Reimagining Main Street

Ohio SBDC supports small businesses and entrepreneurs in rural communities across Ohio. With 24 SBDC centers across Ohio, business support is never more than 55 miles away. With SBDC support, rural business owner, Sharon Miller, was able to launch her dream to bring naturally dyed yarns to clients across NE Ohio and beyond.

Across Ohio SBDCs are participating in the SBA's Community Navigator Pilot Program to ensure that advising and training is accessible to underserved communities. The Ohio SBDC at Springfield is one such recipient and is using Navigator funding to launch its "Level The Field" campaign. Ohio SBDC is proud to have its most divers client base in the program's 37 year history, and with Navigator support, SBDC services will reach new populations.

In 2022, Ohio SBDC assisted more than 500 Ohio businesses in selling goods and services in more than 120 countries worldwide. These same clients increased sales by more than $62 million over the prior year. One such client is Kirila Fire. With SBDC support, Kirila expanded from the Mahoning Valley to worldwide.

Tanner Wilson was still a student when he worked with Ohio SBDC to launch his first venture. Now, ten years later, this serial entrepreneur sees the SBDC program as his partner in launching his most significant new business idea.

Ohio Small Businesses have received more than 178,000 hours of no-cost advising since the first case of COVID-19 in the state

Ohio SBDC supports Veteran-Owned small businesses. From participation in transition assistance training at Wright Patterson to on-the-ground advising when a veteran calls a new community home, Ohio SBDC is proud to support veteran business owners as they seek success. Levi Duncan has found success with the Ohio SBDC at Springfield.

Women Owned Businesses and Entrepreneurs accessed Ohio SBDC Advising and Training in 2022. This is more than the total number of clients in 2018.

With six SBDCs located in Ohio's Appalachian-designated counties, SBDC support for Appalachian business is never more than a quick trip or phone call away. In 2022, 1,740 Appalachian-based businesses received more than 16,500 hours of SBDC advising. These clients helped create and retain more then 2,500 jobs and $49.3 million in increased sales.  Ohio SBDC at Ohio University helps businesses like Kountry Resorts to a destination.