Visitors from the Bahamas, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Lebanon, Romania, South Africa, and Namibia will travel to Cleveland to learn the roles of government, private enterprises, professional organizations and universities in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. Visitors will meet with advocates and investors involved in recognizing, promoting, and developing science and tech start-ups, while discussing the role of innovations into diverse sectors such as medicine, agriculture, manufacturing and communication industries. Visitors will also share experiences with a variety of U.S. entrepreneurs and innovators, addressing technological and social challenges in non-traditional sectors or less economically vibrant regions.

International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)

Each year, over 300 professionals from around the world visit Northeast Ohio through IVLP. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, these visitors have been identified by U.S. embassies as emerging leaders in their fields. Over 50 Nobel Laureates and 335 current or former Chiefs of State or Heads of Government are alumni of this program.

By connecting with foreign leaders, we strengthen Northeast Ohio’s commercial, cultural, and educational ties with the rest of the world. For more information, contact Katie Ferman, Program Officer, at kferman@ccwa.ccwa.org or click here. To get involved as a Citizen Diplomat, click here.