*N.E. Ohio SBDC Network News & Events

Watch for frequent updates to upcoming events of N. E Ohio SBDCs and the Cleveland District Office of the Small Business Administration…

  • The Northeast Ohio Trade & Economic Consortium (NEOTEC) at KSU, Kent, Ohio – www.neotec.org
  • The Small Business Development Center at Kent State Stark – North Canton, Ohio – www.cantonsbdc.org
  • The Manufacturing & Technology Small Business Development Center (MTSBDC) at Kent State University – 330.672.0793 – call for info.
  • The Export Assistance Network (formerly ITAC – the International Trade Assistance Center) – 614.466.2711 – Export@development.ohio.gov
  • The Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) – satellite office in the Bounce Innovation Hub, Ste. 601A, 526 S. Main St., Akron, Ohio – www.ohio.edu/ptac
  • 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

And More!

Scroll down to discover about our network and the training opportunities they have to offer…

 

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Webinar: Shuttered Venue Operators Grant-January 14th @ 3 PM

https://www.eventbrite.com/…/shuttered-venue-operators…

Are you a theatrical producer, talent representative, venue promoter or do you operate a live venue, live performing arts organization, movie house or cultural institution and have been impacted by COVID-19? Register for SBA’s webinar on Thursday, January 14, at 3 p.m. ET, for a preliminary overview of the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program included in the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act. Eligible organizations with a reduction in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic will have the opportunity to receive up to a $10 million grant under the program.

This webinar will provide introductory information about the grants, who can apply, how potential organizations can prepare, and additional details re: eligibility and applications.

Register today

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Here is a newly released

SBA SOS Program FAQ

 that was included as part of the last round of stimulus. This fund was established to give grants to live entertainment venue operators, theaters or promoters. $2 billion of the total $15 billion is being set aside for venues with fewer than 50 employees.  In the SBDC realm, this program will be most applicable to movie theatres.

We have not yet received word when this program will officially launch.

Here is an in-depth synopsis of the program and eligibility requirements from an industry publication:

https://www.troutman.com/insights/sos-save-our-stages-covid-19-relief-for-shuttered-venue-operators-is-coming-soon.html

 

 

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WEBINAR

How to Sell Your Product or Service to the Federal Government: Friday, February 12, 2021, 10am to 11:30am

REGISTER HERE

Each year, our government spends billions of dollars in goods and services purchases from private firms. The SBA works to create an environment for maximum participation by small, disadvantaged, and woman-owned businesses in federal government contract awards and large prime subcontract awards. SBA administers several programs and services that assist small businesses in meeting the requirements to receive government contracts, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. These include the 8(a) Business Development Program, SAM, HUBZone Program and SUB-Net. Find out how these programs can help your business.

 

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Ohio SBDC Export Assistance Network

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.

For more information, click here.

 

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     At Ohio University

Government at all levels purchases billions of dollars’ worth of products and services each year. The process of contracting with the government can be confusing and frustrating. The Ohio University Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) can be your guide.

OU PTAC offers help:

  • determining your company’s suitability for contracting
  • securing necessary registration and certification eligibility
  • researching procurement histories
  • identifying bid opportunities
  • preparing proposal and audit documents
  • troubleshooting contract performance issues

For a specific list of services offered, click here.

Best of all – all services are provided at no cost to Ohio businesses.
The Ohio University Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) gives small businesses the tools and training required to successfully compete in the government marketplace. PTAC offers help in every aspect of the government contracting process, from getting started to post-award assistance. PTAC helps entrepreneurs who are new to government contracting, as well as seasoned contractors, all at no cost to you!

PTAC Akron satellite office: 

Bounce Innovation Hub

526 S. Main St., Ste. 601A

Akron, OH 44311

Office: 330.252.0571

www.ohio.edu/ptac

 

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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 link is: https://sbawebinarwednesday.eventbrite.com

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  PREPARING FOR CONSTRUCTION SEASON

·         Is your business ready for the upcoming construction season?

·         Are you bonded?

·         Do you have enough bonding?

·         Do you know where to find contracts to bid on?

·         Have you created your Drug Free Workplace plan?

 

Register today to get your small business ready for the upcoming construction season. Presentations will include:

·         How to find bid opportunities with the Ohio Department of Transportation

·         How to find bid opportunities with the federal government

·         What is a Drug Free Workplace plan and how it can help your business

·         How the SBA Surety Bond Guarantee Program can help get you the right surety bond for your next project

 

When:

January 26, 2021

8:00 am—11:00 am

(breaks included)

Where:

Virtual via Teams

(This event will not be recorded)

REGISTER HERE

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The 2020 IMAGE Grant is Coming…

Did you know that that state of Ohio has a grant to support small-medium sized exporters? The International Market Access Grant for Exporters (IMAGE) has helped dozens of exporters across the state offset the costs required to help their products reach foreign markets.

The grant funds are allocated on a first come first serve basis, so we always encourage companies to get their application in sooner rather than later. Be on the lookout for an announcement very soon when the grant application opens. When the announcement is made we will blast out details to all on this list.

Meantime, if you have questions about the IMAGE grant, possible expenses it covers, and whether your company qualifies, reach out to our team at gbc@csuohio.edu.

Applications will close at 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, 2020.

 

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