CUYAHOGA INNOVATION ZONES

Pilot Program
Strategic Guidebook

Final Draft
March 1, 2007

Cuyahoga
Innovation Zones
a CuyahogaNext advisors Initiative
 Cuyahoga Final Draft 03-01-2007
Innovation Zones

Purpose

The purpose of Cuyahoga Innovation Zones (CIZ) is to accelerate the rate of innovation in the economy of
Cuyahoga County and Northeast Ohio (NEO). The initiative is designed to “leverage” the economic development
capacity of the region’s institutional and industrial strengths and tie them together through a strategic place-based
economic development plan.
An Innovation Zone is a business-friendly environment focused on unique market segments of the regional
economy with an enduring network of places that are attractive to entrepreneurs, businesses, professionals, and
investment capital. The initiative provides an opportunity to focus physical development of Cuyahoga County and
Northeast Ohio.

Cuyahoga Innovation Zones are designed to promote collaboration through practical benefits for the participants.
Benefits to participating businesses and entrepreneurs include:
! Access to facilities and resources for business development.
! Access to creative new ideas and market opportunities.
! Connections to colleges and universities to identify and recruit talented students and faculty.
! Opportunities to work with colleges, universities, and/or research institutions to design custom training
and/or research collaborations programs.
! Access to new investment opportunities and capital for business development.

Benefits to research organizations and higher education institutions include:

! Institutions becoming more attractive and competitive organizations for collaboration with businesses,
because of the “value adding” proposition to businesses.
! Access to new career networks for students.
! Access to business development networks for faculty and researchers.
! Opportunities to strengthen networks with alumni and other supporters.

Benefits to surrounding communities and chambers of commerce include:

! Enhancement of the “value adding” proposition to businesses, making communities more attractive and
competitive places for business to locate.
! Access to new business investment.
! Opportunities to leverage Zone economic development efforts.

COMMISSIONERS
Jimmy Dimora
2 Timothy F. Hagan
Peter Lawson Jones
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Innovation Zones

Vision, Mission, and Goals

Vision
Cuyahoga Innovation Zones will leverage the economic assets of the County and region to create self-sustaining
Zones that will attract people and grow businesses, advancing the region’s economic competitiveness.

Mission
To promote collaboration and build business-friendly place-based environments that will help drive the region’s
economic resurgence.

Guiding Principles
! Zones are networks of places where innovation takes place.
! Zones couple colleges and universities, entrepreneurs, businesses, professionals, and capital to the Zone
HotSpots, where physical development takes place.
! Each Zone has unique characteristics and offerings with which to attract people and businesses.

Success
Accomplishing this mission will be evidenced by establishing successful Innovation Zones. The success of the
Zone will be demonstrated by:

Direct
! Employment growth – rate of growth in private sector, Zone-based jobs within the Zone HotSpot
o 1 job per $50,000 of County funding over three year period
! Increase property values – rate of increase in property values within the Zone HotSpots
o 15% increase in property values, after any abatement that may be offered by the local community
or the state within a five year period.
! Business startups and attraction – rate of firm location or creation within the Zone
o 3 new business start-ups or attractions within a three year period
! Firms must be directly supportive to the Zone market focus – relevant and rational
connection
! Intra-county relocations will not count as an attraction nor will they qualify for funding
! Retail firms will not be counted for creation or attraction nor will they qualify for funding
Indirect
! Income growth – rate of growth in average Zone-based wage per capita
! Productivity growth – rising ratio of Zone-based output to employment growth multiplied by income
growth
! Private-to-Public capital ratio growth – rising ratio of economic development funding coming from the
private sector to funding coming from the public sector

COMMISSIONERS
Jimmy Dimora
3 Timothy F. Hagan
Peter Lawson Jones
 Cuyahoga Final Draft 03-01-2007
Innovation Zones

Elements of a Cuyahoga Innovation Zone

A Cuyahoga Innovation Zone is a business-friendly place-based environment focused on unique segments of the
regional economy. A Zone is a limited service area, anchored by businesses and/or institutions with the capacity to
address the market focus of the Zone. The Zone must be properly Zoned for commercial/industrial activity and all
parcels in the Zone must be contiguous, no islands or donuts.
The Cuyahoga Innovation Zone concept is designed to promote collaboration through practical benefits for the
participants. A minimum of two anchor partners are required to establish an Innovation Zone. There can be more
than two founding partners. The anchor partnership must consist of at least one 501(c)(3) nonprofit economic
development organization and one or more organizations (private industry, colleges or universities, or a leading
research and development organization will qualify) with unique capacity to assess and understand the underlying
market focus of the Zone.1
One of the partners will be designated to be the lead or anchor organization. The anchor organization must be a
designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with a clearly stated purpose to advance community and economic
development. By definition, an anchor organization must be of sufficient size and scope to undertake the anchor
role in launching, developing, branding and administering the general Zone business plan.
The anchor partnership provides initial leadership, resources, and funding, to develop an Innovation Zone Business
Plan, necessary for securing County funding to launch the Zone. The anchor partners together guide the
development of the Zone and evaluate progress with a consistent set of metrics.
Cuyahoga Innovation Zone must include the following elements:
1. Zone Business Plan: identifies a market relevant approach to physical development. The business plan
provides the value adding proposition to companies for becoming affiliated with the Zone. The plan will
identify the focus and target market of the proposed Innovation Zone. The business plan must clearly illustrate
the Innovation Zone’s competitive advantage for the identified target market. This requires a core competency
assessment of the potential Zone to identify critical resources and assets that will advance the ability of
businesses to innovate. The business plan will also include:
a. Budget detailing the sources and uses of funds
b. Identified commercial market focus
c. Core competency assessment
d. Zone management structure and plan
e. Defined outcomes
f. Project schedule/time table
2. Zone Development Plan: establishes the geographic focus of the Zone and specifies the development
objectives of the Zone. The geographic focus of the Zone indicates the place-based environment of the business
plan. Anchor partners must inventory physical space and submit a physical development plan that complements
and adheres to the overall business plan. The identified area provides the spatial context of the business plan.
This requires that physical developments within the Zone foster revenue generation and support the market

1
While local municipalities and other local government agencies are critical partners in developing and implementing an
Innovation Zone, local government does not qualify as an anchor partner. The anchor partnership must possess specific market
knowledge to ensure the Zone and the assets associated with the Zone contribute to a company’s income statement. This is not
the primary function of government.

COMMISSIONERS
Jimmy Dimora
4 Timothy F. Hagan
Peter Lawson Jones
 Cuyahoga Final Draft 03-01-2007
Innovation Zones

focus of the Zone. For the pilot program, and due to limited funding, Zones must contain 20 contiguous city
blocks (50 acres).
a. The physical development plan must designate at least one “HotSpot” and demonstrate the economic
benefit to the targeted market sector. HotSpots are geographic places where the anchor partners will
concentrate physical development. A Hot Spot is limited to no more than 2 contiguous city blocks (5
acres). This activity requires that the anchor partners obtain commitments from real estate owners and
developers to a development plan that fits the Zone’s purpose.
3. Zone Business Development Network: required to help cultivate the Zones capacity to facilitate business
innovation. The network is the “glue” that holds the Zone together and guides its development. It connects
businesses and provides focus to the development of the Innovation Zone. The Zone development network
must be composed of individuals and organizations capable of addressing the underlying market focus of the
Zone. This network should include, but is not limited to, angel investors, later-stage investors, business
development professionals, experienced entrepreneurs, professional service providers, and others who
understand specific, market feasible innovations and how to translate innovations into successful businesses
quickly.
4. Zone Incentive Package (ZIP): required to attract new businesses and support existing businesses located
within the Zone. The ZIP is a cohesive support services strategy designed to create cost advantages for
businesses. Essentially the ZIP is a strategic plan for developing new or organizing existing business incentive
programs. The ultimate objective of the ZIP is to draw people and business into the Zone, and then support
those people and businesses. ZIPs may consist of:
a. cost sharing of goods and services among business within a Zone: COSE and other active chambers of
commerce are an excellent model of this concept.
b. in-kind service transactions among business within a Zone: Zone business offer each other special
rates or other in-kind services (i.e. discounted rents, accounting services, or legal assistance).
c. incentive utilization plan for capitalizing existing federal, state, and local business incentive
programs: Zone anchor partners establish a one-stop-shop of tax incentive programs available to Zone
businesses. IdeaCrossing is a new Internet resource created and managed by Jumpstart, Inc. for the
purpose of creating the connections that build businesses. Entrepreneurs find assistance to launch
promising new business ventures, and the Capital Community identifies and screens new investment
opportunities. (www.ideacrossing.org)
5. Workforce Development Plan: required to identify and map entrepreneurship education and career pathways
that will emerge and grow the Zone’s activities and networks. Mapping entrepreneurship education and career
pathways can help align resources and insure a tight fit between colleges and universities and the career
requirements and opportunities in a Zone and the region.
6. Performance Measure Plan: required to gauge the success of the Zones according to established success
indicators. In addition to fulfilling program-required success indicators, Zone management also must define
Zone specific outcomes and indicate how the outcomes will be measured. Each Zone will be required to devise
a “balanced scorecard” of operational indicators to measure and report on Zone development and share with
other Zones knowledge of “what works”.
7. Marketing Plan: required to promote the Zone network and further leverage the Zone through promotion and
the creation of stories around Zone activities and accomplishments. When a Zone is fully operational, including
the business network and ZIP, it provides the Zone with a unique identity. Tying the unique assets of a Zone,
such as HotSpots and business networks, to the Zone’s name gains identity and promotional leverage.

COMMISSIONERS
Jimmy Dimora
5 Timothy F. Hagan
Peter Lawson Jones
 Cuyahoga Final Draft 03-01-2007
Innovation Zones

Use of Funds
The following guidelines provide a description of eligible use of funds. The Cuyahoga Innovation Zone Program
will award funding to successful applicants to be used for the following purposes:

! To hire architectural, engineering, legal, appraisal, insurance, and consultant services in order to perform
the requisite business development plan, physical infrastructure plan, business development network,
incentive utilization package, workforce development plan, and marketing strategy.

! To fund infrastructure enhancements, upgrades to commercial space, and/or services dedicated to advance
for-profit commercial endeavors directly related to the market focus of the Zone. Funding support may
include adopting and implementing written plans identifying capital improvements and/or service delivery
mechanisms necessary to establish the Zone. Implementing plans for improvements or services involves
design, acquisition, construction, enlargement, or alteration of critical physical or programmatic Zone
infrastructure.

! To create or support entrepreneurial and business development services dedicated to attract companies well
positioned to benefit from collaborating directly with the Zone’s anchor partnership. Funds may be used to
conduct business plan analysis, marketing analysis, prototyping, patent research and filing, intellectual
property assessment, structuring licensing and royalty agreements, and other uses to be defined. This
includes support of innovation and technology transfer and commercialization from and between various
Zone partnering organizations, such as universities or companies. It is preferred that these services include
business planning, education, networking and other services rather than the direct funding of staff.

! To provide direct financial assistance to a business attraction or expansion project within the Zone. Funding
may include challenge grants and/or loans. Loans, rather than grants, should be considered especially if the
funding is being used to assist companies with the purchase of machinery or equipment for their project.

! Grant funds may not be used to:

o Support general administrative overhead of any participating Zone partner.

o Fund travel.

o Fund improvements or services in lieu of any improvement or service provided by any political
subdivision or participating Zone partner.

o Perform building construction or renovation for the expressed use of any participating Zone
partner.

o Support long-term staff salaries.

o Support non-Zone companies.

o Lobbying, campaign contributions, or any other purpose prohibited by law.

NOTE: APPLICANTS INTENDING TO USE AN INNOVATION ZONE AWARD MUST BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE A
SUSTAINABLE FUNDING SOURCE AFTER THE INITIAL COUNTY FUNDING.

COMMISSIONERS
Jimmy Dimora
6 Timothy F. Hagan
Peter Lawson Jones
 Cuyahoga Final Draft 03-01-2007
Innovation Zones

Cuyahoga Innovation Zone Phases

Requirements for Funding
The process for launching, developing, and branding a Cuyahoga Innovation Zone follows three phases. Securing
Phase I funding for a proposed Zone requires two or more prospective anchor partners to file a prospectus
application. The prospectus should outline the proposed Zone and its elements, the rationale for the Zone, an
overview of how the anchor partners will develop the Zone, and estimates of the expected values accruing to the
region from the Zone. The application for funding should include a formal statement of cooperation outlining the
expectations of the proposed partners in the anchor partnership.

Phase I – Zone Preparation

Objective: Outline and start securing the major relationships that will drive innovation within the Zone, and set
forth a business model for the Zone to become financially self-sustaining.
Funding: Maximum funding of $5,000 to $20,000 for Innovation Zone business planning grant. Business planning
grant must be leveraged – one-to-two match.
Application Process: The Zone anchor partnership must submit Prospectus Application Form. Upon approval by
the County, applicant must enter into an agreement with the County.
Deliverable One: A comprehensive Innovation Zone business plan that includes descriptions of:
1. Background Information – Anchor Partnership
a. Commitments and brief summary of each anchor partner
2. Innovation Zone Business Plan – Background
a. Zone Market Focus: Describe the primary commercial market focus of the proposed Zone
b. Proposal/Rationale: Describe the business case or value-add proposition of the Zone. SWOT
analysis
c. Core Competency: Identify core resources and assets that form the foundation of the Zone
d. Target Clientele/Identifying Businesses : Provide criteria for identifying companies within the
Zone’s target commercial focus (portfolio of potential companies)
e. Measurable Objectives: Define Zone specific outcomes and objectives. Beyond program
required success indicators, describe how success will be defined. What are the 3 – 5 – 10 year
goals?
f. Management: Detail the Zone administration structure. (organizational chart)
g. Budget: Use the attached spreadsheet to illustrate a pro-forma budget. (evidence of equity)
3. Innovation Zone Physical Development Plan
a. Zone: Identify the geographic focus of the Zone (must include a map identifying the Zone and
Hotspot)
b. Physical Development Plan: Describe the physical development plan for the Zone that
addresses the Zone commercial market focus.

COMMISSIONERS
Jimmy Dimora
7 Timothy F. Hagan
Peter Lawson Jones
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Innovation Zones

c. Physical Infrastructure Assessment: Describe how the Zone physical infrastructure and
resources will advance the physical development plan and commercial market focus.
d. HotSpots: Provide a profile of property contained within the Zone Hotspot (parcel numbers -
support from property owners)
4. Innovation Zone Implementation Plan – Zone Activities
a. Business Incentives: Describe the plan for Zone incentives package (ZIP – in-kind services,
cost sharing/bulk purchasing, plan for utilizing existing federal, state, and local business
incentives)
b. Business Network: List the name, contact, and type of organization included in the business
development network and the role they will play helping the Zone address the underlying
commercial market focus
c. (i.e., entrepreneurial development services)
d. Workforce Development: Identify and map entrepreneurship education and career pathways
that will emerge and grow the Zone’s activities and networks
e. Marketing: Describe how you intend to market the Zone to the identified businesses and
professionals relevant to the commercial market focus of the Zone.
f. Performance Measure: Provide a strategy to track program success indicators and how the zone
will become financially self-sufficient.
Deliverable Two: Signed agreement/understanding between the anchor partners identifying the roles and
responsibilities of each partner.
Deliverable Three: One official HotSpot designation and a signed development agreement/understanding with
at least one property owner in the HotSpot.
Deliverable Four: At least two signed agreements between one or more anchor partner and business
development network member for ZIP contribution or other network activities.
Time of Performance: Award recipients are given one hundred eighty (180) days to present all deliverables to the
Cuyahoga County Department of Development. If the activities covered in the award agreement are not completed
within the acceptable time of performance the County reserves the right to terminate the award and pursue
repayment of all Phase I award monies disbursed.
Amendment to the time of performance shall be subject to the County’s determination that the award recipient has
exhibited the utmost in good faith in the performance of the award agreement and that there is just cause based
upon the intervention of a circumstance unforeseeable at the execution of the agreement document. Any change in
the time of performance shall be agreed to by the award recipient and the County in writing, and said writing shall
be incorporated in written amendments to the agreement signed by the parties.

COMMISSIONERS
Jimmy Dimora
8 Timothy F. Hagan
Peter Lawson Jones
 Cuyahoga Final Draft 03-01-2007
Innovation Zones

Phase II – Zone Launch

Objective: Begin implementation of the Zone development plan, secure additional major relationships that will
drive innovation within the Zone, and to begin open innovation network promotion.
Funding: Maximum funding of $150,000 implementation grant administered over two years. The implementation
grant must be leveraged – one-to-one match.
Application Process: The Zone anchor partnership must submit a comprehensive Innovation Zone business plan
completed in Phase I. The applicant must provide detailed scope of work for the Innovation Zone project for which
funding is being sought. The applicant must clearly describe the Zone activity and identify outcomes. Upon
approval by the County, applicant must enter into an agreement with the County.
Deliverable One: Demonstrate at least one physical development project underway within the identified Zone
HotSpot and coordinated with other area physical development plans.
Deliverable Two: Launch business development plan, ZIP, and workforce development plan
Deliverable Three: Secure four more signed agreements between one or more anchor partners and business
development network members for business development services, ZIP contribution, and workforce
development activities.
Time of Performance: Award recipients are given two (2) years to present all deliverables to the Cuyahoga
County Department of Development. Amendment to the time of performance shall be subject to the County’s
determination that the award recipient has exhibited the utmost in good faith in the performance of the award
agreement and that there is just cause based upon the intervention of a circumstance unforeseeable at the execution
of the agreement document. Any change in the time of performance shall be agreed to by the award recipient and
the County in writing, and said writing shall be incorporated in written amendments to the agreement signed by the
parties.
Success Metric: Within two years of receiving Phase II, award recipients must demonstrate:
! Employment growth within the Zone HotSpot – 1 job per $50,000 of County funding
! 2 Business startups and/or attraction within the Zone HotSpot
Remedies: Upon the determination of the Cuyahoga County Department of Development that the award recipient
has failed to achieve sufficient progress in meeting the success metrics or providing deliverables on time and in a
form acceptable to the County, the County shall have the right to declare default and to exercise concurrently or
successively any one or more of the following rights or remedies:
a. Wholly or partially terminate the award agreement and the rights given to the award recipient;
temporarily or permanently withhold or reduce funds not yet paid;
b. Recover funds previously paid to the award recipient;
c. Disallow all or part of the cost of a noncompliant activity;
d. Wholly or partially suspend the Agreement;
e. Exercise any and all additional rights the County may have in law or equity;

In the event of default, the County shall provide the award recipient notice and thirty days to cure the default. If the
award recipient fails to cure within thirty days of the notice, the County may choose any of the other remedies

COMMISSIONERS
Jimmy Dimora
9 Timothy F. Hagan
Peter Lawson Jones
 Cuyahoga Final Draft 03-01-2007
Innovation Zones

outlined above. Termination shall be effective five (5) days after the date the County has given written notice to the
award recipient of such termination.
Should the County determine to proceed in recovering previously paid funds, the award will convert to a principle
only zero (0.00%) percent loan that must be repaid within sixty (60) months of the County determination that the
award recipient has failed to meet the requirements of the Cuyahoga Innovation Zone Program.

Phase III – Zone Development Project

Objective: Provide financial and business development assistance to support the expansion and creation of
companies with high growth potential. During this phase, the Zone will expand its activities and partnerships and
move toward financial self-sufficiency.
Funding: Maximum public funding of $350,000 for business assistance challenge grants. Grants must be leveraged
– two-to-one match. The County will make funds available to Zone anchor partnership which will identify for-
profit businesses to be recipients of the business challenge grant. Grants will be awarded to businesses in
increments of $35,000 to $50,000 per project. Eligible uses include: IT infrastructure upgrades, clean-rooms,
building improvements, relocation costs for attraction projects, and working capital.
Application Process: The Zone anchor partnership must complete Phase I and Phase II. The applicant must submit
criteria for identifying companies that are to be recipients of the business challenge grant. Criteria must identify
businesses that are relevant to the commercial market focus of the Zone. Upon approval by the County, the County
will make the funds available to the Zone anchor partnership for business assistance challenge grants.
On behalf of potential grant recipients, the Zone anchor partnership must submit a description of a business’s
project investment along with the sources and uses of funds. The project must be vetted and approved by anchor
partners and have signed committed support of the anchor partners. The project must clearly identify the business’s
intended use of the challenge grant. Upon approval of the project by the County, the business must enter into an
agreement with the County. Zone applicants have a maximum of 3 years to generate deliverables and drawdown the
award.
Deliverable One: Demonstrate 7 to 10 physical development projects underway and coordinated with other
area physical development plans.
Deliverable Two: Secure at least one more HotSpot designation.
Deliverable Three: At least four more signed agreements between one or more anchor partner and business
development network members for ZIP contribution or other network activities.
Deliverable Four: Update business plan for achieving financial self-sufficiency.
Time of Performance: Award recipients are given three (3) years to present all deliverables to the Cuyahoga
County Department of Development. Amendment to the time of performance shall be subject to the County’s
determination that the award recipient has exhibited the utmost in good faith in the performance of the award
agreement and that there is just cause based upon the intervention of a circumstance unforeseeable at the execution
of the agreement document. Any change in the time of performance shall be agreed to by the award recipient and
the County in writing, and said writing shall be incorporated in written amendments to the agreement signed by the
parties.
Success Metric: Within three years of receiving Phase III, award recipients must demonstrate:
! Employment growth within the Zone HotSpot – 1 job per $50,000 of County funding

COMMISSIONERS
Jimmy Dimora
10 Timothy F. Hagan
Peter Lawson Jones
 Cuyahoga Final Draft 03-01-2007
Innovation Zones

! Increase property values within the Zone HotSpot – 15% increase from baseline value from Phase I
! 3 Business startups and/or attractions within the Zone HotSpot

Remedies: Upon the determination of the Cuyahoga County Department of Development that the award recipient
has failed to achieve sufficient progress in meeting the success metrics or providing deliverables on time and in a
form acceptable to the County, the County shall have the right to declare default and exercise concurrently or
successively any one or more of the following rights or remedies:

f. Wholly or partially terminate the award agreement and the rights given to the award recipient;
temporarily or permanently withhold or reduce funds not yet paid;
g. Recover funds previously paid to the award recipient;
h. Disallow all or part of the cost of a noncompliant activity;
i. Wholly or partially suspend the Agreement;
j. Exercise any and all additional rights the County may have in law or equity;
In the event of default, the County shall provide the award recipient notice and thirty days to cure the default. If the
award recipient fails to cure within thirty days of the notice, the County may choose any of the other remedies
outlined above. Termination shall be effective five (5) days after the date the County has given written notice to the
award recipient of such termination.
Should the County determine to proceed in recovering previously paid funds, the award will convert to a principle
only zero (0.00%) percent loan that must be repaid within sixty (60) months of the County determination that the
award recipient has failed to meet the requirements of the Cuyahoga Innovation Zone Program.

COMMISSIONERS
Jimmy Dimora
11 Timothy F. Hagan
Peter Lawson Jones
 Cuyahoga Final Draft 03-01-2007
Innovation Zones

Criteria Phase I - Preparation Phase II – Launch Phase III - Development

Basis for funding and Adopt Zone Plan Implement Zone Plan Specific Zone Project
measuring progress (prospectus-based) (Zone activity-based) (Zone results-based)

Success indicators on a Private-to-Public Capital Ratio, Investment-to-Total Capital Ratio, Number of

per Zone basis Organizations, Revenues, Margins, Business Network Membership Count, Average
Yields (output per unit input), Rates of Change, Rates of Acceleration

Uses of funding Business plan development Physical development, Scaling up physical

and securing early business network development and full Zone
relationships development, and initial activities
Zone activities (only commercial,
industrial project apply)

Minimum leverage ratio

1:2 1:1 2:1
(Private-to-Public funds)

Sources of private funds Anchor organizations Developers, anchor Developers, foundations,

(for-profit and non-profit) organizations, and professional bankers and
foundations investors, and strategic
buyers

Public funding limitations $5,000 to $20,000 $150,000 over two years $350,000 maximum per
Zone to be used for
business assistance
challenge grants –
$35,000 to $50,000 per
each private sector for-
profit business project

Public funding time

1 year 2 year 3 years
limitations

Reporting requirements Quarterly reporting of progress to plan (release of funds may be tied to progress), and
providing the base data from which to calculate the performance measures that make
up the CIZ success indicators

Application Due March 30th Due September 28th TBD

Must Complete Phase I Must Complete Phase II

COMMISSIONERS
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12 Timothy F. Hagan
Peter Lawson Jones
 Cuyahoga Final Draft 03-01-2007
Innovation Zones

PHASE I – Program Eligibility

APPLICANT:
To be eligible a minimum of two anchor partners are required to establish an Innovation Zone. There can be more
than two founding partners. The anchor partnership must consist of at least one 501(c)(3) nonprofit economic
development organization and one or more organizations (private industry, colleges or universities, or a leading
research and development organization will qualify) with unique capacity to assess and understand the underlying
market focus of the Zone. 2
One of the partners must be designated to be the lead or anchor organization. The anchor organization must be a
designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with a clearly stated purpose to advance community and economic
development. By definition, an anchor organization must be of sufficient financial capacity and managerial
expertise to undertake the anchor role in launching, developing, branding and administering the general Zone
business plan.
The anchor partnership provides initial leadership, resources, and funding, to develop an Innovation Zone Business
Plan, which is necessary for securing County funding to launch the Zone. The anchor partners together guide the
development of the Zone and evaluate progress with a consistent set of metrics.

ZONE:
To be eligible a proposed Innovation Zone must contain fifty (50) acres, anchored by businesses or institutions that
are directly applicable to the market focus of the Zone. The defined geographic boundary of the Zone must be
identified on a map that is submitted with the application and must have a clear and reasonable explanation
regarding how/why the boundary was determined. The description shall be specific enough to enable real property
owners to determine if their property is located within the Zone.
The identified area must be properly zoned for commercial and industrial activity. All parcels in the Zone must be
contiguous, and without “islands” or “donuts”. The physical definition of the Zone must include a specific area
where the anchor partners will concentrate physical development. This “HotSpot” is a designated geographic area
within the Zone that must consist of at least five (5) contiguous acres.

MARKET FOCUS:
To be eligible the anchor partners must clearly identify a for-profit commercial market focus for the Zone. The
defined market focus of the Zone is the value add proposition for businesses and institutions to locate in the Zone or
become a participating member of the Zone. To be eligible the anchor partners must submit a portfolio of potential
target companies with the application and must have a clear and reasonable explanation regarding how/why the
portfolio was selected. Only businesses that adhere to these criteria will be classified as an attraction, relocation, or
startup and only these companies will be eligible for County incentives.

2
While local municipalities and other local government agencies are critical partners in developing and implementing an
Innovation Zone, governmental organizations do not qualify as an anchor partner. The anchor partnership must possess
specific market knowledge to ensure the Zone and the assets associated with the Zone contribute to a company’s income
statement. This is not the primary function of government.

COMMISSIONERS
Jimmy Dimora
13 Timothy F. Hagan
Peter Lawson Jones
 Cuyahoga Final Draft 03-01-2007
Innovation Zones

PHASE I – Application Process

APPLICATION
The application process for launching, developing, and branding a Cuyahoga Innovation Zone (CIZ) follows three
phases. Securing Phase I funding assistance for a proposed Zone requires submission of the CIZ Application
Prospectus form. Eligible applicants must submit the Phase I CIZ Application Prospectus form to the Department
of Development. The application is to be no longer than 5 pages (not including necessary attachments).
Phase I funding is not to exceed $20,000, with the applicant providing a $1 match for every $2 of County funding.
Additional background materials required by the CIZ Guidebook or requested by Department of Development staff
must be submitted along with the Phase I CIZ Application Prospectus form. The application deadline is 12:00 PM
local time, Friday, MARCH 30, 2007.

Guidelines
The Phase I CIZ Application Prospectus must outline the proposed Zone and its elements, the rationale for the
Zone, an overview of how the anchor partners will develop the Zone, propose a budget for the Zone, and estimate
the expected values accruing to the region from the Zone. To the extent possible, provide supporting material
from a qualified, non-affiliated third party and quantify any relevant data, citing all sources.
1. Background Information – Anchor Partnership
The Application Prospectus must identify the anchor partnership and outline the expectations of each partner.
The partners must develop a formal statement of cooperation that defines the roles, responsibilities and
contributions (financial and other) that will be made to the Zone. As a requirement each of the partners will
provide an authorized signature to the statement of cooperation confirming their responsibilities as part of the
Zone. This agreement can be in the form of an operational plan, Memorandum of Understanding, partnership
agreement or similar document. Successful applicants will demonstrate that a broad partnership is formed and
is committed to the success of the Zone.
Supporting Documentation:
! Articles of Incorporation, Articles of Organization, or other appropriate organizational documents
evidencing legal formation of each anchor partner organization, certificates of good standing or
equivalent
! Authorized signature to a formal statement of cooperation confirming the responsibilities of each
participating anchor partner organization
! Complete copy of the anchor organization’s most recent financial audit and IRS tax return Form
990
! Approval by Board of Trustees or governing board authorizing the anchor organization to apply

2. Innovation Zone Background – Business Plan

The Application Prospectus must identify the business plan for the proposed Innovation Zone. The partners
must define the purpose or purposes to be served by the Zone, identifying the commercial market focus that
will be the target for growth, or identifying the broader community/economic development business case that
will achieve desired accomplishments.

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This definition and goal-setting process must include necessary analyses, examining the strength, weakness,
opportunity, and threats of a proposed Zone. The definition of the Zone must articulate the key differentiating
factor or core competency of the Zone that will form its foundation. Determining core foundation or business
case of a Zone must be rooted in a clearly identifiable source of innovation that has market relevance. Shaping
all of this will be the operational context of the Zone which includes establishing a budget, outcomes, and a
timeline for creating the Zone.
Applicants are encouraged to utilize any previous efforts regarding similar activity including: cluster analysis,
regional business analysis, statewide economic development reports and other such information that can be
obtained.
Supporting Documentation:
! Portfolio of potential companies exemplifying the target market of the Zone
! Proposed Innovation Zone organizational chart – detail administration structure; identify gaps in
management team
! Innovation Zone Budget Plan including Evidence of Equity Contribution

3. Innovation Zone Physical Development Plan

The Application Prospectus must identify the geographic boundary of the Zone on a map that is submitted with
the application. This includes pinpointing the Zone HotSpot. The proposed boundary must have a clear and
reasonable explanation on how/why the boundary was determined. This effort must be driven by a competency
assessment of the proposed Zone’s physical assets and resources that will foster development activity. This
requires that the physical description of the Zone be specific enough to enable real property owners to
determine if their property is located within the Zone and/or HotSpot.
The critical factor that will encourage physical development activity will be a methodology for integrating both
physical- and knowledge-based assets of the Zone. The Zone’s physical development plan must present
property owners and businesses with a clear and concise plan that illustrates how the Zone’s assets can be
leveraged.
Supporting Documentation:
! A map identifying the geographic boundary of the proposed Innovation Zone and the associated
Zone HotSpot
! Provide addresses and parcel numbers for real property contained within the designated Zone
HotSpot
! Letters of Support from property owners considered part of the Zone HotSpot

4. Innovation Zone Implementation Plan – Zone Activities

The Application Prospectus must identify specific business development activities for implementing the Zone
and accelerating the rate of business growth. The anchor partnership must assemble a Zone implementation
strategy that supports innovation and technology transfer and commercialization from and between various
Zone partnering organizations such as universities or companies.
The anchor partnership must identify ways to advance for-profit commercial endeavors directly related to the
market focus of the Zone. This may include infrastructure enhancements, upgrades to commercial space, and/or
business acceleration services. Specifically, the implementation strategy must address business incentives,
career pathways, and business supportive infrastructure. These activities are critical for making a case for the
value add proposition of the Zone.

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Review Process
Due to limited funding availability, Cuyahoga Innovation Zone awards will be determined through a selective
evaluation process. To accomplish this, an adjudication panel comprised of the Cuyahoga County Department of
Development staff will review applications that have been properly completed and submitted on time.
Department staff will review each application to ensure the applicant organization is eligible to receive support and
evaluate to what extent the applicant organization meets funding criteria. Applications will be reviewed based upon
the overall completeness of the application. Incomplete applications may be rejected by the County. One of the
determining factors for evaluating the application will be based on the applicant’s ability to “hit the ground
running” and immediately begin implementation work. Specifically, the application will be reviewed based on the
evaluation criteria including, but not limited to, the following:
Quality of Management:
! Identifies anchor partners and outlines management capabilities and responsibilities
! Involvement of educational or research institutions and/or private industry
! Demonstrates financial and fiscal capacity
! Demonstrate the ability to meet the goals of the Cuyahoga Innovation Zone Program
Economic Impact:
! Clearly identifies a commercial market focus
! Market focus contributes to economic development in Cuyahoga County, through job creation,
increased property values, and business creation and attraction
! Identifies the specific economic benefit for companies, professionals, the region, and the
Innovation Zone
! Contains realistic and measurable economic outcomes
Community Impact:
! Delineates a specific geographic area for the Zone
! Clearly defines how innovation will drive physical development
! Project contributes to the economic vibrancy and high quality of life for the Zone community
! Identifies community partners for the proposed project
Quality of Proposal:
! Clearly defines goals, objectives, and action steps in a detailed project plan
! Clearly defines how the project is an innovative initiative and how it goes beyond the
organization’s normal programming
! Realistic, achievable project goals, i.e., timeline, budget, etc.
! Clearly defines strategies to advance for-profit commercial endeavors, to develop career pathways,
and to create a cohesive marketing plan

When a submitted application demonstrates a significant level of correlation and potential alignment with another
proposed Zone, applicants will be assembled to examine opportunities to collaborate. The Department of
Development will make this determination in an effort to foster mutually beneficial collaboration among Zone
applicants and to ensure that scarce resources are utilized.

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Once all applications are reviewed, all funding requests will be evaluated. Department staff will review the
appropriateness of each request and recommend the award amount to be given to each applicant. The Department’s
recommendations will be presented to the Cuyahoga County Board of County Commissioners who may approve,
disapprove, or modify he actual grant amount. Applicants will have no claim or recourse against the County for
costs incurred in the preparation of the application.

Grant Allocation
1. Following review and notification of approval of the application by the Board of Cuyahoga County
Commissioners, the Department of Development will forward a grant agreement to the applicant for signature.
This agreement will include, among other items, a complete scope of activities associated with the award and
terms and conditions of the grant award.
2. Once the grant has been fully executed by the applicant and the Department of Development, the applicant may
request a payment up to 50% of the grant award in advance. The remaining 50% will be disbursed on a
reimbursement basis to the award recipient upon submission of proof of eligible expenditures (copies of paid
invoices) by the award recipient in a total amount not to exceed the grant amount. Specific invoicing
procedures will be provided with the agreement.

DELIVERABLES & REPORTING

After Phase I applicants are notified that they have been selected to receive a CIZ grant, each of the Zone anchor
partners must enter into an award agreement contract with the Cuyahoga County Board of County Commissioners.
The agreement will lay out the specific terms and conditions of the award, period of performance, and scope of
work.
Applicants receiving awards for Phase I funding will be given one hundred eighty (180) days to present all
deliverables to the Cuyahoga County Department of Development. If the activities covered in the award agreement
are not completed within this time, the County reserves the right to terminate the award and pursue repayment of all
Phase I award monies disbursed. At the conclusion of Phase I funding, the Zone anchor partnership will be
expected to submit the following deliverables:
Deliverable One: A comprehensive Innovation Zone Business Plan.
Deliverable Two: Signed agreement/understanding between the anchor partners identifying the roles and
responsibilities.
Deliverable Three: One official HotSpot designation and a signed development agreement/understanding
with at least one property owner in the HotSpot.
Deliverable Four: At least two signed agreements between one or more anchor partner and business
development network member for ZIP contribution or other network activities.
During Phase I funding, the anchor partners of the Zone develop and adopt one or more written plans identifying
capital improvements and/or service delivery mechanisms that will compose the Innovation Zone Business Plan.
Each plan shall set forth specific improvements or services that are to be provided, identify the area in which they
will be provided, and specify the method of assessing success. Each plan shall indicate the period of time the
improvements and services are to be implemented and made effective.
Once a Zone anchor partnership adopts the plans, it shall submit the overall Zone Business Plan to the Cuyahoga
County Department of Development. Department staff will review the plan and, within sixty (60) days after
receiving it, may submit comments and recommendations about the plan to the Zone anchor partnership. After

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Innovation Zones

reviewing these comments and recommendations, the anchor partners should prepare a response to the County.
Once the concerns or issues have been adequately addressed to the County’s satisfaction, the applicant may then
resubmit the plan, amended or otherwise, to the Department of Development for approval.
If a Zone Business Plan is approved and it is subsequently determined that the plan contained material
misrepresentations or that funds were used for ineligible activities or activities not permitted under the terms of the
approved documents, the applicant will be in default and the Department of Development will demand immediate
repayment of any and all funds disbursed in connection with the project.
In addition to submitting the required deliverables, each Zone administrator or designated representative will be
required by the Department of Development to a periodic meeting assembling each of the established Cuyahoga
Innovation Zones. The meetings will allow the County to inquire about the progress and status of each Zone and
offer each Zone administrator the opportunity to share best practices. The meeting objective is to share successes
and identify potential collaboration opportunities to leverage the region’s economic capacity.
After an Innovation Zone Business Plan has been approved, the applicant is considered eligible to apply for Phase
II funding. The second phase of funding signifies the implementation of the Innovation Zone Business Plan.
Prospective applicants must provide detailed scope of work for the Innovation Zone project for which Phase II
funding is being sought. The applicant must clearly describe the Zone activity and identify outcomes and provide
such other information as may be required by the County. The deadline for the application for Phase II funding is a
fixed date that will be announced in August 2007. At that time, the application will be made available along with
specific funding criteria.

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CUYAHOGA INNOVATION ZONES

Phase I Application Prospectus
1. Background Information – Anchor Partnership
Anchor Organization (Administrator)
Please provide a brief summary of the organization in the Attachments
Address City
State Zip
Federal Tax ID # Annual Operating Budget
Executive Director Phone
Email
Zone Management Role:

Anchor Partner Organization (1)

Please provide a brief summary of the organization in the Attachments
Address City
State Zip
Federal Tax ID # Annual Operating Budget
Executive Director Phone
Email
Zone Management Role:

Anchor Partner Organization (2)

Please provide a brief summary of the organization in the Attachments
Address City
State Zip
Federal Tax ID # Annual Operating Budget
Executive Director Phone
Email
Zone Management Role:
List all other Anchor Partner Organizations in attachments

1. Background Information Supporting Documentation

! Include commitment letters from each Zone Partner
! Articles of Incorporation or other appropriate documents evidencing the legal formation of each anchor partner organization
! Authorized signature and formal statement of cooperation confirming the responsibilities of each participating anchor partner
organization
! Complete copy of the anchor organization’s most recent financial audit and IRS tax return Form 990
! Approval by Board of Trustees or governing board, authorizing the anchor organization to apply

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Innovation Zones

2. Innovation Zone Background – Business Plan

Zone Market Focus: Describe the primary commercial market
focus of the proposed Zone
Proposal/Rationale: Describe the business case or value-add
proposition of the Zone. SWOT analysis
Core Competency: Identify core resources and assets that form the
foundation of the Zone
Target Clientele/Identifying Businesses : Provide criteria for
identifying companies within the Zone’s target commercial focus
(portfolio of potential companies)
Measurable Objectives: Define Zone specific outcomes and
objectives. Beyond program required success indicators, describe
how success will be defined. What are the 3 – 5 – 10 year goals?
Management: Detail the Zone administration structure.
(organizational chart)
Budget: Use the attached spreadsheet to illustrate a pro-forma
budget. (evidence of equity)

2. Innovation Zone Background – Supporting Documentation

! Portfolio of potential companies exemplifying the target of market of the Zone
! Proposed Innovation Zone organizational chart – detail administration structure; identify gaps in management team
! Innovation Zone Budget Plan including Evidence of Equity Contribution

3. Innovation Zone Physical Development Plan

Zone: Identify the geographic focus of the Zone
(must include a map identifying the Zone and Hotspot)
Physical Development Plan: Describe the physical
development plan for the Zone that addresses the Zone
commercial market focus.
Physical Infrastructure Assessment: Describe how the Zone
physical infrastructure and resources will advance the physical
development plan and commercial market focus.
HotSpots: Provide a profile of property contained within the
Zone Hotspot (parcel numbers - support from property owners)

3. Innovation Zone Physical Development Plan – Supporting Documentation

! A map identifying the geographic boundary of the proposed Innovation Zone and the associated Zone HotSpot
! Provide addresses and parcel numbers for real property contained within the designated Zone HotSpot
! Letters of Support from property owners considered part of the Zone HotSpot

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Innovation Zones

4. Innovation Zone Implementation Plan – Zone Activities

Business Incentives: Describe the plan for Zone incentives
package (ZIP – in-kind services, cost sharing/bulk purchasing,
plan for utilizing existing federal, state, and local business
incentives)
Business Network: List the name, contact, and type of
organization included in the business development network and
the role they will play helping the Zone address the underlying
commercial market focus
(i.e., entrepreneurial development services)
Workforce Development: Identify and map entrepreneurship
education and career pathways that will emerge and grow the
Zone’s activities and networks
Marketing: Describe how you intend to market the Zone to the
identified businesses and professionals relevant to the
commercial market focus of the Zone.
Performance Measure: Provide a strategy to track program
success indicators and how the zone will become financially self-
sufficient.

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Innovation Zones

CUYAHOGA INNOVATION ZONES

Phase I Application Prospectus

Cuyahoga Innovation Zone Phase I Sources and Uses of Fund

Uses of Funds Sources of Funds
Uses Amount Contributor/Investor Term Rate Amount
Land Anchor Organization
Building Partner Organization #1
Leasehold Improvements
Equipment
Real Estate Inventory
Legal Services
Feasibility Study
Marketing/Advertising
Business Assistance
Consulting Services
Other

Total Non- County Funding

Cuyahoga County CIZ Phase I 6 months 0.0
(must equal at least half of county funding ) Leverage 0.5
TOTAL USES TOTAL SOURCES

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CUYAHOGA INNOVATION ZONES

Phase I Application Prospectus

Cuyahoga Innovation Zone Profroma

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
1 ZONE INCOME
2 Cuyahoga County Phase I (funding subject to application) $20,000
3 Cuyahoga County Phase II (funding subject to application) $75,000 $75,000
4 Cuyahoga County Phase III (funding subject to application) $116,667 $116,667 $116,667
5
6 Anchor Partnership Contribution
7 Private Industry
8 Foundations
9 Other
10
11 TOTAL POTENTIAL INCOME
12
13 OPERATING EXPENSES
14 Land
15 Building
16 Leasehold Improvements
17 Equipment
18 Legal Services
19 Feasibility Study
20 Marketing/Advertising
21 Business Assistance
22 Consulting Services
23 Other
24
25
26 TOTAL EXPENSES
27
28 NET OPERATING INCOME

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Innovation Zones

For More Information

Gregory Zucca
Senior Development Finance Analyst
Cuyahoga County Department of Development

phone 216.443.8067 Cuyahoga County

fax 216.348.4479 112 Hamilton Court
email cdgpz@cuyahogaCounty.us Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Cuyahoga
Innovation Zones
a CuyahogaNext advisors Initiative

COMMISSIONERS
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Peter Lawson Jones