At the Maple Heights Small Business Forum on September 23, Kristin Beynon, Director of Client Engagement at MAGNET, highlighted how the Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNET) helps small and midsize manufacturers thrive in Northeast Ohio.

As part of the national Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), MAGNET provides resources, consulting, and community programs designed to strengthen the region’s 10,000+ manufacturers — 98% of which are small to midsize businesses. Their services range from engineering support, automation, and cybersecurity to workforce development, strategy, marketing, and even startup assistance.

MAGNET also invests heavily in education and awareness, introducing thousands of local students each year to modern manufacturing careers through hands-on experiences, robotics, and internship opportunities. Their initiatives, like Early College Early Career and the Scale Rater mini-MBA program, are helping to build the pipeline of skilled workers while supporting business growth.

For more information, visit manufacturingsuccess.org

The Event Panel included:

• Clark Bihag, Deputy District Director, Ohio District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration, Moderator
• Steve Petti, Executive Director, Cuyahoga East Chamber of Commerce
• Keri Zipay: Senior Director, Business Development, Team NEO
• Kristin Beynon: Director of Client Engagement for MAGNET
• Jo Madison, MSM, CBA, SBDC Director, Urban League of Greater Cleveland
• Terry Bolden, District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration

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