Entrepreneurship and Small Business Division

Please attend the Keys to Success Award Ceremony on September 30, 2008.  For more information please click here.

The Entrepreneurship and Small Business Division of the Ohio Department of Development provides assistance to business owners and entrepreneurs in order to encourage both the creation and the expansion of small businesses throughout the State of Ohio.

Our Mission is to provide innovative programs and services to Ohio entrepreneurs and small business owners, through effective communication, collaboration, creativity and technology support, to encourage sustainable growth.

Not-So-Small Business
The Ohio Department of Development sponsors series of TV Shows, focusing on small businesses in Ohio, and the ins and outs of becoming an entrepreneur. This show also examines the best practices of small businesses throughout the state of Ohio.
The show is slated for broadcast on:
August 15, 2008 at 2:00pm and 10:00pm
August 17, 2008 at 2:00pm and 10:00pm
August 28, 2008 at 9:00am and 5:00pm
www.ohiochannel.org

 Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) of Ohio Department of Development
Within the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Division, the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) is considered the gateway for small business owners and entrepreneurs to access supportive services.  The SBDCs are staffed with highly trained business advisors who offer FREE counseling and training (place link to entrepreneurshohio.org on the training) to help with highly specific business needs.  The 36 centers across Ohio are in your local communities to guide you to the right resources and services to help your business grow and succeed.  Visit www.EntrepreneurOhio.org
Contact:  (614) 466-2711 or (800) 848-1300 ext 6-2711

1st Stop Business Connection
The 1st Stop Business Connection provides a FREE, comprehensive business start-up kit to guide you through registering your business in Ohio.  1st Stop is a service of the Ohio Department of Development's Small Business Development Center program and the U. S. Small Business Administration
Contact:  (614) 466-4232 or (800) 248-4040

Specialized Markets
The Specialized Markets Program provides outreach and training to unique market sub-segments in the small business community, including senior citizens, baby boomers, veterans, displaced workers, the physically challenged, minorities, youth and faith-based organizations.  The Entrepreneurship and Small Business Division collaborates with other state agencies and service providers to support individuals in these markets to start and grow businesses.  A key component of our program is the  "How to Start a Home-Based Business" workshop, which is tailored to each market by the use of presenters from the target population.
Contact:  (614) 466-2718 or (800) 848-1300 ext. 6-2718

Women's Programs
The Women's Programming will provide valuable resources to women entrepreneurs to help overcome the barriers that impede business success.  These resources include training, procurement, marketing, networking and counseling through our Small Business Development Center network.  Additionally, the Directory of Women-Owned Businesses will identify companies throughout the state by industry and location.
Contact:  (614) 466-2718 or (800) 848-1300 ext. 6-2718

Small Business Register 
The register is a weekly listing of proposed agency rules and regulations affecting small business and organization across Ohio.
Contact:  (614) 466-2718 or (800) 848-1300 ext. 6-2718