The Ariel International Center, is a historic 68,000 square foot building, located on 3 acres, overseeing the Lake and the Cleveland skyline, and serves as a catalytic one-stop center for International business development and International events in Northeast Ohio, celebrating the regions global diversity and contributing to the economic development of the region. The Ariel International Center w
as developed by the partners of Ariel Ventures, LLC, a mission driven, entrepreneurial, 100% women-owned and minority firm founded in Cleveland in 2001. Ariel Ventures has provided finance, tax, IT and business advisory services for over $2 billion in renewable energy, real estate, small business, international business and economic development projects, which include public/private finance, tax credits and other incentives. The Ariel International Center plans to focus on international business development for the region, with various elements of international business and culture working together synergistically, by leveraging the unique, niche expertise of Ariel Ventures in economic development, real estate, and international business and finance, along with the expertise of other international professionals. The plans for the Ariel International Center presently include:
• International business incubator with shared international business, accounting, tax, economic development & project finance, and other professional services, if needed, for international business entrepreneurship, business development or expansion.
• Office Spaces from a minimum of 500 square feet to a maximum of 20,000 square feet, with shared business, accounting or project finance services, if needed.
• Warehouse and distribution facility with potential Foreign Trade Zone status to facilitate import and export if needed.
• Meeting, event and conference space for international organizations and businesses to host business meetings, trade missions, international business and international cultural events.
• Collaborating and co-locating with international business organizations in Cleveland, such as the international Chambers of Commerce and other organizations facilitating international business.
• A central location for international businesses visiting Northeast Ohio to learn more about the regional international business resources and environment to consider locating in the region.
• International restaurant and gift shops showcasing the cuisines, music, books and gifts from different countries, which will be a valuable business and economic development asset to northeast Ohio, while allowing people to experience the richness of the global diversity of the region.
• An equity and/or loan fund to help companies with high growth potential expand at the Ariel International Center or in Federal tax credit qualified low-income census tracts in Ohio. The Ariel International Center and surrounding areas in the St. Clair Superior neighborhood are ideally suited to serve as a destination location for international businesses. Located along Lake Erie just minutes from downtown Cleveland, with convenient access to both the Port of Cleveland and major railway lines, Ariel International Center is well positioned to provide international businesses with office locations with great views, convenient access to transportation routes (major highways, railroads, and the port), on-site or off-site warehousing, and shared services for the smaller businesses that could benefit from cost-efficient operations.
