Ohio SBDC Providing
Vital Support for Ohio's Small Business
The Ohio Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide vital support to entrepreneurs who excel in their fields but lack expertise in navigating the complexities of business operations. These centers guide business owners on requirements related to legal, financial, and investment processes, empowering them to make informed decisions and achieve their goals.
How Can an SBDC Help My Small Business?
The Ohio Small Business Development Centers provides high-quality, individualized business advising and technical assistance to support your entrepreneurial journey. Here are just a few ways we can help:
Access Capital:
Assistance with identifying funding sources, loan packaging, and financial projections.
Business Planning:
Guidance on strategic planning, operations, and growth strategies.
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.
Marketing and Sales:
Development of targeted marketing strategies and tools to improve visibility.
Export Assistance:
Support to help businesses explore global markets, including readiness assessments, market research, and financing.
Workshops & Training:
Affordable services to educate small business owners on topics from startup basics to advanced strategies.
Industry-recognized tools used to help you start, sustain, or grow your business:
Quickbooks
Connected accounting, expense management, payments, and payroll in one place.
Inquisit
(Appropriate for existing business) Designed by the SBDC to provide companies with a succinct and clear representation of their current capabilities across key business categories.
GrowthWheel
A visual tool to quickly identify the most important Focus Areas and define decisions and actions the business should be working on.
Vertical IQ
Whether you're a successful business owner or just getting started, Vertical IQ is a great tool for for all entrepreneur.
Some tools may not be available at all locations.
Click below to find your nearest SBDC and make an appointment with a Certified Business Advisors®!
Key Success Stories:
Small businesses are vital to Ohio’s economy, and the Ohio Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) empowers entrepreneurs through expert guidance and support. Success stories like Nueva Restaurant and Complete Laundering Service showcase how the SBDC helps businesses overcome challenges and achieve growth.
The success of Nueva Restaurant, Complete Laundering Service, and Westbrooks Cannery showcases the Ohio SBDC’s role in supporting small businesses. By providing tailored solutions and resources, the SBDC fosters growth and resilience in Ohio’s entrepreneurial spirit, driving economic development and stronger communities.
Nueva Restaurant:
Lisa and Zach Hurt, aspiring restaurant owners, approached the Ohio SBDC with a dream of opening a Mexican restaurant in Akron. The SBDC helped them create a business plan, secure funding, and successfully launch their restaurant. Their success enabled them to expand to Cleveland, creating jobs and increasing their presence.
Westbrooks Cannery:
Christina Clark, who started her business at home, sought SBDC’s help scaling it up. The center assisted with a business plan and strategy, helping her expand her product line from 9 to nearly 90 items, move into commercial production, and increase sales and distribution.
Complete Laundering Service:
Facing financial struggles during the recession, the company turned to the SBDC for help. By analyzing finances, they identified inefficiencies and made necessary changes to save the business despite initially doubling sales.
Services and Benefits:
The Ohio SBDCs offer no-cost services to small business owners, such as business plan development, financial analysis, and guidance on navigating regulations.
Entrepreneurs benefit from personalized advice and practical support, enabling them to thrive and expand their operations.
With over 20 locations statewide, Ohio SBDCs provide accessible assistance to thousands of businesses annually.
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.
