*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  – 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

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.

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 webinar archived video

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? Check out an 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.

Here’s the link to access the archived Jan 14 webinar video:

https://youtu.be/PdfQGb6z-gg.

For more info on this program, visit https://www.sba.gov/coronavirusrelief or email SVOGrant@sba.gov with your questions (please include topic in the subject line).

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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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Join the Northern Ohio SBA District Office and the Procurement Technical Assistance Center to learn more about the SBA’s HUBZone Business Development Program.

This workshop will examine:

  • What is the HUBZone business development program?

  • Who can participate in the program?

  • What are the benefits?

  • How to apply?

  • And much more!

There will also be a special presentation from an active HUBzone firm to share their experience and success in this business development program!

Wed, March 24, 2021

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

 

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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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