While many nationally focused resources offer helpful solutions, some issues are better addressed at the state or local level. Answers to licensing, zoning, sales tax, incorporation, economic development issues and a mountain of other matters often reside at the state level. Ironically, however, finding the right resources closer to home can often be even more difficult, as local solutions often live in many different places.
Cover your bases by seeking solutions in these locations:
- State government agencies, such as the commerce department, economic development office, secretary of state's office or other business-related state agencies.
- Small business assistance programs offered through local universities and community colleges that are backed by state and federal resources. These include Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and SCORE offices.
- Private, non-profit and special-interest industry and business organizations that provide a range of services, networking opportunities and even funding options for small businesses.
- State and local offices of federal agency programs, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) office in your area.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Get free help from the Small Business Development Centers of Ohio
SBDCs of Ohio can help you start or expand a business in Ohio.I recommend: Whether you're starting your business, expanding your business or just looking to stay in business, SBDCs of Ohio can help with professional guidance by connecting you with research, financing sources and training opportunities. SBDCs of Ohio provide free, in-depth and confidential business consulting and training to pre-venture, startup and existing small businesses through a network of 38 centers (including international trade, technology and manufacturing) statewide.
Tap into Ohio's Office of Small Business
The state Office of Small Business, under the Ohio Department of Development, offers assistance to business owners for both startup and expansion.I recommend: The 1st Stop Business Connection provides free state-level information needed to get started or continue on your entrepreneurial journey.
Connect to an Ohio small business resource portal
Discover hundreds of local programs offering free and low-cost help for starting and growing your business.I recommend: The Business Utility Zone Gateway for Ohio can connect you with a wide range of people, tools and resources.
Snag state-level help from the SBA
District, state and regional offices of the U.S. Small Business Administration can put a more focused face on federal programs and resources, and plug you into local training and assistance solutions.I recommend: Just plug in a Zip Code, select a specific city from the pull-down menu or check your state on the U.S. map in the middle of the SBA home page.
SCORE more free help for your biz
SCORE, "Counselors to America's small business" is a terrific national organization that provides free mentoring for small business owners.I recommend: These are SCORE Ohio offices: Akron - Akron SCORE; Cincinnati - Cincinnati SCORE; Cleveland - Cleveland SCORE; Columbus - Columbus SCORE; Dayton - Dayton SCORE; Mansfield - North Central Ohio SCORE; North Canton - Canton Regional SCORE; Toledo - Toledo SCORE; Youngstown - Youngstown SCORE.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Many types of businesses require state, city or county licenses and permits. State offices listed above will spell out any specific requirements for your industry.
- Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are an often-overlooked but terrific place to obtain free or low-cost advice and information, including training seminars and technology resources that are nearby.
- Locally-based SBDC consultants can advise you individually on how to write a business plan, market your products and services, find financial resources and other valuable information.
- The regional SBA office can plug you into loan and assistance programs, seminars and other initiatives to aid small businesses.
- Linking up with a local SCORE counselor is a great way to learn from an experienced individual about state-specific solutions.
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