprofits to build diverse networks and chip away at systemic barriers such as lack of access to capital.

Local tech founder wins $25,000 for platform helping dental pros find work

By Mandy Kraynak ● Entrepreneurs ● December 22, 2022

DenTemp founder Jizal Seikali won $25,000 for her startup at the Pitch Cypher finale in October. Mentorship and opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs have helped grow and sustain her business, she reflects.

‘Do I eat that day?’ Cost of public transit burdens Cleveland job-seekers, GED students

By Mandy Kraynak ● Transportation ● December 13, 2022

Transportation costs are a barrier for many people who rely on public transit to get to literacy tutoring and job training. Nonprofits like Seeds of Literacy provide limited bus passes to those who need it, but the organizations – and RTA – face funding challenges.

Message from Mandy Kraynak, economic development reporter

By Mandy Kraynak ● The Land Blog ● December 6, 2022

Mandy Kraynak, an economic development reporter with The Land, investigates how efforts to create jobs and build wealth in Cleveland are impacting communities that face systemic barriers.

Mandy Kraynak

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