CLEVELAND — After teasing a “new opportunity coming soon to Ohio,” Forbes has revealed plans to hold its annual Under 30 Summit in Ohio through 2025.
The decision, which was revealed Wednesday during a press conference at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, is being called “a move that recognizes the state’s impressive community of entrepreneurs and innovators.”
“Forbes chose Ohio for its iconic Under 30 Summits because of recent, significant economic momentum we and our partners have recently built in the state,” said J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio president and CEO. “The strong relationship developed between JobsOhio and Forbes over the last several months will highlight Ohio’s value proposition as a preferred location for business and top talent both nationally and globally.”
The Summit, presented by JobsOhio, is set to take place in three different cities throughout Ohio for the next three years. Cleveland is up first in 2023, followed by Cincinnati and Columbus.
There are 600 innovators under 30 on the Forbes list. And while many of them have never been to Ohio, state and city leaders say the summit calls for Ohio to rise back up to its renowned reputation.
"This is our opportunity to create the impression of what we have to offer," said Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted. "We're going to put on a highlight show of all the great reasons to live here and make Ohio a place to do business and call home."
“The 2023 Summit will bring together the best young minds across industries, venture capitalism, public policy and more,” said Randall Lane, Chief Content Officer of Forbes and Creator of the Under 30 Franchise. “Our goal with the next Under 30 Summit is to help spotlight Ohio’s talented workforce and ample opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors. We’re confident that Ohio’s entrepreneurial spirit will be felt on the world’s main stage.”
Cleveland's first-elected millennial mayor, Justin Bibb, says we are in the era of the mid-sized city and the Forbes summit puts a necessary focus on Cleveland's growing culture, diversity, and young business minds.
"We can't forget that Cleveland is a majority black city and that founders of colors will be the next growth engine of the American economy," Bibb said during the announcement. "So to have Forbes Under 30 highlighting the great assets of talent and great culture of Cleveland as part of this conference is a big deal for our city. We have an amazing story to tell and this is going to go a long way to change the narrative of Cleveland as a city you want to move to, not move from."
The announcement comes as the 2022 Under 30 Summit concludes in Detroit.
“Forbes Under 30 is one of the biggest accolades that a young person can have,” said Brandon Bryant, Cofounder & Partner, Harlem Capital and Under 30 list maker. “Whether they’re in business, an entertainer, a poet or an athlete, making the Forbes Under 30 list is validation that is your calling card to open doors. As the national trend towards recharging and reimaging cities around the country accelerates, Ohio will be at the forefront, and Forbes will be a catalyst to showcase what Ohio can do. Ohio is a place for talent and investment to thrive.”
Forbes also noted Intel’s decision to invest $20 million in building new semiconductor chip factories in central Ohio, saying the state “stands at the forefront of America’s Renaissance of technology, infrastructure and industrial manufacturing.”
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Editor's note: Video in the player above was originally published in an unrelated story on Sept. 28, 2022.