Corey Patrick

Corey Patrick is a lifelong resident of Northeast Ohio, recently moving back to Ohio at the end of 2022 after spending two years in Indianapolis, IN. Corey has spent his entire professional career working with Startups & Small Businesses, in positions with the Ohio Small Business Development Center and the Youngstown Business Incubator.

Corey is no stranger to the Northeast Ohio Entrepreneurship Ecosystem. Prior to joining VFA, he served the Youngston Business Incubator as the Director of Marketing & Communications, where he built the marketing department from the ground up, and as the Director of the EVOLVE Technology Program, where he and his team directly supported tech-based and tech-enabled startups through consulting and resources across Northeast Ohio. From strategy development to branding, Corey has worked directly with entrepreneurs to ensure resources, opportunities, and support are at the forefront of their entrepreneurial journey.

As VFA’s Director of Cleveland, Corey is excited to continue making an impact on both the local economy and the experience their VFA Fellows and Company Partners will receive. Seeing firsthand how Cleveland and some of the surrounding regional cities have had growth over the past decade, Corey is excited about the opportunity to build upon that, ultimately giving greater wins for Cleveland and the Northeast Ohio region.

Corey is a 2016 graduate of the Youngstown State University Williamson College of Business Administration where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, where he had a double major in Finance and Marketing, a minor in Entrepreneurship, and a certificate in Nonprofit Leadership. In 2022, the WCBA honored Corey as their Outstanding Young Alumnus at their annual alumni banquet for his work and philanthropy in the local community.

In addition to his professional work, Corey sits on the Board of Directors for a local nonprofit, The Walnut Grove, an inclusive, special needs accessible playground and natural trails facility in Canfield, Ohio. He previously served a term as the President of The Walnut Grove. Outside of his work and philanthropy, Corey is an avid traveler, an average foodie, and a mediocre fitness fan; he loves checking out the newest, one-off spots that Cleveland has to offer and a good burn at OrangeTheory Fitness.