Ohio Small Business Development Centers

The Ohio Small Business Development Centers Network is the premier technical assistance program for Ohio’s small businesses. The network is provided through a partnership between the Ohio Development Services Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration and selected Ohio chambers of commerce, colleges and universities, and economic development agencies. Today, these federal, state, and local partnerships contribute more than $10 million in cash and resources to the support of small business development in Ohio.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)

There are 28 funded SBDCs throughout Ohio staffed by highly trained, Certified Business Advisors®. Centers provide no-cost, confidential, in-depth, one-on-one counseling for businesses that will or currently employ under 500 employees. Additional services include training, e-counseling, quality-based assessments, technical assistance, loan packaging guidance, and information on federal, state, and local regulations and programs.

International Trade Assistance

International Trade Assistance is provided at selected SBDC locations to serve as the first point of contact for new-to-export businesses, as well as those expanding into new areas. Services include export readiness assessment, international marketing plans, market research, export compliance education, and access to export financing.

Manufacturing and Technology Small Business Development Centers (MTSBDC)

Manufacturing and Technology Small Business Development Centers serve as the initial point of contact for information, resources, referrals, and counseling for small manufacturing businesses. Centers also offer commercialization assistance to technology-based small businesses.