Who We Are

ShoreBank Enterprise Cleveland (SEC) is a nonprofit business development organization that works in target communities along with its sister organization, ShoreBank.  SEC focuses on city-based, early-stage and growing companies, especially minority-owned firms. Established by city, civic, corporate and foundation leaders who saw a need to focus on the core city, SEC utilizes two investment funds to provide lending solutions to companies that are not ready for traditional bank financing. In addition to financing, customers receive technical assistance and brokered workforce solutions that help each business become more competitive and profitable. Finally, businesses can find affordable commercial space in SEC’s Enterprise Center – a facility that fosters business development in Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood.

Established in 1994, SEC is now an established institution in Cleveland and continues to generate positive community change. Since our inception, SEC has made nearly $14 million in investments in Cleveland businesses and has provided specialized assistance and/or financing to over 400 businesses. Those investments have supported the creation and retention of more than 4,000 jobs. Our specialized workforce services program, established in 2001, has connected over 1,000 people to employment or career resources.