Empowerment Circles

The empowerment circles are open to members of member organizations and are designed to aid its members in finding solutions to their issues and challenges.

An informal round robin format is utilized to give each participant an opportunity to present an issue, and the other participants present suggestions, names, phone numbers, leads, and other resources in solving the presented challenge or issue.

The Entrepreneurial Empowerment Circle meets once a month and is open to those who are starting their first venture, business owners, as well as the seasoned entrepreneur who is taking their business to the next level.

In these meetings entrepreneurs assist one another with issues and best practices. Entrepreneurs have 10 minutes to present issues affecting their businesses and special guest speakers frequently participate in the meetings.

The Leadership Empowerment Circle meets once a month and is open to the leaders of our member organizations who attend CAAO’s monthly board meetings.  

The Non-profit Empowerment Circle meets once a month and is open to those who are staff or volunteers for nonprofit organizations. In these meetings the attendees learn about best practices and resources available to them in Greater Cleveland. The meetings often feature guest speakers.

CAAO also hosts at least one annual event for its member organizations that provides exposure for its entrepreneurs and member organizations, as well as a venue for a keynote speaker of interest to its members.