Congresswoman Brown Hosts 4th Annual Small Business Expo & Conference, Celebrates $500,000 Grant for Tri-C Entrepreneurship Program

Image May 2, 2026 Press Release Brown secured federal funding for Tri-C earlier this year Warrensville Heights, OH – Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) hosted her 4 th Annual OH-11 Small Business Expo and Conference Saturday May 2 nd at Tri-C Corporate College-East in Warrensville Heights. The event featured a panel discussion on business growth, awards honoring local business leaders, and breakout sessions. Government agencies, lenders, and business organizations from across Northeast Ohio took part in the event. For Press: Brown on Expo (Video) , B-Roll File , Photos At the expo, Congresswoman Brown presented Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) with a ceremonial check celebrating the $500,000 in federal funding secured for Tri-C’s Center for Entrepreneurs secured by Brown earlier this year. This federal funding was requested by Brown and signed into law in February. “As a former entrepreneur, this is one of my favorite events of the year. I want to help more people launch and grow their own small business – that’s what our Small Business Expo & Conference is all about. This event brings resources directly to where the people are, from government agencies to financial institutions. I was especially proud to also present Cuyahoga Community College with a ceremonial check celebrating the $500,000 in federal funds my office secured for Tri-C’s Center for Entrepreneurs this year. Entrepreneurship is about opportunity, empowerment, and growth and I want to help more people reach their goals,” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown. The expo was highlighted by a panel discussion “From Survival to Scale” featuring LaRese Purnell – CLE Consulting Firm Managing Partner, Danielle Sydnor – President of The President’s Council, and Michael D. Easton – CEO of Star USA. ### Issues : Economy and Economic Development