Empowering Ohio's Entrepreneurs:

Start, Grow, Thrive

Welcome to the Ohio Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Network! Our mission is to empower small businesses across Ohio, supporting economic growth, job creation, and community success. We recognize that small businesses are vital to Ohio’s economy and stand ready to help entrepreneurs succeed through expert guidance and support through a network of counseling and resource centers across the state. By providing tailored solutions and resources, the SBDC fosters growth and resilience in Ohio’s entrepreneurial spirit, driving economic development and stronger communities.

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What is an SBDC?

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are the leading resource for entrepreneurs and small businesses, offering no cost consulting and training to help businesses at every stage – from startup to expansions. Powered by the U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Ohio Department of Development, Ohio SBDCs are your trusted partner for business success. Services include:

“Without the SBDC to help us, we wouldn’t be here. It would not have been possible to achieve this dream!”

Angie Beck - Owner

Boxers, Bed and Biscuits - Belpre, Ohio

What We Do?

The Ohio SBDC supports thousands of small businesses each year, helping them achieve growth, create jobs, and contribute to stronger local economies. Our team offers a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of your small business including:

Business Advising:

Personalized, one-on-one guidance tailored to your unique challenges and goals.

Financial Planning & Loan Assistance:

Expertise in cash flow analysis, financial projections, and loan packaging to help you secure capital.

Strategic Marketing Support:

Developing targeted marketing strategies to enhance visibility and competitiveness.

Export Assistance:

Tools and knowledge to help businesses enter and thrive in international markets.

Workshops & Training:

Practical learning opportunities on topics ranging from startup basics to advanced business strategies.

Why Choose Us?

Ohio SBDC’s team of Certified Business Advisors^® brings expertise from various industries, including banking, entrepreneurship, marketing, and academia. This graduate-level certification ensures our advisors are equipped to provide high-quality, personalized support. Each year, we assist thousands of small businesses in creating jobs, increasing sales, and accessing capital. Whether your business goals are local or global, we are here to help. Ohio SBDC has helped thousands of businesses across the state achieve their goals. From local startups to expanding enterprises, our client success stories highlight the impact of our services. Here’s a glimps of our results:

Explore Our Resources for

Every Stage of Your Business Journey

At the Ohio Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), access to the right tools and knowledge is essential to small business success. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive suite of resources tailored to meet the diverse needs of entrepreneurs and small business owners. Whether you’re at the idea stage, ready to launch, or looking to scale, our resources are here to help you succeed.

Resource Page: Your Go-To Business Toolkit

Dive into our Resource Page to find a wide array of tools, templates, and guides designed to simplify your business journey. From financial planning worksheets to marketing strategy templates, you’ll discover resources that equip you with the practical insights needed to tackle your challenges with confidence. Explore our tools and take your next step toward success today.

Preventure Resources: Turn Your Idea Into Reality

Have a business idea but aren’t sure where to start? Our Preventure Resource Page is specifically designed for aspiring entrepreneurs. Here, you’ll find guidance on how to refine your concept, evaluate market feasibility, and create a solid business plan. This is your first stop to transform your dream into a thriving venture with support and clarity.

Small Business Help: Solutions for Everyday Challenges

Running a small business comes with unique challenges, and our Small Business Help Page is here to provide solutions. From navigating regulatory requirements to accessing funding opportunities, this page is packed with actionable advice, expert insights, and tools to help you address your day-to-day business needs.

With a focus on management improvement, innovation, and problem solving, our Certified Business Advisors^® work with over 10,000 businesses annually to foster growth and create new opportunities.

Our Impact

The Ohio SBDCs are a key resource for fostering entrepreneurship, driving growth, and supporting businesses in overcoming challenges, from starting up to scaling operations. Small Businesses are encouraged to leverage these services to achieve long-term success.

In the past five years, Ohio’s Small Business Development Centers served 45,227 small businesses, provided over 295,000 hours of no-cost confidential business advising, and hosting over 3,250 webinars and workshops to help equip small business owners with the skills and knowledge necessary to plan, launch, and grow their businesses.

Success Stories

He has done everything correctly, done an impressive amount of due diligence to give his business the best chance for success,” said Lankford. “He’s proving that you can be a risk taker, even after retirement.”

“You can do so much so easily on this site. Melissa has been helping me tremendously with the additions, and she’s always available to answer my questions”, Long-Jimison said. “She has helped save this company an immense amount of money, and I am so grateful for all of her guidance”.

“The SBDC was great with helping us create a business plan. For a startup, this is very, very important,” Steve said. “When bankers and lenders find out you’re working with an SBDC it’s a very positive thing.”

As a small business in the city of Hamilton, Future Great Comics has become an integral part of Hamilton’s Main Street revitalization efforts. LeVick has also assisted the city with planning Hamilton’s first “Super Hero Saturday” which was held in July 2017, an event consisting of costume contests, children’s activities, and a photo booth.

“The SBDC was a big help towards making that happen,” said Wik. “They helped me to break down my vision and goals into strategy backed by market research.”

The company has not only created jobs internationally, but also within their local community, helping to employ individuals with disabilities. Each whole, organic fruit strip is made by hand at Hattie’s Food Hub in West Akron, Ohio.

Get Started Today

Your journey to business success begins here. Connect with us to access expert advice, innovative tools, and supportive resources designed to help your business thrive. Visit the locations tab to find your local SBDC and start receiving no-cost advising services.

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