OCDCA is launching another cycle of the Peer-to-Peer training and Technical Assistance (TA) program. Members can apply as TA recipients and/or providers, and OCDCA will coordinate and convene strategic pairings of these organizations. This includes making introductions, conducting orientations, facilitating TA instruction, collaborating in goal setting, and providing financial resources by way of stipends.
Organizations can apply to either provide or receive technical assistance and may express interest in both roles. However, if selected, an organization will be assigned to only one role—either giving or receiving technical assistance—but not both. The organization providing technicalassistance will be paid a consultant fee of $5,500 for their time. The organization receiving technicalassistance will be provided with a stipend of $1,500.
This program is open to voting members in good standing. Pairings will complete 40 hours of technical assistance over a period of 8 months. By applying for and participating in this program, participants agree to follow the mandatory commitments and date obligations. We currently offer two capacity-building programs: P2P and the Leadership Exchange. Because these programs are limited and require significant staff involvement, organizations may participate in only one program at a time.
2026 Program Cohort
Provider: Homeport. Inc, Columbus Recipient: Miles Heights Development Corporation, Cleveland Focus: Strengthen Neighborhood Stability to prevent displacement through home repair programs, single family housing development, and resident asset building.
Provider: Historic South Initiative, Toledo Recipient: Haitian Community Help Center, Springfield Focus: Lean into strategic partnerships and existing and underutilized partners to build capacity and extend the network.
Provider: Economic Action Group, Youngstown Recipient: Old Brooklyn CDC, Cleveland Focus: Create and implement business attraction strategies with new and existing data.
Provider: Northwest Neighborhoods CDC, Cleveland Recipient: Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership, Warren Focus: Create a general marketing strategy & fundraising plan for general programming and specific initiatives.
Provider: Columbus Redevelopment Corporation, Columbus Recipient: Bowling Green SONG, Bowling Green Focus: Start small and think big: create a plan with partnerships, resources and strategy, potentially through a land trust. Provider: Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development, Cleveland Recipient: Elevate Northland, Columbus Focus: Strengthen fund development strategy through capital campaign development diversifying sustainable revenue streams and building capacity to grow programs and long-term organizational impact.
2025 Program Recap
Designed with the goals of alleviating knowledge gaps, enacting real and lasting change, and increasing opportunities for peer support, the program has demonstrated strong alignment with its mission. Through collaborative problem-solving, site visits, shared strategic planning, and the elevation of local expertise, partner organizations are advancing key projects in real estate development, workforce innovation, and creative placemaking. Participants rated the program an average of 4.75/5 when asked about their overall experience in the program.
Program Participants and Technical Focus:
Appalachian Center for Economic Networks – ACEnet <> CleveLawn & Home, Inc
Focus: Workforce Development: Small Business Ownership
Project Milestones:CleveLawn finalizes workforce program structures.
Parsons Ave Redevelopment <> West Park Kamm's Neighborhood Development
Focus: Mixed income, Multi-Family Real Estate Development
Project Milestones: WPKNDC shares financial & pre-development proposals with their board.
Homeport <> Avondale Development Corporation
Focus: Mixed use real estate development/revitalization and financing
Project Milestones: ADC creates real estate pre-development roadmaps for future projects.
Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses <> Economic Action Group, Inc.
Focus: Creative Placemaking through Artist in Residence Program & Annual Mural Competition
