President Barack Obama says he wants to learn about the success and the failures of small business people to better understand what the federal government can do to help the private sector prosper.
Obama is in Cleveland to promote his retooled economic pitch, which focuses on government initiatives that foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
Obama was accompanied by various members of his Cabinet, who planned to lead breakout sessions with small business owners to discuss topics ranging from job training to clean energy and exports.
He said he wanted the government to be a "good partner" to implement small business ideas.
The trip is one of a series Obama has taken to key states as he seeks to build support for spending plans in his budget for education and infrastructure.
© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.