Business Resources
Business Resources are provided by various organizations in Union County, the Columbus Metropolitan Area, and the State of Ohio. These organizations provide assistance to businesses including financial, training, information and technical services.
Union County Business Resources
Union County-Marysville Economic Development Partnership
The Union County-Marysville Economic Development Partnership (The Partnership) serves as the primary business and financial resource in Union County. The Partnership provides financial and technical assistance to existing companies on various issues such as workforce development, training, business development, and financial assistance. Companies looking to expand or companies looking to locate in the community may receive assistance on various services such as financial incentives, loans, development review process, and other business resources. The Partnership, under the Union County Chamber of Commerce umbrella, works closely with the Union County Chamber of Commerce, the Union County Community Improvement Corporation, the Union County Business Education Workforce Team, and the Union County Safety Council to assist the businesses and community organizations in promoting business and workforce development and growth. The Partnership has assigned its main goal as implementing the Union County-Marysville Economic Development Action Plan (click on EDAP for a copy of the plan). For more information on The Partnership, you may contact:
Executive Director for Economic Development
Union County-Marysville Economic Development Partnership
227 East Fifth Street
Marysville, Ohio 43040
(937) 642.6279
(800) 642.0087
(937) 644.0422 (facsimile)
www.whereprideresides.org
Union County Chamber of Commerce
The Union County Chamber of Commerce provides various programs for business members in the community that include group health insurance, group workers compensation rating, cellular phone benefits, annual business listings, advertisement and networking opportunities, marketing programs, notary services, and certificate of origin seal. The Chamber also serves as the voice of the business community and promotes business growth and prosperity. You may find more information concerning the Chamber by clicking on Union County Chamber of Commerce. You may also contact the Chamber at:
Chamber Membership Director
Union County Chamber of Commerce
227 East Fifth Street
Marysville, Ohio 43040
(937) 642.6279
(800) 642.0087
(937) 644.0422 (facsimile)
www.whereprideresides.org
Union County Small Business Development Center
The Union County Small Business Development Center provides various assistance to existing businesses, new businesses, and businesses looking to expand. The business assistance services include access to capital, technology commercialization, human resource development, business finances, strategic planning, marketing, international trade, manufacturing processes, and e-business strategies. For more information on the SBDC, you may contact:
Small Business Development Coordinator
Union County-Marysville Economic Development Partnership
227 East Fifth Street
Marysville, Ohio 43040
(937) 642.6279
(800) 642.0087
(937) 644.0422 (facsimile)
www.whereprideresides.org
www.columbus.org
Community Business Associations
Marysville, Plain City, Richwood, and the Industrial Parkway areas each have business associations which are divisions of the Union County Chamber of Commerce. The business associations, which meet monthly, provide localized assistance to businesses including the marketing, community events, and networking. You may find out more information by contacting:
Chamber Membership Director
Union County Chamber of Commerce
227 East Fifth Street
Marysville, Ohio 43040
(937) 642.6279
(800) 642.0087
(937) 644.0422 (facsimile)
www.whereprideresides.org
Union County Business Assistance Provided by Union Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.
This web based program offers a curriculum to entrepreneurs providing real world tools and information on how to be successful in small business. Union Rural Electric Cooperative, one of our major electric and natural gas providers offers this service through its parent – The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. For more information please contact or visit the following link: Click here
Union Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. – Economic Development
15461 US 36, PO Box 393
Marysville, Ohio 43040
(937) 642.1826
(937) 644.4239 (facsimile)
(800) 282.7232
www.ure.com
www.smallbizu.org
Union County Department of Jobs and Family Services
The Union County Department of Jobs and Family Services (UCDJFS) provides various services for residents, employees and companies looking for training and job placement. UCDJFS assists residents of Union County with locating jobs and with training to improve their ability to further their career. Working closely with the Union County-Marysville Economic Development Partnership and the Union County Business Education Workforce Team, UCDJFS assists companies with employee searches, job placement, applicant screening, and applicant interviewing. For more information, you may contact:
Administrator
Union County Jobs and Family Services
940 London Avenue, Suite 1800
Marysville, Ohio 43040
(937) 644.1010
(800) 248.2347
(937) 644.8700 (facsimile)
www.co.union.oh.us/djfs
Union County Libraries
Union County has three library districts which provide business resource information concerning business development and on how to start a business. The library systems also offer various seminars that assist with personal and business development. You may contact the three libraries:
Marysville-Raymond Public Library
231 South Plum Street
Marysville, Ohio 43040
(937) 642.1876
www.marysville.lib.oh.us
Plain City Public Library
305 West Main Street
Plain City, Ohio 43064
(614) 873.4912
www.plain.lib.oh.us
Richwood-North Union Public Library
4 East Ottawa Street
Richwood, Ohio 43344
(740) 943.3054
International Family Center of Union County
The Center serves as resource to international families who re-locate to Union County by offering various services including English as a second language, community information packets, family and holiday events, and tutoring services.
International Family Center of Union County
232 North Main Street
Marysville, Ohio 43040
(937) 644.4646
intlfamilyctr@urec.net
Central Ohio/Columbus Business Resources
General Business Resources for Central Ohio/Columbus
Business First
Business First provides weekly business, real estate, and legal information in the Central Ohio area. The newspaper also provides information on certain business industries and the happenings in the Columbus market.
Business First
303 West Nationwide Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 461-4040
Fax: (614) 365-2980
www.bizjournals.com
Community Capital Development Corporation
The Community Capital Development Corporation (CCDC) is the primary countywide development corporation for Union County and other Central Ohio Counties. This means the CCDC not only works in conjunction with all central Ohio counties, but is the primary underwriter/financier of central Ohio’s 166 Regional Loan Program as well as the CCDEC/SBA 504 Program. CCDC also administers the Union County Revolving Loan Fund Program, MicroLoan Program, the state of Ohio Child Day Care MicroLoan Program, the SBA Prequalified 7(A) Guaranteed Program and the Columbus Growth Fund, a working capital program.
Community Capital Development Corp.
900 Michigan Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-6171 or (888) 756-2232
FAX: (614) 645-8688
www.ccdcorp.org
The Daily Reporter
The Daily Reporter is a business and legal newspaper that provides daily information on the business world in Columbus and Central Ohio. The paper also includes financial, real estate, and legal news in the area.
The Daily Reporter
580 South High Street, Suite 316
Columbus, Ohio 43215-5644
(614) 228-6397
FAX: (614) 224-8649
www.sourcenews.com
Edison Welding Institute
EWI is the nation’s leading technology center dedicated to advancing and applying materials-joining and related technologies. It provides technology solutions to more than 350 customers and federal agencies, including the US Navy.
EWI has a worldwide reputation for performing research in such areas as lasers, arc welding, materials, automation, resistance and solid-state welding, adhesives, plastics, mechanical fastening and modeling to meet the needs of the automotive, aerospace, energy and chemical, heavy manufacturing, and medical and micro joining industries.
EWI ‘s more than 60 world expert engineers can quickly isolate and solve urgent manufacturing problems or investigate failed components in the field, at customers’ sites, or in EWI’s 132,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility.
Edison Welding Institute
1250 Arthur E. Adams Dr.
Columbus, Ohio 43221-3585
(614) 688-5000
FAX: (614) 688-5001
www.ewi.org
Family Business Center of Central Ohio
The Family Business Center is a not-for-profit organization that provides access to information through educational events that focus on family business topics. These events explore topics such as resolving conflict in the family business, non-family leaders in the family business, managing across generations, leadership succession and buying and selling the family business.
Family Business Center of Central Ohio
P.O. Box 3124
Dublin, Ohio 43016
(614) 334-8916
FAX: (614) 876-0409
www.familybusinesscenter.com
Columbus Chamber of Commerce
The Columbus Chamber of Commerce leads and supports economic growth and development for the Greater Columbus community in the global marketplace. The Chamber boasts a membership of 4,000 businesses and provides services such as business development seminars, professional forums and business assistance and counseling, as well as a variety of networking events.
Columbus Chamber of Commerce
37 N. High St.
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 225-1321
FAX: (614) 221-9360
www.columbus.org
Greater Columbus Inland Port Commission
The Greater Columbus Inland Port Commission has three major objectives: to help move cargo, people and information faster, more efficiently and more cost effectively; to market the region’s transportation logistics advantages worldwide; and to advocate for improved transportation infrastructure in the region.
Greater Columbus Inland Port Commission
37 N. High St.
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 225-6905
FAX: (614) 469-8250
www.columbus.org
The Ohio State University College of Engineering
This office facilitates industrial relationships for the benefit of the business community and OSU with the College of Engineering.
Ohio State University
169 Hitchcock Hall
Columbus, OH 43210-1275
(614) 292-9915
FAX: (614) 688-8700
www.eng.ohio-state.edu/
Internal Revenue Service
The Ohio district of the Internal Revenue Service has services for new and existing businesses and can help them deal with a variety of federal tax matters. The Taxpayer Education Office offers free tax workshops about tax rights and responsibilities throughout Ohio for new and prospective small business owners and self-employed people. The IRS also offers the publication “Free Tax Tips Calendar for Small Businesses,” which contains important tax dates, general tax information and a list of IRS business publications and forms.
Internal Revenue Service
200 N. High St.
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(800) 829-3676 or (513) 684-2828 (Taxpayer Education Office)
www.irs.ustreas.gov
Minority and Women Business Resources for Central Ohio/Columbus
Institute for Japanese Studies
The Institute for Japanese Studies provides training, information and consultation services on Japanese business and culture for local development agencies interested in recruiting the Japanese market. It assists companies that work with Japanese firms or clientele by providing market information, translation and interpreting referrals, and travel and business protocol information.
Institute for Japanese Studies
The Ohio State University - 325 Oxley Hall
1712 Neil Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614 292-3345
FAX: (614) 292-4273
www.osu.edu/ijs
Asian American Commerce Group
The Asian American Commerce Group provides a forum and infrastructure for consultation for Asian American business owners and professions. It also facilitates a cooperative relationship between the Asian American business community and Ohio’s various government sectors and facilitates trade relationships.
Asian American Commerce Group
6121 Huntley Road
Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 888-0040
FAX: (614) 436-0161
www.aacg.org
National Association of Women Business Owners
NAWBO was incorporated in July 1975. Women across the U.S. established chapters and began recruiting members. Twenty-five years later, NAWBO has brown to more than 12,000 members and more than 92 chapters. NAWBO is a powerful advocate for women business owners at local, state and federal levels.
NAWBO Columbus advances women entrepreneurs toward economic, social and political achievement by: developing and growing strong, profitable women-owned businesses; building strategic alliances, coalitions and affiliations; and transforming public policy, influencing opinion makers and affecting changes in the business culture.
National Association of Women Business Owners
(614) 888-4674
FAX: (614) 888-7131
www.nawbo.org
South Central Ohio Minority Business Council
The SCOMBC links the minority business community with the corporate purchasing community. The council offers minority companies new avenues for sales and corporate purchasers with a source to identify qualified minority suppliers who can meet their needs. It also offers access to a number of minority-focused services including working capital, national referrals, a business opportunity trade fair, mentorship programs, local trade missions, corporate open houses and consultation. All participating companies must be certified by SCOMBC as being minority owned and controlled. This certification is recognized nationally among the Minority Supplier Development Council network.
South Central Ohio Minority Business Council
Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce
37 N. High St.
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 225-6959
FAX: (614) 469-8250
www.scombc.com
Women’s Business Ownership Program
The Women’s Business Ownership Program is a national program providing advocacy and services to women business owners. Locally, the Women’s Business Ownership representative is available to answer questions about Small Business Administration programs, assist with certain needs of women business owners and provide referral services. The representative can help direct women business owners to appropriate organizations, including local women’s organizations and associations, counseling and technical assistance programs, mentoring programs, training programs, programs for socially-or economically-disadvantaged women and more.
Small Business Administration
2 Nationwide Plaza, Suite 1400
Columbus, Ohio 43215-2542
(614) 469-6860
FAX: (614) 469-2391
www.sba.gov
State of Ohio Business Resources
General Business Resources for Ohio
First Stop Business Connection
The 1st Stop Business connection provides information about state rules and regulations for business start-ups and expansion in Ohio. 1st Stop serves as a depository for state business-related forms, which can be obtained via its full-service Web site. Potential and existing entrepreneurs can also order a business information kit via 1st Stop’s toll-free number. In addition, 1st Stop acts as a referral service to direct new or expanding businesses to technical, financial or managerial assistance available from state agencies and local SBDCs.
SBDC of Ohio – Ohio Department of Development
Economic Development Division – Office of Small Business
P.O. Box 1001, 77 S. High St., 28th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43216-1001
(800)484-1300 ext. 6-2711 or (614) 466-4232
FAX: (614) 466-0829
www.odod.state.oh.us/onestop/
International Market Development Program
The International Market Development Program provides food companies and agribusinesses access to international trade shows and events, market research, buying missions, trade leads, export training seminars and assistance with the technical aspects of exporting: transportation, packaging, financing, tariffs and foreign business practices.
International Market Development Program
Ohio Department of Agriculture – Division of Markets
8995 E. Main St.
Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
(614) 466-6198
Fax: (614) 644-5017
www.state.oh.us/agr
International Trade Assistance Centers
The International Trade Assistance Centers serve as the first point of contact for information, resources, referrals, trade events and consulting for businesses interested in entering the international marketplace. Located in several Small Business Development Centers throughout Ohio, the ITACs represent a working partnership between the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Ohio SBDC program and the Ohio Department of Development’s International Trade Division.
SBDC of Ohio – Ohio Department of Development
Economic Development Division – Office of Small Business
P.O. Box 1001, 77 S. High St., 28th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43216-1001
(800) 484-1300 ext. 6-2711 or (614) 466-4232
FAX: (614) 466-0829
www.ohiosbdc.org or www.odod.state.oh.us
International Trade Division
The Ohio Department of Development’s International Trade Division promotes the export of Ohio products and services to strengthen Ohio’s economy and advance its leadership position in the global market. ITD provides companies with market research and information; participates in trade shows; operates international offices; and assists with export finance and incentive opportunities.
ITD also works with the Economic Development Division to promote Ohio and attract foreign investments into the state. Ohio’s international trade offices are located in Brussels, Belgium; Tokyo, Japan; Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China; Toronto, Canada; Tel Aviv, Israel; Mexico City, Mexico; Johannesburg, South Africa; and joint offices through partnerships with the Council of Great Lakes Governors in Sao Paulo. Brazil; Santiago, Chile; and Buenos Aires, Argentina.
These offices offer assistance to Ohio companies seeking representation in their respective markets and help foreign companies seeking Ohio businesses as suppliers of products and services. In addition, Ohio’s international offices assist companies interested in joint ventures, licensing arrangements and technology transfers.
International Trade Division
Ohio Department of Development
P.O.Box 1001, 77 S. High St., 29th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43216-1001
(614) 466-5017
FAX: (614) 463-1540
www.exportohio.state.oh.us
Manufacturing Assistance Centers
Ohio Manufacturing and Defense Transition SBDCs serve as the initial point of contact for information, resources, referrals and counseling for small manufacturing businesses and defense-dependent industries. OMDTs represent a working partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration, the SBDC program, the Ohio Department of Development’s Technology Division and NIST Manufacturing Extension Centers.
SBDC – Ohio Department of Development
Economic Development Division – Office of Small Business
P.O. Box 1001, 77 S. High St., 28th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43216-1001
(800) 484-1300 ext. 6-2711 or (614) 466-4232
FAX: (614) 466-0829
www.ohiosbdc.org or www.odod.state.oh.us
NxLevel Entrepreneurial Training
NxLeveL is a highly refined, professionally developed community-based training and development program for existing entrepreneurs, business start-ups, agricultural entrepreneurs, micro entrepreneurs and enterprising youth throughout the nation. The NxLeveL training Network, funded by the U.S. West Foundation, was established in 1992 and is based at the University of Colorado at Denver’s Colorado Center for Community Development.
Small Business Development Centers of Ohio
Ohio Department of Development
Economic Development Division – Office of Small Business
P.O. Box 1001, 77 S. High St., 28th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43216-1001
(800) 484-1300 ext. 6-27ll or (614) 466-4232
FAX: (614) 466-0829
www.ohiosbdc.org or www.odod.state.oh.us
Ohio Department of Taxation
The Ohio Department of Taxation, in administering 18 different state taxes, provides a variety of tax assistance and information. Taxpayers can access ODT services by e-mail offered through the department’s Web site, by telephone, or in person at either of the Taxpayer Service Centers in Columbus. The Web site and toll-free numbers provide answers to many frequently-asked questions about the major taxes. Most tax forms, tax news and a wealth of tax data are also available from the Web site.
Ohio Department of Taxation
30 E. Broad St.
Columbus, Ohio 43216-0530
(800) 282-1780 (individuals) or (888) 405-4039 (businesses)
www.state.oh.us/tax
Ohio EPA Small Business Assistance Office
The Small Business Assistance Office is available for small businesses looking for assistance with Ohio’s environmental regulations. Free and confidential services include assistance with permits, on-site compliance evaluations and training seminars. The SBAO has a technical assistance hotline for business owners with environmental questions.
Ohio EPA Small Business Assistance Office
3232 Alum Creek Dr.
Columbus, Ohio 43207-3417
(614) 728-8573 or (800) 329-7518 (hotline)
FAX: (614) 728-8579
www.epa.state.oh.us/other/sbao/sbaindex.html
Ohio Export Assistance Network
The Ohio Export Assistance Network assists small and medium-sized Ohio companies in obtaining market intelligence and creating international business relationships. OEAN shares expertise on export planning and foreign market research, international sales coverage, export administration, documentation, transportation and logistics.
Ohio Export Assistance Network
700 Ackerman Road, Suite 350
Columbus, Ohio 43202
(614) 263-3001 or (800) 244-4354
FAX: (614) 263-3075
www.tenexport.org
Ohio Job Creation Tax Credit Program
This program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Tax Incentives. The Job Creation Tax Credit program is a refundable state corporate franchise or income tax credit designed to encourage businesses to expand or locate in Ohio. The credit is based on the state income tax withheld on new, full-time employees. The amount t of the tax credit can be up to 75 percent for up to 10 years. The tax credit can exceed 75 percent only upon recommendation of the director of the ODOD that there is an extraordinary circumstance that merits an exception.
Projects, which must be approved by the five-member Tax Credit Authority, generally receive tax credits ranging between 50 percent and 60 percent for a term of five to 10 years. Businesses must agree to create at least 25 new, full-time jobs with a minimum average wage of at least 150 percent of the current federal minimum wage within three years of operations. In addition, the business must demonstrate to the state that the tax credit is a major factor in its decision to go forward with the project. The local community must also provide financial support for the project. Municipalities can provide similar tax credits with their local employee income taxes.
Ohio Department of Development
Economic Development Division
Office of Tax Incentives
P.O. Box 1001, 77 S. High St., 28th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43216-1001
(614) 466-4551
FAX: (614) 644-1789
www.odod.state.oh.us
Ohio Workforce Informer
The Bureau of Labor Market Information is pleased to announce that a new web portal, http://www.OhioWorkforceInformer.org , is now available. This dynamic interactive site provides labor market and economic information to assist employers, job seekers, students, economic developers, researchers, analysts and others answer questions like these:
- What are competitive wages in my local area?
- What is the pool of skilled workers available in my area to meet my production goals?
- How does my staffing compare to other companies in this type of business?
- What job openings are currently available locally or regionally in my line of work?
- What skills or licensing are required to be employed in this occupation?
- What schools provide training in the program I am interested in pursuing?
These and other types of questions can be answered by Ohio 's Workforce Informer. There are additional features as well. Workforce Informer's Home Page, Career Center and Labor Market Info pages contain narrative, data summaries and magazine-type articles to help customers more easily identify a topic or data of interest. A customer can also create a personal folder and store favorite articles and data queries.
First-time users may take a tour to familiarize themselves with data available and to learn how to navigate the site. Please visit Ohio Workforce Informer to taste this new flavor of LMI.
Ohio SBDC International Trade Assistance Center
The Central Ohio International Trade Assistance Center specializes in assisting new-to-export businesses evaluates their ability to enter the international trade arena. ITAC offers information, referrals and counseling, including assistance with international business plans and market research, as well as export training.
Ohio Small Business Development Center
International Trade Assistance Center
Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce
77 S. High St.
Columbus, Ohio 43216-1001
(614) 466-2711
800-848-1300
FAX: (614) 644-0829
www.columbus.org
Ohio Secretary of State
The Ohio Secretary of State is the one site where all Ohio Businesses must be registered in order to legally operate in Ohio. In addition, all businesses that intend to incorporate must do so through this office.
Ohio Secretary of State
180 E. Broad St., 16th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-3910 or (877) SOS-FILE
FAX: (614) 466-3899
www.state.oh.us/sos/
Ohio Small Business Development Center
The Ohio Small Business Development Center at the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce provides a full range of technical and business management assistance, strategic marketing and business plan development, financial analysis, as well as resource access to loan and venture capital funds.
Many of these services are provided at no cost by a full staff of certified business analysts or through its professional resource base of volunteer business experts throughout central Ohio. In addition to this, workshops and conferences, which address a wide range of business development and operational issues, are offered at an affordable cost to the small business owner.
The OSBDC at the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce serves as the regional hub of assistance for the central Ohio area as well as the local service provider for the Greater Columbus metropolitan area. The OSBDC works with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Ohio Department of Development, the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce and many other chambers of commerce, economic development foundations and leading educational institutions located throughout the region’s nine-county area.
Ohio Small Business Development Center
Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce
77 S. High St.
Columbus, Ohio 43216-1001
(614) 466-2711
800-848-1300
FAX: (614) 644-0829
www.columbus.org
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers help businesses sell goods and services to the local, state and federal governments by providing marketing and procurement information and technical and quality assurance counseling. This program is operated in partnership with the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency and as a joint venture between the SBDC and the Ohio Department of Development’s Office of Minority Affairs. PTACs offer services through a network of centers throughout Ohio. In addition to counseling and training, the centers offer bid matching services, product and procurement histories, military specifications and trade events where Ohio businesses can meet federal buyers.
SBDC of Ohio – Ohio Department of Development
Economic Development Division – Office of Small Business
P.O. Box 1001, 77 S. High St., 28th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43216-1001
(800) 484-1300 ext. 6-2711 or (614) 466-4232
FAX: (614) 466-0829
www.ohiosbdc.org or www.odod.state.oh.us
U.S. Small Business Administration
Established by an act of Congress in 1953, the Small Business Administration is a federal entity dedicated to the development of the 25 million small businesses in the United States. Reliant upon private lenders, this entity stimulates capital formation and investment with minimal cost to taxpayers. The SBA sponsors various loan and bonding programs and provides services within the following areas: business development, financial assistance, international trade, minority business assistance, women business ownership assistance, procurement assistance, investment/surety guarantees, veteran’s assistance, research and development, disaster assistance and advocacy.
Small Business Administration
2 Nationwide Plaza, Suite 1400
Columbus, Ohio 43215-2542
(614) 469-6860
FAX: (614) 469-2391
www.sba.gov/oh/columbus/
Internet publications: www.sba.gov/library
Internet U.S. Business Advisor: www.business.gov
Small Business Development Centers of Ohio
The Small Business Development Centers of Ohio program is the premier technical assistance program offered to Ohio’s small businesses. The SBDC program is provided through a partnership between the Ohio Department of Development, the U.S. Small Business Administration and several of Ohio’s chambers of commerce, colleges and universities. There are more than 50 SBDCs throughout Ohio. The SBDC network offers free, confidential and in-dept business consulting by highly-trained professionals who are experts as assisting new business ventures and helping existing businesses succeed and grow. Ohio SBDCs also serve as a valuable clearinghouse of federal, state and local regulatory and program information. Their services are focused on businesses that will employ or currently employ 100-500 persons.
Small Business Development Centers of Ohio
Ohio Department of Development
Economic Development Division – Office of Small Business
P.O. Box 1001, 77 S. High St., 28th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43216-1001
(800) 484-1300 ext. 6-2711 or (614) 466-4232
FAX: (614) 466-0829
www.ohiosbdc.org or www.odod.state.oh.us
Small Business Innovation Research Program
The Small Business Innovation Research Program was created in 1982 to facilitate small business involvement in federal research and development efforts. The program assists Ohio companies competing for funds available from 10 participating federal government agencies. Since its inception, the SBIR Program has directed approximately $3.2 billion to businesses throughout the country. Products developed and commercialized as a result of the program have generated nearly $1.1 billion in sales.
Small Business Innovation Research Program
Ohio Department of Development Technology Division
P.O. Box 1001, 77 S. High St., 25th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43216-1001
(614) 466-3887
FAX: (614) 644-5758
www.odod.state.oh.us/tech/sbir
USDA Rural Development
USDA Rural Development provides assistance to rural communities, families and small-town business owners by offering access to lower-cost, high-quality loans. The business does not have to be involved in an agriculture-related pursuit.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Rural Development
Room 507, Federal Building
200 N. High St.
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 255-2500
FAX: (614) 255-2559
www.rurdev.usda.gov/oh/
Minority and Women Business Resources for Ohio
Minority Business Affairs
The Ohio Procurement Technical Assistance Centers area office of the Division of Minority Business Affairs within the Ohio Department of Development helps small and minority-owned businesses compete for government contracts. These centers make procurement contract information available to clients, as well as help them work through the application, proposal and bid process. The Office of Management & Technical Services, within the Division of Minority Business Affairs, provides counseling services, referrals, management assistance and technical assistance to minority business owners. The OMTS also assists companies interested in exporting and will make the appropriate referrals. In addition, this office provides seminars in most fields of business operations and concerns and even offers a technical assistance grant. The OMTS works in conjunction with the PTAC office of the Division of Minority Business Affairs.
Division of Minority Business Affairs
Ohio Department of Development
P.O. Box 1001, 77 S. High St.
Columbus, Ohio 43216-1001
(614) 466-5700 or (800) 848-1300 ext. 65700
FAX: (614) 466-4172
www.odod.state.oh.us/dmba
Minority Business Bonding Program
Administered by the Ohio Department of Development’s Division of Minority Business Affairs, this program has been expanded to include certified minority businesses that provide goods and services, as well as contractors. Companies must be state certified as a minority business enterprise. In addition, the applicant company must have been denies bonding by two surety companies within its current fiscal year. The applicant must not have defaulted on a previous bond, and the project must be economically feasible and sound. This program provides surety bonding. Maximum bond pre-qualification is set at $1 million with a premium not in excess of two percent of the face value of the bonds.
Minority Business Bonding Program
Ohio Department of Development
Division of Minority Business Affairs
P.O. Box 1001, 77 S. High St., 28th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43216-1001
(614) 644-7708 or (800) 848-1300 ext. 4-7708
FAX: (614) 466-4172
www.odod.state.oh.us
Service Corps of Retired Executives
The Service Crops of Retired Executives Association Inc. provides no cost, one-on-one counseling for entrepreneurs. All counselors are volunteers with an average experience of about 45 years. Columbus Chapter 27 offers over 50 training seminars annually with a nominal cost. The longest, “How to Start Your Business,” includes eight speakers and lasts for eight hours.
Service Corps of Retired Executives
2 Nationwide Plaza, Suite 1400
Columbus, Ohio 43215-2542
(614) 469-2357
FAX: (614) 469-5848
www.scorecolumbus.org
Women’s Business Resources Program
The Women’s Business Resource Program, a service of the Small Business Development Centers of Ohio, is available to all women interested in starting, managing or expanding a business in Ohio. WBR serves as an information clearinghouse of resources for women in business and as an advocate on behalf of women entrepreneurs, and is the key entry point to the Ohio Department of Development for women in business. The program identifies the unique needs of women business owners, helps them identify sources of financing and provides direction to procurement opportunities with government agencies and private industry throughout Ohio.
Women’s Business Resources Program SBDC
Ohio Department of Development
Economic Development Division – Office of Small Business
P.O. Box 1001, 77 S. High St., 28th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43216-1001
(614) 466-4945 or (800) 848-1300
FAX: (614) 466-0829
www.ohiosbdc.org
Women’s Network for Entrepreneurial Training Program
The Women’s Network for Entrepreneurial Training program links emerging women business owners (protégés) who have been in business for at least one year with successful experienced women business owners (mentors). Over the course of one year, the WNET mentor guides her protégé through the challenges of growing a successful business. All program participants must agree to a minimum time investment to ensure that full benefits of the mentoring program are attained. The WNET program serves the Greater Columbus metropolitan area and is the only program of its kind within the state of Ohio. WNET is a program of the Ohio Small Business Development Center at the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Ohio Department of Development and the Greater Columbus chamber of Commerce.
Women’s Network for Entrepreneurial Training
OSBDC at the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce
37 N. High St.
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 225-6910
FAX: (614) 469-8250
www.columbus-chamber.org
Some of the information contained in this section was provided by The Daily Reporter.