The Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is now APEX – Akron satellite office in the Bounce Innovation Hub, Ste. 601A; Jane Stewart (440) 525-7733, stewartj1@ohio.edu
The (Akron) Small Business Development Center (Summit Medina Business Alliance) – www.akronsbdc.org
Summit Medina Business Alliance Satellite Office in Kent – 330.678.8108 – smcgann@akronsbdc.org
Minority Business Assistance Center at the Akron Urban League – www.akronurbanleague.org; 234.542.4149
U.S. Small Business Administration, Cleveland District Office – Cleveland District Office; 1350 Euclid Avenue, Suite 211, Cleveland, Ohio 44115 – www.sba.gov
We’re Here to Help Businesses Get Assistance
The Ohio Development Services Agency has many resources to help business owners make it through the current crisis and prepare for a strong future. Here are some of the resources, and most of them are offered at no cost to businesses.
The Ohio Development Services Agency’s Export Assistance Office has a new name for its specialized export service centers, called the Ohio SBDC Export Assistance Network. These services are available at seven regional Ohio Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) located across the state.
Formerly known as International Trade Assistance Centers (ITACs), the Ohio SBDC Export Assistance Network will continue to offer the same great service to help grow your business internationally.
Export services include:
No-cost, confidential counseling from Export Assistance Network Directors
In-depth market research in more than 40 countries to help small businesses build local relationships and identify quality distributors
International marketing grants to encourage more investment into market development; and export-trained internships to support export growth.
The U.S. Small Business Administration Columbus District Office will present a FREE webinar for small business owners and entrepreneurs through ATT Connect. This webinar will provide information about financing options for your business; SBA loans, programs and services; how to apply for a loan; and, what to include in your business plan. The webinar should last about 40 minutes with a Q&A at the end. ATT Connect is a call-in and web site login conferencing system which provides an audio presentation over the phone and a video presentation over the internet. All that is needed to participate is a computer with internet access and a phone to call a toll-free number. This webinar will be offered on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. The Webinar is FREE, but registration is required so that you may receive instructions and the access code needed to participate.
The Minority Business Development Division and Minority Business Assistance Centers can help businesses become state-certified in four different programs:
-Minority Business Enterprise Program (MBE)
-Encouraging Diversity Growth and Equity Program (EDGE)
-Women Business Enterprise Program (WBE)
-Veteran-Friendly Business Enterprise Procurement Program (VBE)
Veterans have the character, discipline and skills needed to succeed as small business owners and entrepreneurs. Wondering what it takes and how you can prepare? Enroll in Boots to Business Reboot.
Boots to Business Reboot is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The course provides an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable business ownership fundamentals. Veterans of all eras, Active Duty Service members (including National Guard and Reserve), and spouses are eligible to participate.
The program is facilitated by subject matter experts from the SBA and their extensive network of skilled business advisors. Participants that complete an in-person or online B2B Reboot course can elect to further their study through one of many B2B online courses, offered at no cost to Service members, Veterans and military spouses. If you’ve already attended an in-person or online B2B Reboot course, visit https://sbavets.force.com/ to sign up for one of the online B2B follow-on courses.
