The Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) gives local small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs the edge by providing the business expertise and counsel to help them succeed. Working with local Chambers and other regional economic development programs and through cooperative agreements with the Ohio Department of Development and the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBDC helps new businesses start right and provides essential resources for existing businesses.

Counseling

SBDC's network of management and technical assistance can help local businesses:

• set venture capital strategies
• establish cash flow programs
• devise target marketing structures
• locate appropriate production and retail facilities
• develop accounting and record keeping systems
• survey export and import potential
• assist to develop effective hiring strategies
• and track specific services available locally to small enterprises through public and private agencies.

A volunteer network of more than 50 local business, technical and professional leaders provides a wide range of resources. Whether the needs are in start-up, expansion or survival, the SBDC network provides small businesses with the know-how and counsel to help them succeed. These services are provided at NO COST through the SBDC.

Workshops

The SBDC offers workshops and conferences that address a variety of topics such as financing a business, basic management techniques, business planning, marketing and sales, purchasing, record keeping, legal issues affecting small business, specific industry issues, international trade, computerization and many others depending on client requests and needs.

A monthly start-up workshop session is held for persons who are just getting started. These sessions are essential to those who are still in the idea stage of business planning.

For more information on SBDC seminars, please contact the SBDC hotline at 614-287-5294.