Ashtabula Downtown Development Association

UP 4014 "Big Boy" is headed Downtown!

Union Pacific's famed Big Boy No. 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, will journey to the East Coast this summer for the first time as part of a historic coast-to-coast tour to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. Of the 25 built, there are 8 remaining Big Boys in existence, with No. 4014 being the only one in operation. They are 133 ft. long and weigh in at 1.2 million pounds.

On June 8th, it will depart from a stop in Euclid at approximately 2:00 p.m. on its way to Conneaut where it will stay for the night and depart on June 9th. While we do not know the exact time it will come through the line which crosses Main Ave. near W. 48th St./Collins Blvd., we anticipate it will be between 2:45 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

We encourage people who want to get a glimpse of this historic locomotive to gather on W. 48th St. between Main Ave. and Park Ave. Currently, this section is under construction and closed to vehicular traffic. Please stay away from areas under construction.

If you are unable to attend, No. 4014 will travel back through Downtown on July 13th as it heads back west.

From the Union Pacific website:
Keep Safety Top of Mind
Stay back at least 25 feet from all railroad tracks. This includes drones.
Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and right of way are private property - do not trespass.
Never assume tracks are abandoned or inactive - ALWAYS expect a train.
Be a safe and considerate driver - do not pace the train.
Be Aware of the Environment.

*Photo from UP website

Meet NEO Fund, an Ashtabula-based non-profit organization in the heart of Downtown Ashtabula right off of Main Ave! NEO Fund (New Entrepreneur Opportunity Fund) has been uplifting local businesses since 2011 through education and support for new, aspiring, and seasoned business owners.

If you've ever had a business idea but didn't know where to start, NEO Fund offers a wide range of resources to support local entrepreneurs. Whether you're thinking about launching something new or ready to take your existing small business to the next level, NEO Fund is there to help you with real education, one-on-one mentoring, financial resources, and a community network of like-minded and experienced entrepreneurs behind you.

NEO Fund offers numerous class opportunities throughout the year for varying levels of experience. For new or aspiring entrepreneurs, the introduction class, ‘So You Think You Want To Be An Entrepreneur?’ breaks down the ins and outs of business ownership. The ‘Fundamentals of Business’ multi-week course provides a practical overview and in-depth insights into running a business. NEO Fund even offers a Quickbooks course and a Business Plan Workshop. Every class is always free, open to anyone in any field, and led by seasoned instructor, Daryl Upole!

And the support doesn't stop in the classroom. NEO Fund proudly hosts Monthly Networking Meetings on the third Wednesday of each month, bringing small business owners together at different locations throughout the county to share challenges, celebrate wins, and hear from expert speakers. Mentorship and coaching programs bring the support even further.

This summer NEO Fund is teaming up with the City of Ashtabula, Ohio - Municipal Government to host Food Truck Monday’s at Smith Field to bring our robust food truck network to the community. Every Monday throughout the summer (weather permitting) up to 3 per week will be there starting today June 1st from 11am-7pm!

At the heart of it all is Executive Director Kelly Sposito, an Ashtabula entrepreneur herself who knows firsthand what it means to build something from the ground up. She's been part of the NEO Fund family for over a decade, and her passion for this community shows in everything the organization does.

NEO Fund is more than just a resource, it’s a partner to help any entrepreneur in any field grow and succeed. Learn more at neofund.org and take advantage of the free education and resources NEO Fund has to offer.