Small businesses celebrated in Warrensville Heights; The Trash Boys get special honor

May 3, 2026 - 06:07

The fourth annual Small Business Expo and Conference drew a crowd to the Tri-C Corporate College East in Warrensville Heights on Saturday, shining a spotlight on local entrepreneurs and their contributions to the community. Organizers said the event aimed to connect small business owners with resources, networking opportunities, and potential customers in a region where mom-and-pop shops often struggle to compete with big-box retailers.

Among the honorees was a group known as The Trash Boys, a local cleanup crew that has turned a simple service into a community mission. The team received a special recognition for their work in keeping neighborhoods clean and employing at-risk youth. Their founder, a Warrensville Heights native, started the operation with a single truck and a vision to give back. Now, the crew handles waste removal and recycling for dozens of homes and small businesses across the city.

The expo featured dozens of vendor booths, workshops on marketing and finance, and a keynote speech from a regional business leader. Attendees ranged from food truck operators to tech startups, all looking for advice and connections. One vendor, a baker from nearby Maple Heights, said events like this are vital for small businesses that lack the advertising budgets of larger companies.

City officials also used the occasion to announce a new grant program aimed at helping minority-owned businesses cover startup costs. The program, funded by a mix of local and state dollars, will offer up to five thousand dollars in matching funds for eligible applicants. Applications are expected to open later this month.