2026 Going to Bat for Small Business winners announced

May 16, 2026 - 19:26

The Lake County Captains, the High-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, have announced the recipients of their 2026 Going to Bat for Small Business Program. The initiative, run in partnership with PNC Bank, is now in its third year of supporting local entrepreneurs.

This community-driven program selects a handful of small businesses from the region to receive a package of resources and recognition. Winners are typically awarded a mix of financial grants, marketing support, and in-stadium promotion during the baseball season. The Captains organization has emphasized that the goal is to help these businesses gain visibility and stability in a competitive market.

While the full list of winners was not immediately detailed in the initial release, past recipients have included family-owned restaurants, retail shops, and service providers from across Lake County. The program is designed to spotlight businesses that contribute to the local economy but often lack the budget for large-scale advertising.

The Captains and PNC Bank have framed the partnership as a way to connect the team's fan base with the small businesses that make the community unique. For the 2026 season, the selected businesses will be featured during home games and through the team's digital channels. Further announcements about specific winners and their stories are expected in the coming weeks.