Alumni Success
Welcome to Alumni Success — a celebration of the entrepreneurs who launched their businesses through the Center of Entrepreneurs!
These inspiring ventures were initiated through our program, and this platform showcases the impact of the business owners' hard work and vision and the support they received along the way. But Alumni Success is more than a recognition — it's a hub for connections, growth and collaboration.
Explore the businesses our alumni have built, learn from their journeys, and engage with a community shaped by innovation, resilience and shared experience. This space marks a milestone for our entrepreneurs and serves as a springboard for continued growth within our entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Meet our entrepreneurs and connect with their businesses:
Margaret Bernstein
Dad Storybooks LLC
Publishing
Margaret Bernstein is a Cleveland-based journalist who has won a wide array of awards for her writing and commitment to her community.
How did the entrepreneurial track at the Center for Entrepreneurs help you with your business?
As a result of taking the Foundation track, I created my LLC, developed a relationship with the PNC banker I met via the class and established a new business banking account, wrote my first business plan and hired a videographer to create social media reels. During the process of writing my business plan, I decided the time was right to add a new product to my line of "Dad Storybooks" — an activity book for dads and kids to complete together. The training I received through the Foundation track helped me successfully pitch the book to sponsors, and the Center for Entrepreneurs even helped me win a $1,000 grant from the Burton D. Morgan Foundation that will go toward my costs for illustration and design. The support that the center provides to program graduates is truly amazing.
Contact: 216-402-3155 | margaretbernstein@sbcglobal.net
Anthony Ford
Anthony Ford LLC
Creative Services
Anthony Ford is a multidisciplinary creative, specializing in photography, brand development and social storytelling for individuals and small businesses. His work combines striking visuals with heartfelt messaging to help clients be seen with clarity and purpose. Through his initiative, The NotArt Project, he empowers people to create freely and redefine what art means. Whether you're building a brand or reigniting creativity, Ford offers thoughtful guidance to help you show up with confidence.
How did the entrepreneurial track at the Center for Entrepreneurs help you with your business?
Without the entrepreneurial track, I would still be stuck in the beginning, second-guessing my every move. The track offered a framework I could use over and over again for ideation, planning, research and execution. It's been a limitless value for me in launching and running my business.
Contact: 216-387-7693 | anthony.fordjr@gmail.com
Ben Holbert
Holbert Media Group
Media industry
Holbert Media Group LLC is a dynamic, full-service media firm led by an Emmy Award-winning journalist with extensive experience in both broadcast and digital platforms. The company specializes in crafting powerful auditory and live experiences that captivate audiences and elevate brands.
How did the entrepreneurial track at the Center for Entrepreneurs help you with your business?
Participating in the entrepreneurial track with the Center for Entrepreneurs was a pivotal experience in the evolution of Holbert Media Group. As a company specializing in voice-over artistry, master of ceremonies expertise and media relations, we needed more than creative talent — we needed strategic direction. The program offered actionable insight into building a business framework that's both efficient and scalable, helping us refine our core services and understand how to position them in a competitive marketplace. Beyond the curriculum, the real magic came from the community. Engaging with fellow aspiring entrepreneurs sparked new ideas and approaches, while personalized mentorship from experienced instructors helped translate those ideas into a clear business strategy. These conversations and relationships provided the confidence and tools necessary to advance our media brand with authenticity and impact. The experience wasn't just informative — it was energizing. It empowered the Holbert Media Group to move from concept to execution with a sharpened focus and a compelling voice — literally and figuratively.
Contact: 216-406-0682 | Benjaminholbert3@gmail.com
Erik Misenis
Art of Sharp
Sharpening service
Art of Sharp is the greater Cleveland area's premier knife, scissor and tool sharpening service, specializing in everything from kitchen knives to beauty shears to mower blades.
How did the entrepreneurial track at the Center for Entrepreneurs help you with your business?
The Center for Entrepreneurs has given me insight into many different areas, including branding, marketing and the day-to-day operations of running a business.
Contact: 203-525-0536 | Corvette012@yahoo.com
Halli Martin
Myra Parker Creations
Craft/artisan
Myra Parker Creations specializes in crafting handmade jewelry from nontraditional materials and hand-knit blankets.
How did the entrepreneurial track at the Center for Entrepreneurs help you with your business?
I found the course to be helpful in various ways, including business creation, focus and setup. I also learned ways to promote my business and how to price my products. Connecting with other entrepreneurs is also a great resource that I gained from both the Discovery and Foundation tracks. There are so many things that I have taken away from these courses, and I am grateful for having had the opportunity to take them.
Contact: 216-336-7099 | hallidawn71@gmail.com