Upcoming Small Business Events
Below is a list of upcoming events in Ohio, courtesy of Alexander Kohls of the SBA
February 23, 2018 – The Dayton Tech Guide will be hosting Early Risers in Dayton. This event is intended to bring together big companies and startups in a mutually beneficial forum, allowing executives the opportunity to find innovative solutions to their industry problems and increasing the entrepreneurs’ odds of finding resources to take their business to the next level. To register, please visit here.
February 23, 2018 – The SBA and the Wright Brothers Institute will be hosting Access to Capital in Dayton. This FREE workshop will discuss the various financial and loan guaranty programs available to small businesses through the SBA and other organizations. To register, please visit here.
February 23, 2018 – Technology First will be hosting ETL and the Cloud in Dayton. This workshop will be facilitated by Sankar Arunachalam and Matt Wenning of Speedway. To learn more and to register, please contact Marcia Albers and malbers@technologyfirst.org.
February 23, 2018 – Technology First will be hosting Building a Cyber-Mindful Culture in Dayton. This workshop will be facilitated by the University of Dayton Information Technologies Team who will discuss their award-winning approach to building a culture that is “Cyber-Mindful.” To learn more and to register, please contact Marcia Albers and malbers@technologyfirst.org.
February 24, 2018 – Dayton SCORE will be hosting Small Business Start-Up Orientation in Dayton. This workshop curriculum is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who have a dream of starting a business and do not have a clear understanding of where to begin and how to proceed. To register, please visit here.
February 24, 2018 – RISE Business Academy will be hosting a Business Plan Workshop in Cincinnati. This FREE workshop will discuss the importance of the business plan by focusing on sales projections, expense budgets, milestones, and tasks. To register, please visit here.
February 26, 2018 – The SBDC at the Greater Cincinnati Urban League will be hosting Market Research Overview in Cincinnati. This FREE workshop is designed to provide valuable information on conducting market research which is a fundamental component of developing a successful business strategy. To register, please visit here.
February 27, 2018 – Clark State Community College will be hosting Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification Training in Beavercreek. This event will educate attendees on how to use the five step Lean Six Sigma problem solving process called DMAIC in conjunction with the most important Lean Six Sigma tools. To register, please visit here.
February 27, 2018 – Confluence will be hosting Confluence Connects in Cincinnati. This event will discuss the major challenges with lead in water and the unexpected challenges that have arisen, as well as what the top utility experts have learned and what the community needs to know. To register, please visit here. Registration details will be forthcoming.
February 28, 2018 – The SBDC at Columbus State will be hosting a Small Business Tax Workshop in Columbus. This FREE event will educate attendees on the federal and state tax rights, as well as requirements and responsibilities. To register, please visit here.
February 28, 2018 – The SBDC at The Hamilton Mill will be hosting U.S. Census Bureau Data and How it Can Help My Business in Hamilton. This FREE class is designed to assist small business owners in finding key data for their business plan or to better understand their potential market. To register, please visit here.
February 28, 2018 – The SBDC at Kent State-Tuscarawas will be hosting Harness Local Search (SEO) for Your Business in New Philadelphia. As part of the Digital Marketing Seminar Series, this workshop will educate attendees on local search and its importance on attracting more customers to a business. To register, please visit here.
February 28, 2018 – Innovate New Albany will be hosting Unlocking Online Sales in New Albany. As part of the Tiger Talk Series, this FREE workshop will discuss spending money on online ads, getting prospects to contact a business first, using social media, and increasing revenues without spending more time and money. To register, please visit here.
February 28 and March 1, 2018 – The SBDC at Columbus State will be hosting Construction Safety Elements in Columbus. This FREE, two-day workshop will cover a variety of topics including interpreting and complying with OSHA 29 CFR 1926 regulations, hazard recognition skills, mitigating risk factors, and more! To register, please visit here.
March 1, 2018 – The Dayton Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) will be hosting Business Orientation in Dayton. This FREE workshop will provide an overview of business management and assistance services, financial and bonding resources, and regional contracting opportunities. For more information and to register, please call 937-333-1030.
March 3, 2018 – The Wright State Patent & Trademark Resource Center will be hosting Patent Basics in Dayton. This FREE workshop offers basic patent information and search techniques using the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website and databases. To register, please contact Ran Raider at 937-775-3521.
March 6, 2018 – The SBDC at the Greater Cincinnati Urban League will be hosting SBDC Start Up Tuesday in Cincinnati. This FREE workshop will cover a variety of topics including business formation and registry, required licenses/documents, and steps in the business development process. To register, please visit here.
March 6, 2018 – Kegler Brown will be hosting a Managing Labor + Employee Relations Seminar in Columbus. This event will cover a variety of topics including maintain safety in the workplace, Ohio’s new Workers’ Compensation legislation, privacy and data security risk in a world of flexible workplaces, and more! For more information and to register, please contact Korri Titus at 614-255-5515.
March 6, 2018 – Clark Schaefer Hackett will be hosting Cybersecurity: Understanding the Current Threat Landscape in West Chester. This workshop will cover a variety of topics including the current threat landscape, common intrusions, ransomware, and how businesses can work with law enforcement. To register, please visit here.
March 6, 2018 – The SBDC at Columbus State and FranNet will be hosting Franchising Today – How to Select, Finance, and Operate Successfully in Columbus. This FREE workshop will de-mystify the franchise buying process and how to successfully get into business for yourself. To register, please visit here.
March 6, 2018 – The Northern Kentucky International Trade Association (NKITA) and DHL will be hosting Exporting 101 in Ft. Mitchell, KY. This workshop will educate attendees on the basic information needed to export products out of the U.S. To register, please visit here.
March 6, 2018 – The Cincinnati MBAC will be hosting Small Business Startup Series: Session One in Cincinnati. This FREE workshop will discuss the differences between LLCs, Corporations, Sole Proprietorships, and Partnerships, as well as how to minimize risk when starting a business. To register, please visit here.
March 6, 2018 – The John Glenn College of Public Affairs and WOSU Public Media will be hosting The New Age of Entrepreneurship in Columbus. This event will discuss local leaders, diversity at the top, making a difference while making a profit, and the risks and rewards of investing in central Ohio. To register, please visit here.
March 7, 2018 – Technology First will be hosting the 15th Annual Ohio Information Security Conference in Dayton. This event will feature cross-presentations of all industries including manufacturing, healthcare, logistics/distribution, government sector, and many more! To register, please visit here.
March 7, 2018 – The SBDC at Warren County will be hosting The Modernized Ohio Business Gateway in Mason. This FREE workshop will introduce the newly transformed and modernized Ohio Business Gateway which is an online filing and payment system that simplifies Ohio business’ relationship with the state. To register, please visit here.
March 7, 2018 – The SBDC at The Entrepreneurs Center and the Dayton Metro Library will be hosting Market Research that Won’t Break the Bank in Dayton. This FREE workshop will educate attendees on the various resources provided by the library to identify potential customers, find information on consumer demographics, and more! To register, please visit here.
March 7, 2018 – The Innovation Center at Ohio University will be hosting an IDEAtion Workshop in Athens. This FREE workshop is designed to help individuals develop their business idea, provide tools to help them succeed, and discuss next steps. To register, please visit here.
March 7, 2018 – Technology First will be hosting the 2018 Ohio Information Security Conference in Dayton. This event will feature cross presentations of all industries including manufacturing, healthcare, logistics/distribution, government, and more, as well as the opportunity to network with over 250 IT professionals. To register, please visit here.
March 7, 2018 – Columbus SCORE will be hosting How to Write a Business Plan in Columbus. This workshop will educate attendees on how to write a business plan by identifying the best market segments, pinpointing the most profitable customers, and beating the competition. To register, please visit here.
March 7, 2018 – The SBDC at Kent State-Tuscarawas and Canton SCORE will be hosting Winning in Search Engines with Powerful Social and Content Strategies in New Philadelphia. This workshop will educate attendees on the top three search ranking factors, the three pillars of digital marketing, and how to think like a publisher. To register, please visit here.
March 7-8, 2018 – The SBDC at Columbus State will be hosting Basis of a Successful Enterprise (BASE) Class in Columbus. This FREE, two-day workshop will educate attendees on what it takes to build a business around their dreams and passion. To register, please visit here.
March 8, 2018 – The Dayton Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) will be hosting Business Orientation in Dayton. This FREE workshop will provide an overview of business management and assistance services, financial and bonding resources, and regional contracting opportunities. For more information and to register, please call 937-333-1030.
March 9, 2018 – The Ohio Export Assistance Network at Wright State and the SBA will be hosting Exploring the Opportunities and Risks in the Chinese Market in Dayton. This workshop will cover a variety of topics including the best market entry strategies, the challenges of doing business in China, protecting and developing intellectual property, and more! To register, please visit here.
March 9, 2018 – Innovate New Albany will be hosting How PR Fuels Business Growth & Tips for Hiring a Pro in New Albany. As part of their Tiger Talk Series, this FREE workshop will discuss the key role of public relations in fueling brand awareness and audience engagement that propels business growth. To register, please visit here.
March 9, 2018 – The Cincinnati international chambers of commerce will be hosting Workplace Harassment: A Cross-Cultural Discussion in Cincinnati. This seminar will discuss how miscommunication and misunderstandings resulting from cultural differences can lead to potential conflict and how to help ensure a safe and productive workplace. To register, please visit here.
March 10, 2018 – Cincinnati SCORE will be hosting Small Business Dream to Reality – What It Takes in Cincinnati. This workshop offers valuable insight into small business startup fundamentals for the new or undecided entrepreneur. To register, please visit here.
March 12, 2018 – Kellogg Supplier Diversity will be hosting the 6th Annual B2B in Battle Creek, MI. This FREE event will feature buyers from area corporations, government, healthcare providers, and institutes of higher learning to meet with potential suppliers. To learn more and to register, please visit here.
March 13, 2018 – The SBDC at Columbus State will be hosting Latino Basis of a Successful Enterprise (BASE) Class in Columbus. This FREE workshop will educate attendees on what it takes to build a business around their dreams and passion. Please note that this session will be taught in Spanish. To register, please visit here.
March 13, 2018 – American Advertising Federation (AAF) Dayton will be hosting SummitUp 2018 in Dayton. This event is designed to help professionals elevate their marketing through outstanding keynote speakers and breakout sessions. To register, please visit here.
March 13, 2018 – Cultivate will be hosting Is Working in a Startup Right for You? in Grove City. This FREE workshop will educate attendees on how to access job opportunities within startups, what skills startups require in potential employees, what works in a startup vs. corporates, and how to thrive in a startup culture. To register, please visit here.
March 13, 2018 – Clark Schaefer Hackett will be hosting Cybersecurity: Understanding the Current Threat Landscape in West Chester. This workshop will cover a variety of topics including the current threat landscape, common intrusions, ransomware, and how businesses can work with law enforcement. To register, please visit here.
March 13, 2018 – The Columbus Council on World Affairs will be hosting Global Fluency Training in Columbus. This workshop will cover a comprehensive framework for understanding how cultures differ in order to ensure sustainable cross-cultural acumen. To register, please visit here.
March 13-16, 2018 – Xavier Health and the FDA will be hosting the PharmaLink Conference in Cincinnati. This conference serves as a convergence of expertise and current, critical topics such as Supply by Design, Global Product Stewardship, Regulatory Strategy, FDA Top Priorities, Beyond Metrics Through the Power of Artificial Intelligence, and more! To register, please visit here.
March 14, 2018 – The SBDC at Wright State will be hosting Entrepreneurial Basics in Dayton. This FREE seminar is designed to provide a high-level overview of what it means to start a business and the key issues to handle. To learn more and to register, please visit here.
March 14, 2018 – Dayton SCORE will be hosting Introduction to Services Available in Dayton. This FREE workshop will provide a top level summary of information and services from a number of agencies and organizations where help is available for small business. To register, please visit here.
March 14-15, 2018 – Clark State Community College will be hosting Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Training in Springfield. This two-day event will educate attendees on how to lead a team through the five step Lean Six Sigma problem process called DMAIC in conjunction with some more advanced Lean Six Sigma tools. To register, please visit here.
March 15, 2018 – The Dayton Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) will be hosting Business Orientation in Dayton. This FREE workshop will provide an overview of business management and assistance services, financial and bonding resources, and regional contracting opportunities. For more information and to register, please call 937-333-1030.
March 15, 2018 – Columbus SCORE will be hosting Finding Opportunities Outside Your Core Business in Grove City. This workshop will educate attendees on the three ‘Windows to Growth’ for expanding to new markets, how to conduct a customer base analysis, identifying the best market-entry strategy, and six steps for succeeding in diverse expansions. To register, please visit here.
March 15, 2018 – The Dayton Metro Library and Dayton SCORE will be hosting What Do Buyers Really Want? in Dayton. This first installment of a three-part series, this session will discuss practical strategies for adapting and finding success in a new marketing and sales landscape. To register, please visit here.
March 17, 2018 – Cincinnati SCORE will be hosting Marketing for Success – Small Business Action Plan in Cincinnati. This workshop will educate attendees on proven, successful methods to define the market and competitors, identify market niche and target customer, and develop a compelling plan to attract profitable business. To register, please visit here.
March 17, 2018 – The SBDC at Wright State will be hosting a Branding Workshop for Small Businesses in Dayton. This FREE workshop will discuss a variety of topics including clarifying a message, attracting the right customer for the right reasons, building the foundation for sales and marketing, and more! To register, please visit here.
March 20, 2018 – The SBDC at Columbus State will be hosting an MBE and EDGE Certification Workshop in Columbus. This working class will walk attendees through the application process for Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity (EDGE) Certifications. To learn more about what to bring to the class and to register, please visit here.
March 20, 2018 – The Northern Kentucky Chamber will be hosting Cyber Security Update in Ft. Mitchell, KY. This workshop will discuss a variety of topics including cybercrime data, cyber security best practices, examples of cyberattacks, and more! To register, please visit here.
March 20, 2018 – Columbus SCORE will be hosting More Than Fast Food & Fries – Why Consider Franchise Ownership in 2018? in Columbus. This workshop will discuss the benefits of owning a franchise and how they provide the playbook to executing business ownership dreams. To register, please visit here.
March 20-21, 2018 – The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) will be hosting a Training, Knowledge, and Opportunities Seminar in Columbus. This FREE seminar will educate attendees on how to find open solicitations, how to submit a quote, the procedures for viewing/downloading drawings, and how to use the iRAPT to get paid. To register, please visit here.
March 21, 2018 – The SBDC at the Clermont County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting Steps to Starting a New Business in Cincinnati. This FREE workshop will educate attendees on how to start a business. To register, please visit here.
March 21, 2018 – Dayton SCORE and FranNet will be hosting Is Business Ownership for You? in Centerville. This workshop will feature an informative presentation on business and franchising basics, as well as the various resources available to help businesses through the process. Registration details will be forthcoming.
March 21, 2018 – The Cincinnati MBAC and ODOT will be hosting a Certification Workshop in Cincinnati. This FREE workshop will discuss various certifications including Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Encouraging Diversity, Growth, and Equity (EDGE), Veteran Friendly Enterprise (VBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), and Small Business Enterprise (SBE). To register, please visit here.
March 21, 2018 – The SBDC at Warren County will be hosting Credit Management and Access to Capital in Springboro. This FREE workshop will discuss why good credit is essential for business owners, what’s in a credit score, how to obtain one, how to monitor your credit, SBA loan guaranty programs, and more! To register, please visit here.
March 21, 2018 – DaytonDefense will be hosting a Lunch and Learn in Dayton. This month’s speaker will be Dr. Steve Rogers of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) who will discuss his vision for AFRL’s autonomy strategy, the associated challenges with embracing such technology, and speeding it transition into USAF weapon systems. To register, please visit here.
March 21-22, 2018 – The SBDC at Columbus State will be hosting Basis of a Successful Enterprise (BASE) Class in Columbus. This FREE, two-day workshop will educate attendees on what it takes to build a business around their dreams and passion. To register, please visit here.
March 22, 2018 – The SBDC at The Entrepreneurs Center will be hosting Recordkeeping for the Small Business in Dayton. This FREE workshop will provide an overview of the recordkeeping and is designed to help participants understand how it can benefit their small business. To register, please visit here.
March 22, 2018 – The Dayton Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) will be hosting Business Orientation in Dayton. This FREE workshop will provide an overview of business management and assistance services, financial and bonding resources, and regional contracting opportunities. For more information and to register, please call 937-333-1030.
March 23, 2018 – The U.S. Commercial Service and the Troy Chamber of Commerce will be hosting Government Resources For Your Business in Troy. This FREE event will feature Congressman Warren Davidson and will educate attendees on the various business resources available to them. To register, please visit here.
March 23, 2018 – Innovate New Albany will be hosting Simple Steps to Avoid Getting Hacked in New Albany. As part of the Tiger Talk Series, this FREE workshop will discuss simple fixes that can implemented at little to no cost, programs and software that actually work, and educating yourself and employees to avoid data breaches. To register, please visit here.
March 26, 2018 – The Foreign Policy Leadership Council will be hosting When US Foreign Policy Goals Conflict with Conduct of American Businesses Abroad in Cincinnati. This event will feature Mr. Qaisar Shareef who will discuss his work abroad as P&G country manager in Pakistan and Ukraine. To register, please visit here.
March 26-27, 2018 – The SBDC at Wright State will be hosting Business Plan Development in Dayton. This two-day seminar is designed to teach entrepreneurs how to successfully create a simple yet effective business plan. To learn more and to register, please visit here.
March 28, 2018 – The SBDC at Columbus State will be hosting a Small Business Tax Workshop in Columbus. This event will educate attendees on the federal and state tax rights, as well as requirements and responsibilities. To register, please visit here.
March 28, 2018 – Columbus SCORE will be hosting How to Create a Revenue Generating Marketing Plan in Columbus. This workshop will educate attendees on SCORE’s easy to implement, step by step process for creating a marketing road map to ensure business growth. To register, please visit here.
March 29, 2018 – The SBDC at the Clermont County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting Developing a Content Calendar in Cincinnati. This FREE workshop will provide insights into a dynamic plan for the year ahead, working outline for your content, and developing a clear picture of your audience and their needs. To register, please visit here.
March 29, 2018 – Columbus SCORE will be hosting Learn How the Library is a Premier Source for Business Information in Columbus. This workshop will cover a variety of topics including accessing free business data, understanding the industry and competitive landscape, identifying target customers for growth, and reviewing successful sample business plans. To register, please visit here.
March 29, 2018 – The Dayton Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) will be hosting Business Orientation in Dayton. This FREE workshop will provide an overview of business management and assistance services, financial and bonding resources, and regional contracting opportunities. For more information and to register, please call 937-333-1030.
March 29, 2018 – The Columbus Council on World Affairs will be hosting The U.S. and China: Prospects for Trade and Security Relations in Columbus. This event will feature a dialogue on the relationship between the U.S. and China and its implications on the economy and security of both countries. To register, please visit here.
March 30, 2018 – Innovate New Albany will be hosting Think Like a Futurist: 10 Habits of Mind to Enhance Your Effectiveness as a Leader in New Albany. As part of their Tiger Talk Series, this FREE workshop will discuss what a futurist is and how to incorporate their habits into your own practice of leadership. To register, please visit here.
March 31, 2018 – Dayton SCORE will be hosting Business Start-up By the Numbers in Dayton. This workshop will educate attendees on break even analysis, SWOT analysis, pricing a product, predicting cash flow, true capitalization needs, general P&L basics, fixed vs. variable costs, the importance of a business plan to financial success. Registration details will be forthcoming.
April 4, 2018 – The Ohio Aerospace Institute and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics will be hosting Connect with Aerospace and Defense in Independence. The goal of this event is to connect startups and small businesses from all industries with medium and large aerospace and defense companies and government agencies. To register, please visit here.
April 4, 2018 – The Innovation Center at Ohio University will be hosting a Customer VALIDation Workshop in Athens. This workshop provides participants with techniques and tools to get their business in front of potential customers for feedback. To register, please visit here.
April 4-5, 2018 – The SBDC at Columbus State will be hosting Basis of a Successful Enterprise (BASE) Class in Columbus. This FREE, two-day workshop will educate attendees on what it takes to build a business around their dreams and passion. To register, please visit here.
April 5, 2018 – The Dayton Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) will be hosting Business Orientation in Dayton. This FREE workshop will provide an overview of business management and assistance services, financial and bonding resources, and regional contracting opportunities. For more information and to register, please call 937-333-1030.
April 12, 2018 – The Dayton Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) will be hosting Business Orientation in Dayton. This FREE workshop will provide an overview of business management and assistance services, financial and bonding resources, and regional contracting opportunities. For more information and to register, please call 937-333-1030.
April 17, 2018 – The SBDC at Columbus State will be hosting an MBE and EDGE Certification Workshop in Columbus. This working class will walk attendees through the application process for Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity (EDGE) Certifications. To learn more about what to bring to the class and to register, please visit here.
April 18-19, 2018 – The SBDC at Columbus State will be hosting Basis of a Successful Enterprise (BASE) Class in Columbus. This FREE, two-day workshop will educate attendees on what it takes to build a business around their dreams and passion. To register, please visit here.
April 19, 2018 – The Dayton Metro Library and Dayton SCORE will be hosting Sales 101 for the 21st Century in Dayton. As the second installment of a three-part series, this session will provide a grounding in best practices fundamentals for those who are beginning or considering a career in sales or sales support. To register, please visit here.
April 19, 2018 – The SBDC at Warren County will be hosting Steps to Starting Your Own Business in Mason. This FREE workshop will educate attendees on how to start a business and the various resources available to small businesses. To register, please visit here.
April 19, 2018 – The Dayton Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) will be hosting Business Orientation in Dayton. This FREE workshop will provide an overview of business management and assistance services, financial and bonding resources, and regional contracting opportunities. For more information and to register, please call 937-333-1030.
April 25, 2018 – The SBDC at the Clermont County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting Steps to Starting a New Business in Cincinnati. This FREE workshop will educate attendees on how to start a business and the various resources available to small businesses. To register, please visit here.
April 25, 2018 – The SBDC at Columbus State will be hosting a Small Business Tax Workshop in Columbus. This event will educate attendees on the federal and state tax rights, as well as requirements and responsibilities. To register, please visit here.
April 26, 2018 – The Inland Rivers Ports & Terminals, Inc. will be hosting the IRPT Shippers Day 2018 in Cincinnati. This event will explore America’s rivers and their importance on the transportation of goods. This event will feature education and networking with transportation professionals from around the country. To register, please email admin@irpt.net or call 618-468-3010.
April 26, 2018 – The Dayton Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) will be hosting Business Orientation in Dayton. This FREE workshop will provide an overview of business management and assistance services, financial and bonding resources, and regional contracting opportunities. For more information and to register, please call 937-333-1030.
April 28, 2018 – The Wright State Patent & Trademark Resource Center will be hosting Trademark Basics in Dayton. This FREE workshop offers basic trademark information, the difference between federal registration, state registration, and common law marks, as well as search techniques using the USPTO website and databases. To register, please contact Ran Raider at 937-775-3521.
Need Help Marketing Your Products or Services Internationally?
The International Market Access Grant for Exporters (IMAGE) program helps small businesses increase exports and create jobs in Ohio’s economy. The program reimburses at a 50% rate, capped at $12,500 per eligible approved applicant. The IMAGE program is funded, in part, through the Small Business Administration’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). For more information about the IMAGE program, visit: www.image.development.ohio.gov.
Ohio EPA Resource Guide for Businesses and Communities
Ohio EPA’s Division of Environmental and Financial Assistance (DEFA) provides several compliance, technical and financial assistance programs available to help Ohio communities and businesses with their environmental needs. These services and relevant contact information are summarized in their “Resource Guide” which is available to view and download at:
http://epa.ohio.gov/Portals/29/documents/ocs/ResourceGuide.pdf
For questions about the guide, please contact Pejmaan Fallah at Pejmaan.Fallah@epa.ohio.gov or (614) 644-3666.
Dayton Better Business Bureau and Women in Business Networking Programs
The BBB and WiBN host Hot Topics Koffee Talks in various locations in the region. All Koffee Talks are from 8:00am-9:30am. Below is the on-going schedule:
1st Friday – Springboro and Preble County
2nd Friday – Centerville and Springfield
3rd Friday – North Dayton and West Chester
4th Friday – Beavercreek and Oakwood
For information on speakers and how to register, please visit http://www.bbb.org/dayton/events-/.
USDA Rural Development Business & Cooperative Programs
Rural Development is pleased to announce important changes to the Business & Industry (B&I) Loan Guarantee Program. These changes will better serve rural communities by helping lenders provide loans to businesses and helping to increase employment opportunities for rural residents. These changes include but are not limited to:
- Removal of the U.S. Citizenship requirement for companies wanting to use the B&I loan guarantee to increase employment in rural areas. The applicant company will need to demonstrate the loan funds will remain in the United States and will be invested in the rural community to create and retain employment opportunities.
- Owner subordinated debt may be included as equity provided the debt was established in exchange for cash and the debt remains in the company for the life of the guaranteed loan. This change can help applicants meet the minimum tangible balance sheet equity requirements of the program. Minimum tangible balance sheet equity for an existing business is 10% while a startup business is 20%. All financial statements must be prepared according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
- New Market Tax Credit projects are now be eligible for assistance through the B&I program. Subordinated debt made by the Community Development Entity can be considered as equity into a project. This is another means of helping the business meet the minimum tangible balance sheet equity requirements.
- The guarantee fee can be reduced to 1% of the guaranteed portion for businesses that support value added agriculture; promotes access to healthy foods; or is a high impact business development investment.
- Loan guarantees can for agricultural production can be 50% or $5MM, whichever is less, of vertically integrated businesses. This is a substantial increase from the previous agricultural production maximum amount of $1,000,000.
Should you have any questions regarding these changes or if you would like additional information on the B&I Loan Guarantee Program, please contact one the Business Programs Staff listed below. We are willing to provide training or outreach on these new regulations should that be necessary to effectively implement this program within your organization.
Christie Hooks Christie.Hooks@oh.usda.gov 614-255-2397
Cindy Musshel Cindy.Musshel@oh.usda.gov 614-255-2427
Debbie Rausch Deborah.Rausch@oh.usda.gov 614-255-2425
Jennifer Brown Jennifer.Brown@oh.usda.gov 614-255-2423
Randy Monhemius Randy.Monhemius@oh.usda.gov 614-255-2424
SBA webinars and events – For an updated list of SBA webinars and events for Ohio, please visit here. Topics include healthcare, contracting, financing, and more.
Small Business Seminars – The Ohio Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) offer many seminars and workshops to small businesses throughout Ohio. Topics include certifications, mentoring, social media, business strategy, finance, and more! To learn more about these events, please visit here.
Upcoming International Trade Missions and Webinars – The Ohio Development Services Agency and the U.S. Department of Commerce provide numerous opportunities to companies interested in participating in international trade missions. To see a list of upcoming missions through the State of Ohio, please visit here. To see a list of upcoming trade missions through Commerce, please visit here and for upcoming webinars, please visit here.
Alexander Kohls
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Dayton Senior Area Manager
District International Trade Officer
200 West 2nd Street
Office 400
Dayton, OH 45402
614-633-6372