FROM THE CEO
We are excited to share the new direction of BBB’s newsletter As we unveil this refreshed format, we aim to enhance your experience by offering a publication that goes beyond mere updates This revitalized format is designed to celebrate the successes of our Accredited Businesses, provide actionable insights, offer exclusive benefits, and deliver content that is both engaging and informative
Moreover, we are pleased to announce that advertising opportunities will be available in future editions This is a unique chance to promote your business and connect with other BBB Accredited Businesses If you're interested in exploring these opportunities, please reach out to natalia@cleveland bbb org for advertising opportunities
Thank you for your continued support We hope you enjoy our new layout, which will keep you connected and provide meaningful value.
The Market Monitor (ISSN 10855122) is a business magazine published quarterly by Better Business Bureau, 200 Treeworth Blvd, Broadview Hts., Ohio 44147
Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, Ohio
Postmaster: Please send address changes to Better Business Bureau 200 Treeworth Blvd Broadview Hts., Ohio 44147
Sue McConnell
PRESIDENT & CEO
FEATURES
2
FUNDamentals of Funding
Tools to secure and manage financial resources effectively
3
Bite By Bite
Honoring the culinary journey of restaurants that have achieved BBB Accreditation
5
Creating a Culture of Wellness
Enhancing employee health and happiness for a more productive and engaging work environment
Financial Wellness: Navigating business funding with expert support
Starting and expanding a business involves more than just a great idea it requires financial investment. Securing the right funding is crucial, as it can significantly influence your business’s structure and operations. Understanding your funding options and making informed decisions can shape the future of your business.
In July 2024, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) teamed up with The Cleveland District Small Business Association (SBA) and KeyBank to offer vital resources on business funding.
Northeast Ohio stands out as a region rich in funding resources and organizations dedicated to supporting business growth. By tapping into these specialized funding resources and leveraging the robust support network, entrepreneurs can access tailored financial solutions and expert guidance.
BUSINESS RESOURCES
Better Business Bureau
Cleveland Public Library
Goldman Sachs 10k Small Businesses
Greater Cleveland Partnership COSE
Department of Labor
ECDI
SEEYOUR BUSINESSES ADHERE
Jumpstart
Minority Business Center
SBDC
Scalerator NEO
Score Cleveland
TeamNEO
Small Business Administration
Women’s Business Center Ohio
BiteByBite
Celebrating BBB Accredited restaurants
In a city renowned for its culinary scene, Tommy’s, a BBB Accredited Business of 28 years, is an East-side favorite and household name. While many restaurants were focused on traditional fare, Tommy’s embraced a new kind of dining that emphasized fresh ingredients and nutritious options without compromising on taste. “Our menu filled a niche and want that was healthy before healthy was cool,” Tommy explained.
Treat them the way you would like to be treated. I like to teach by setting an example.
Yet it’s not just the food that keeps customers coming back The ambiance of Tommy’s is filled with character, kindness, and family The staff consists primarily of Tommy’s family, like his grandson Brody (bottom left), his daughter, Kelsey, who is the Manager (top left), and Aunt Lisa, the Head of Pastries (middle) Or they are people who have made Tommy’s their careers, like Fredy, a line cook who has worked there for 30 years.
Tommy started his restaurant when he was just 19 years old. Through trial and error, countless hours, and delicious food, he has managed to make Tommy’s a true household name When asked what advice he has for young entrepreneurs, Tommy answered, “Listen to what your customers and employees want ” That mentality helped scale Tommy’s to what it is today He continued by stating, “treat them [customers] the way you would like to be treated I like to teach by setting an example ” And clearly, the customers keep coming back for more
Next time you need lunch at the office or are feeling too tired to cook, consider supporting local BBB Accredited restaurants.
Top Photo: Kelsey Fello, Manager Second Photo: Lisa Crosby, Head of Pastries Bottom Photo: Brody Gruber, Tommy’s Grandson
Asian Wok Restaurant
24389 Detroit Rd Westlake, OH 44145
Batuqui Cleveland
12706 Larchmere Blvd Cleveland, OH 44120
Blazin Bill’s
17800 Great Lakes Pkwy Hiram, OH 44234
Campus Custom Cookies
85 Parkwood Ln Oberlin, OH 44074
Capps Pizza
156 E Main St Orwell, OH 44076
Cru Uncorked
34300 Chagrin Blvd Moreland Hills, OH 44022
Dino’s Catering
30605 Ridge Rd Wickliffe, OH 44092
Domino’s Pizza
508 S Main St Wellington, OH 44090
Dontes Pizza
20850 Sheldon Rd Brook Park, OH 44142
Flour Restaurant
34205 Chagrin Blvd
Moreland Hills, OH 44022
Frankie’s Pizza
4641 Great Northern Blvd North Olmsted, OH 44070
Frederick’s Wine & Dine
22005 Emery Rd Cleveland, OH 44128
Hazel’s Family Restaurant
615 Cleveland St Elyria, OH 44035
Kim's Catering Services
6020 Memphis Ave Cleveland, OH 44144
Koumbaros Catering
29919 Euclid Ave Wickliffe, OH 44092
Kuhar's Carryout & Catering
8030 Broadmoor Rd Mentor, OH 44060
Marie’s Restaurant
4502 Saint Clair Ave C O 03
Nate’s Deli Fairview
22098 Lorain Rd Fairview Park, OH 44126
Pearl Flower Catering
1 Mount Zion Cir Oakwood Village, OH 44146
Chef Lisa Pucci Delgado
5628 Old Orchard Dr Geneva, OH 44041
Pupuseria Y Antojitos Guanaquitas
2998 W 25th St Cleveland, OH 44113
Cafe
3954 Lee Rd Cleveland, OH 44128
Redhawk Grille
7481 Auburn Rd Painesville, OH 44077
Sambinos Pizza
360 Cleveland St Elyria, OH 44035
Sammy K’s Steakhouse
4706 N Ridge Rd Perry, OH 44081
Sara’s Place
1501 Chagrin River Rd Gates Mills, OH 44040
Serene Cuisines
6809 Mayfield Rd Apt 770 Cleveland, OH 44124
Slyman’s Restaurant
3106 Saint Clair Ave NE Cleveland, OH 44114
Solid Gold Lounge
15005 Snow Rd Brook Park, OH 44142
Sweets From The Heart
9590 Omega Ct Mentor, OH 44060
Tastefully Done By Anita
634 E 117th St Cleveland, OH 44108
Tommy’s
1824 Coventry Rd Cleveland Hts, OH 44118
Where The Heart Is Catering & Events
15708 Pythias Ave Cleveland, OH 44110
30 N Main St
Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
Yum Village Cleveland
Yours Truly 2215 Chester Ave Cleveland, OH 44114
Creating a Culture of Wellness Wellbeing in the Workplace
As a business owner, caring about the wellbeing of your employees demonstrates your integrity, responsiveness, and transparency And most importantly, a focus on well-being benefits both the workforce and the business When employees’ well-being thrives, they take fewer sick days, perform better, and experience less burnout and turnover Research from a 2016 Public Health Summit also shows that 86% of employees treated for depression reported improved productivity and work performance
To help promote workplace wellbeing, BBB hosted Wellness Week this year, highlighting BBB Accredited Businesses during August's Wellness Month. The week included two webinars featuring Dr. Fiffick from Concierge Medicine of Westlake and Andrea Hinojosa,
founder of Honest Health & Wellness Dr Fiffick discussed how menopause can impact health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis Andrea Hinojosa covered key topics such as nutrition, diet culture, individualized healthcare, and mental health The event provided attendees with practical knowledge to enhance well-being and support employee health effectively in the workplace Both webinars were recorded and posted on BBB Cleveland’s YouTube channel
During Wellness Week, we also hosted an in-person event with Accredited Business StretchLab of Avon Hosted by owner, Jeanne Fuelling, and Flexologist, Don, individuals were encouraged to experience the benefits of assisted stretching.
Everyone attending the event was a firsttime StretchLab student. They discovered the importance of stretching before and after workouts, the advantages of assisted stretching, and everyday movements that benefit from daily stretching.
Jeanne Fuelling, owner of StretchLab Avon and StretchLab Rocky River, believes wholeheartedly in the value of assisted stretching. “Whether you’re a high school athlete, or you’re 80 years old and still want to throw a baseball to your grandchild, we can help all of you. I don’t think there’s one person out there we cannot help.”
BBB has recommendations to foster wellness in the workplace:
Connect Regularly: Make time for genuine conversations with employees. Asking "How are you?" and offering support can create an open, supportive environment. Consider regular one-on-ones and encourage team interactions to build connections
Train Managers: Equip managers with skills to support employees facing mental health challenges Training should focus on empathetic listening and providing appropriate support, such as adjusting workloads or referring to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Promote Work/Life Balance: Encourage employees to take breaks and time off Support flexible schedules and remote work options to help them manage their work and personal lives better, reducing burnout and increasing productivity
Encourage Self-Care: Promote self-care through activities like meditation, yoga, or walking meetings Support employees in integrating self-care into their daily routines to boost morale and well-being
I DON’T THINK THERE’S ONE
PERSON OUT THERE WE CANNOT HELP
Send Proactive Reminders: Regularly remind employees about available mental health resources and self-care tips. Encouraging utilization of these benefits can help normalize mental health discussions and support overall well-being.
Implementing these practices can help create a healthier, happier, more productive work environment
Attendees perform stretching exercises at BBB Cleveland Wellness Week in August 2024 at StretchLab in Avon.
