Ohio Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
List of local SBDC offices
Akron
Ohio SBDC at Summit Medina Business Alliance
Akron
Bounce
526 S Main St, Suite 601 Akron, OH 44311
330-375-2111
Archbold
Ohio SBDC at Northwest State Community College
Archbold
22600 State Route 34 Archbold, OH 43502
419-267-1361
Ashland
Ohio SBDC at Ashland University
Ashland
401 College Avenue Ashland, Ohio 44805
419-207-6910
Athens
Ohio SBDC at Ohio University
Athens
The Ridges, 19 E Circle Dr. Suite 110
19 E Circle Dr, Suite 110, Athens, OH 45701-2979
740-593-0473
Cambridge
Ohio SBDC at Ohio University – Cambridge
Cambridge
Willett-Pratt Training Center
9900 Brick Church Rd , Cambridge, OH 43725
740-588-1331
Cincinnati
Ohio SBDC at Clermont County Chamber of Commerce
Cincinnati
4355 Ferguson Dr, Suite 150, Cincinnati, OH 45245
513-576-5007
Union Institute & University – Ohio SBDC at the Greater Cincinnati Urban League
Cincinnati
Union Institute & University
440 E McMillan Street, Cincinnati, OH 45206
Phone: 513-487-1155
Cleveland
Ohio SBDC at Cleveland Urban League
Cleveland
The Urban League of Greater Cleveland
2930 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
216-812-3162
Ohio SBDC at Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center of Economic Development
Cleveland
Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center of Economic Development
2511 Clark Avenue Cleveland, OH 44109-1110
216-281-4422
Ohio SBDC at Cleveland State University
Cleveland Heights
Cleveland Heights Public Library
Knowledge and Innovation Center 2340 Lee Road – 2nd Floor Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
216-321-1633
Columbus
Ohio SBDC at Columbus State Community College
Columbus
320 N Grant Ave., Suite 1062 Columbus, OH 43215
614-287-5294
Dayton
Ohio SBDC at The Entrepreneurs Center
Dayton
The Entrepreneurs Center
714 E. Monument Ave, Dayton, OH 45402-1382
937.281.0118
Export Assistance Network at The Entrepreneurs Center
Dayton
The Entrepreneurs Center
714 E. Monument Ave, Dayton, OH 45402-1382
937.531.6612
Elyria
Ohio SBDC at Lorain County Community College
Elyria
The Richard Desich Business and Entrepreneurship Center (DEC)
The Richard Desich Business and Entrepreneurship Center (DEC)151 Innovation Drive Elyria, OH 44035
440-366-4370
Fremont
Ohio SBDC at Terra State Community College
2830 Napoleon Rd, Fremont, OH 43420
419-559-2210
Hamilton
Ohio SBDC at The Hamilton Mill
Hamilton
20 High Street, Hamilton, OH 45011
513-727-3686
Kent
Ohio SBDC at Kent State University
Kent
The College of Applied Engineering, Sustainability and Technology (CAEST)
1400 East Summit Street, Kent, OH 44242
330-672-0793
Kirtland
Ohio SBDC at Lakeland Community College
Kirtland
7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland, OH 44094
(440) 525-7706
Lebanon
Ohio SBDC at Warren County Port Authority & Warren County Career Center
Lebanon
Warren County Career Center
3525 North State Route 48 Lebanon, OH 45036
513-934-4793 ext. 5338
Lima
Ohio SBDC at James A. Rhodes State College
Lima
Keese Hall
4240 Campus Dr, Lima, OH 45804
419-995-8184
Marietta
Ohio SBDC at Ohio University-Marietta
Marietta
2163 SR 821 Bldg 6-A Marietta OH 45750
740-373-9056
Miami University
Ohio SBDC at Miami University
Miami University
Commerce Hub at Voice of America Learning Center
7847 VOA Park Dr. West Chester, OH 45069
513-727-3686
Middletown
Butler County SBDC at the City of Middletown
Middletown
Economic Development Office, Middletown Municipal Building
1 Donham Plaza Middletown, OH 45042
513-727-3686
New Philadelphia
Ohio SBDC at Kent State University Tuscarawas Campus
New Philadelphia
Tolloty Incubator
1776 Tech Park Drive NE Suite 103, New Philadelphia, OH 44663
330-308-7479
North Canton
Ohio SBDC at Kent State University Stark Campus
North Canton
Conference Center
6000 Frank Ave NW, Canton, OH 44720
330-244-3290
Piketon
Ohio SBDC at The OSU South Centers
Piketon
Endeavor Center
1862 Shyville Rd, Piketon, OH 45661
740-289-1605
Springfield
Ohio SBDC at SBDC, Inc.
Springfield
100 S. Limestone St. Suite 411, Springfield, OH 45502
937-322-7821
Toledo
Ohio SBDC at Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce
Toledo
Toledo Edison Bldg
300 Madison Ave, Suite 200, Toledo, OH 43604
419-243-8191
Youngstown
Ohio SBDC at Youngstown State University
Youngstown
One University Plaza, Youngstown, OH 44502
330-941-2140
Ohio Business Resources
JumpStart
JumpStart, a 501©3 organization, is dedicated to accelerating the success of diverse entrepreneurs and contributing to a strong ecosystem.
The KeyBank Business Boost & Build program
The KeyBank Business Boost & Build program provides a different combination of resources and connections for different cities/regions in Ohio.
The Northeast Ohio Startup Network
The Northeast Ohio Startup Network is a connected group of entrepreneurial support organizations delivering the resources tech-based entrepreneurs need most: capital, space, advice and connections.
Flashstarts
Flashstarts is a three-month accelerator for technology companies in downtown Cleveland. The intensive program provides capital and support with product development, customer development, pitching, hiring and fundraising, and matches firms with mentors to help their progress.
Great Lakes Innovation and Development Enterprise
GLIDE provides professional business assistance and technology incubator space to companies at every stage of development. They connect entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to succeed and offer a sophisticated business environment with amenities that help companies function efficiently and effectively.
Higher Education Collaboration Council
The JumpStart Higher Education Collaboration Council connects Northeast Ohio-based higher education institutions and community members to the Northeast Ohio entrepreneurial community.
JumpStart
JumpStart unlocks the full potential of diverse and ambitious entrepreneurs to economically transform entire communities.
MAGNET Incubation Center
At the MAGNET Incubation Center (MIC), members receive assistance turning manufactured product ideas into growing businesses.
Northeast Ohio Medical University
NEOMED is a community-based, public university that partners with other colleges and universities; health care providers, pharmacies and research companies; and business, civic and public leaders to help bring wellness and access to health care to the medically underserved in Ohio and throughout the nation.
Ohio Aerospace Institute
OAI is a non-profit organization that enhances the aerospace competitiveness of its corporate, federal agency, non-profit and university members through research and technology development, workforce preparedness and engagement with networks for innovation.
Tech Belt Energy Innovation Center
TBEIC is a federally funded business incubator aimed at growing energy technologies and allied products/services such as: advanced materials, electronics, and efficiency, control systems.
University of Akron Research Foundation
UARF was established in 2001 to promote and support university/industry collaboration and to provide effective mechanisms by which UA discoveries and inventions are developed and commercialized.
Youngstown Business Incubator
YBI helps accelerate emerging businesses by providing an array of invaluable services. Facilities, equipment, resource networks, entrepreneurial counseling, and networking opportunities – all of which are critical to successful business development.
Investment Funds
Building a tech startup or growing a small tech business is a journey. The Northeast Ohio Startup Network facilitates access to the right capital solution to drive your venture forward.
Our funds are designed for entrepreneurs following the highest growth path, interested in raising significant outside funding and/or operating in a technology industry in which significant growth is possible. The regional funds listed below are affiliated with the Network and/or Ohio Third Frontier Pre-Seed/Seed Plus Fund Capitalization Program and do not include private funds and angels.
Akron BioInvestments Funds
The Akron BioInvestments Funds support the attraction and establishment of biomedical companies in Akron. Created by the City of Akron through its Akron Development Corporation, The Akron BioInvestments Funds is comprised of two parts: the Product Development Fund and the Rapid Commercialization Loan Fund.
Appleseed Microfinance
Appleseed Microfinance, which is based at the Braintree Business Development Center in Mansfield, provides small capital for small businesses in the 21 counties of Northeast Ohio.
The ARCHAngel Network
Formed in 2005, The ARCHAngel (Akron Regional Change Angel) Network is a regional forum for introducing investors to market-driven, technology-based investment opportunities within Northeast Ohio and particularly those within the greater Akron area. The Network’s leadership team consists of representatives from the University of Akron, enterprise accelerators, regional initiatives, local government, the private sector and investment partners.
Barberton Growth Fund
The Barberton Growth Fund was established by the Barberton Community Development Corporation (BCDC) thanks to a significant investment from the Barberton Community Foundation. The fund’s goal is to invest in entrepreneurs interesting in growing their businesses in the city of Barberton.
The Bit Factory
The Bit Factory is a software startup accelerator located in Akron, Ohio. We accept startups with dedicated and passionate founders building amazing software or hardware in any field or industry.
Concept Capital
Concept Capital, a for-profit venture capital company associated with holding company Crossroads Group, helps young people with long-term, viable business models get their start. It is not looking for restaurant or bar ideas, but for innovative product or service businesses that can be deployed on a larger scale.
Emerging Market Fund
The Emerging Market Fund (EMF) provides capital and connections to diverse, young, Ohio-based companies and has a focus on investing in very high potential, high growth tech-based companies owned by minority, women and inner-city-based entrepreneurs.
Innovation Fund
The Innovation Fund, founded by the Lorain County Community College Foundation, is a regional fund focused on supporting technology-based entrepreneurial endeavors and emerging technology-based businesses.
JumpStart
JumpStart provides venture capital and intensive, high-impact assistance to diverse entrepreneurs and small businesses owners, working one-on-one to establish and achieve value-creating milestones of growth.
North Coast Angel Fund
NCAF is a contributed capital and “sidecar” pre-seed investment fund with a focus on early-stage technology investments.
Northeast Ohio Student Venture Fund
NEOSVF is a 501(c)(3) student run organization that funds high-growth potential, startups in Northeast Ohio in the area of Advanced Materials, Medical Technology, Fuel Cells, Energy Storage, Medical Technology, Software Applications, Sensing and Automation Technologies, Situational Awareness Systems, Surveillance Systems Solar and Photovoltaics.
Tech Sprout
Tech Sprout provides small amounts of funding to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn high-tech ideas into viable businesses. The fund is administered by Mansfield’s Braintree Business Development Center, and is designed to help move ideas toward commercialization.
Wooster Opportunity Loan Fund
The Wooster Opportunity Loan Fund supports early stage, high-potential technology companies located in or willing to move to Wayne County. The fund awards loans of up to $35,000 to companies with high potential to raise venture capital money and create new jobs.
University Resources
Northeast Ohio’s colleges and universities offer many entrepreneurial resources to students in the higher education community. In 2009, JumpStart and the Burton D. Morgan Foundation established the JumpStart Higher Education Collaboration Council (JSHECC) as a way to better connect these resources—both with each other and with the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Whether you are a student interested in entrepreneurship, or a community member interested in supporting these resources, this list of JSHECC programs and partners is a great place to start.
Ashland University – Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
The mission of the Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurial Studies is to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit of the students, Faculty, University, Alumni and greater Ashland community.
BGSU Firelands – Office of Educational Outreach
The Office for Educational Outreach offers a diverse range of educational programs designed to serve the businesses and citizens of our area community.
Baldwin Wallace University – Center for Innovation & Growth
The Center for Innovation & Growth (CIG) prepares tomorrow’s leaders to change their world as students learn — and practice — skills in creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. The CIG infuses a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship campus-wide and contributes to the regional economy.
Baldwin Wallace University – NEOLaunchNET
Powered by the Burton D. Morgan Foundation, NEOLaunchNET is a co-curricular program providing free and confidential venture coaching, idea contests, pitch competitions, networking opportunities, in-class presentations, and a host of visiting entrepreneurs and activities that complement BW’s innovation and entrepreneurship courses.
Baldwin Wallace University – School of Business: Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Today’s ever-changing business environment needs idea-generators. People who are strategic thinkers with a creative mindset and passion for problem solving. BW’s major in innovation & entrepreneurship can help you develop the skills to succeed. It is designed as a second major to complement a primary program of study-humanities, business, music and social, physical and health sciences.
Case Western Reserve University – NEOLaunchNet
CWRU NEOLaunchNet serves students and alumni of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Institute of Art, and Cleveland Institute of Music. Since 2012, CWRU NEOLaunchNet has helped more than 500 students and alumni to research and establish enterprises. NEOLaunchNet supported ventures have raised millions of dollars through competitions, public sources, and private investors. CWRU NEOLaunchNet is a member of the Burton D. Morgan NEOLaunchNet community.
Cleveland Institute of Art – Career Center
The Career Center at CIA provides services to students, alumni, and employers. The Career Center is there for students as they work to build their own studio practice, join established businesses, become entrepreneurs, or continue towards an advanced degree.
Cleveland State University – Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs: Center for Economic Development
The Center for Economic Development provides research and technical assistance to governments, nonprofits, and businesses. The Center is dedicated to help measure policy performance, assess economic impacts and inform on growth of businesses, industries, regions and cities. The Center can help develop a compelling argument for funding your next project or illustrating how programs bring positive community and regional economic results. The Center serves as a designated U.S. Economic Development Administration University Center.
Cleveland State University – Monte Ahuja College of Business: Centers for Outreach & Engagement
Regarded in high esteem for their strategic development and delivery of programs that address current needs and future business challenges, the Centers for Outreach & Engagement help to position organizations for economic success. The Centers partner with the Northeast Ohio business community, government agencies, and academic institutions worldwide to deliver courses, seminars, research, and other outreach initiatives.
Cleveland State University – Monte Ahuja College of Business: Sustainable Business Center
The Sustainable Business Center at the Monte Ahuja College of Business offers current and future business leaders a multidisciplinary approach to learning and implementing sustainability initiatives. Real and immediate value is added through connections to cutting-edge research, graduate students and other opportunities for Northeast Ohio businesses to initiate service-learning projects with our business students.
College of Wooster – Center for Entrepreneurship
The Center for Entrepreneurship offers a wide variety of programs and activities that support the entrepreneurial sprit of students from all majors. Any student with an interest in creating solutions, products or services can find opportunities to complement and enhance their professional development and academic experience.
Cuyahoga Community College – Metropolitan Campus
The Metropolitan (Metro) Campus opened in 1969 as Tri-C’s first campus. Located near downtown Cleveland in the Campus District, the Metro Campus offers state-of-the-art health careers labs, is home to the nationally-renowned Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland, and features industry-standard learning laboratories in programs such as Recording Arts and Technology, Hospitality Management and Electronic/Electrical Engineering.
Hiram College – Center for Integrated Entrepreneurship
Integrated Entrepreneurship at Hiram integrates the concepts of entrepreneurship into the liberal arts through curricular and extra-curricular activities to help students develop skills such as – critical thinking, curiosity, ethical awareness, ability to write and speak clearly, ability to draw and synthesize knowledge from diverse sources and apply to diverse uses, insight into the human experience, and a life-long love of learning.
John Carroll University – Edward M. Muldoon Center for Entrepreneurship
The Edward M. Muldoon Center for Entrepreneurship and its partners host, attract and support a range of entrepreneurial activity, interests and people across John Carroll University and the Boler School of Business. The Edward M. Muldoon Center for Entrepreneurship is the headquarters for entrepreneurship at John Carroll University.
Kent State University – College of Business Administration: Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship
The Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship offers a variety of programs designed to meet your needs. With three majors and two minors, there are combinations to suit your interests whether you want to start your own business, work in a corporation or small business, go into sales, product development or brand management.
Kent State University – Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation
Through its cutting edge collaborative research, the Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation at Kent State University advances current understanding of entrepreneurship to guide and engage students, community members, academic researchers and policy makers thus making a positive difference in the entrepreneurial eco-system in Northeast Ohio and the world beyond our network of campuses.
Kent State University – NEOLaunchNET
NEOLaunchNET KSU helps KSU students, faculty/staff, and alumni transform their ideas into thriving businesses, successful projects, or innovative collaborations. Through meetings, mentoring, workshops, and events NEOLaunchNET promotes entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as helping clients create new businesses or grow existing start-ups. NEOLaunchNET Kent State is a member of NEOLaunchNET, powered by the Burton D. Morgan Foundation.
Kent State University – Stark
Kent State University at Stark is Kent State’s largest regional campus, serving Stark County and the surrounding area for more than 70 years. As Stark County’s only public university, Kent State Stark plays a vital role in generating a more educated workforce, attracting and retaining qualified individuals to the area and contributing to the positive economic development of the region.
Kent State University at Tuscarawas – Business & Community Services
Kent State University at Tuscarawas works closely with the business community to provide educational programs relevant to the workforce of today and tomorrow. Through Business and Community Services, students are linked to the resources and expertise of a major metropolitan university that is staffed by award-winning faculty, as well as leading experts from business, industry and the professions.
Lake Erie College – The Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE)
Established in 2007, the Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) is a collaborative effort reaching across all the Learning Communities at Lake Erie College and throughout the Northeast Ohio business community. CFE seeks to prepare and inspire the students of Lake Erie College to act entrepreneurially by positively influencing their ability, confidence, and willingness to start and grow successful new ventures.
Lakeland Community College – Entrepreneurship Center
Lakeland’s Entrepreneurship Center supports existing businesses and encourages the creation of new businesses. The Center works in partnership with the Lake/Geauga Small Business Development Center at Lakeland Community College. Together, the programs provide quality learning opportunities for small businesses in the community and our students.
Lorain County Community College – NEOLaunchNET
NEOLaunchNET at Lorain County Community College is a co-curricular program that serves students, alumni, staff and faculty to encourage entrepreneurial thinking, innovative mindset, creative collaboration, and venture creation through coaching, events, and connections in Northeast Ohio. NEO NEOLaunchNET is supported by the Burton D. Morgan Foundation.
Mount Union – Department of Economics, Accounting and Business Administration
The Department of Economics, Accounting, and Business Administration prepares students for professional lives in business and related fields. Mount Union’s minor in entrepreneurship is administered through the Department of Economics, Accounting, and Business Administration.
Notre Dame College – The Enterprise Development Center
The Enterprise Development Center at Notre Dame College (EDC@NDC) represents an innovative approach to creating academic and experiential learning opportunities for students, while supporting Northeast Ohio’s startups and small businesses. By partnering with community and funding partners, the EDC@NDC promotes entrepreneurial thinking—a tenent of Notre Dame’s president, among others—and provides an interdisciplinary internship program
Oberlin – Creativity & Leadership: Entrepreneurship at Oberlin
Creativity & Leadership: Entrepreneurship at Oberlin is a multi-disciplinary effort designed to encourage students to put their innovative ideas into practice. The program reflects Oberlin’s artistic excellence, academic rigor, and longstanding commitment to preparing students for leadership and civic engagement.
Stark State College
Stark State College provides quality, high-value associate degrees, certificates, and professional development in diverse, student-centered learning environments. The College is dedicated to lifelong learning; affordable, transferable higher education; and career success. Stark State College advances quality of life through access, academic success, stewardship, and business and community partnerships.
University of Akron – College of Business Administration: Fitzgerald Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies
The vision of the Fitzgerald Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies is to promote entrepreneurship throughout the University of Akron, community, region, U.S. and the world through the dissemination of practical “experiential” and theoretical knowledge, which will benefit society as a whole.
University of Akron – Innovation Practice Center
When it is formally created, the Innovation Practice Center (IPC) will offer the vision and leadership to effectively launch innovative ideas and promising research into successful entrepreneurial ventures by engaging students, faculty and community in the process of innovation, invention and entrepreneurship. Housed within the IPC will be the Proof of Concept (POC) initiative.
University of Akron School of Law – Small Entrepreneur and Economic Development (SEED) Clinic
In this transactional clinic, law students provide low-cost legal and business assistance to small and emerging businesses in the local community. The SEED Clinic helps with business planning, operating agreements, employment law questions, contract/lease issues, entity selection, and nonprofit assistance.
Walsh University – Deville School of Business
The DeVille School of Business offers a quality business education that prepares our graduates for success in today’s competitive, global economic marketplace. A unique interdisciplinary approach provides students access to a broad range of up-to-date business courses providing for a well-rounded education. Experiential learning opportunities and internships are readily available for students and are often a stepping stone to a graduate’s first full-time job.
Youngstown State University – Williamson College of Business Administration: The Entrepreneurship Center
The primary goal of The Entrepreneurship Center, which resides in The Williamson College of Business Administration at Youngstown State University, is the development of entrepreneurship initiatives and programs. A 12 S.H. Certificate in Entrepreneurship and an 18 S.H. Minor are offered. YSU students of all majors may pursue both the Certificate and the Minor and learn how to transform their idea, product or service into a new business.
Investment Funds
Building a tech startup or growing a small tech business is a journey. The Northeast Ohio Startup Network facilitates access to the right capital solution to drive your venture forward.
Our funds are designed for entrepreneurs following the highest growth path, interested in raising significant outside funding and/or operating in a technology industry in which significant growth is possible. The regional funds listed below are affiliated with the Network and/or Ohio Third Frontier Pre-Seed/Seed Plus Fund Capitalization Program and do not include private funds and angels.
Akron BioInvestments Funds
The Akron BioInvestments Funds support the attraction and establishment of biomedical companies in Akron. Created by the City of Akron through its Akron Development Corporation, The Akron BioInvestments Funds is comprised of two parts: the Product Development Fund and the Rapid Commercialization Loan Fund.
Appleseed Microfinance
Appleseed Microfinance, which is based at the Braintree Business Development Center in Mansfield, provides small capital for small businesses in the 21 counties of Northeast Ohio.
The ARCHAngel Network
Formed in 2005, The ARCHAngel (Akron Regional Change Angel) Network is a regional forum for introducing investors to market-driven, technology-based investment opportunities within Northeast Ohio and particularly those within the greater Akron area. The Network’s leadership team consists of representatives from the University of Akron, enterprise accelerators, regional initiatives, local government, the private sector and investment partners.
Barberton Growth Fund
The Barberton Growth Fund was established by the Barberton Community Development Corporation (BCDC) thanks to a significant investment from the Barberton Community Foundation. The fund’s goal is to invest in entrepreneurs interesting in growing their businesses in the city of Barberton.
The Bit Factory
The Bit Factory is a software startup accelerator located in Akron, Ohio. We accept startups with dedicated and passionate founders building amazing software or hardware in any field or industry.
Concept Capital
Concept Capital, a for-profit venture capital company associated with holding company Crossroads Group, helps young people with long-term, viable business models get their start. It is not looking for restaurant or bar ideas, but for innovative product or service businesses that can be deployed on a larger scale.
Emerging Market Fund
The Emerging Market Fund (EMF) provides capital and connections to diverse, young, Ohio-based companies and has a focus on investing in very high potential, high growth tech-based companies owned by minority, women and inner-city-based entrepreneurs.
Innovation Fund
The Innovation Fund, founded by the Lorain County Community College Foundation, is a regional fund focused on supporting technology-based entrepreneurial endeavors and emerging technology-based businesses.
JumpStart
JumpStart provides venture capital and intensive, high-impact assistance to diverse entrepreneurs and small businesses owners, working one-on-one to establish and achieve value-creating milestones of growth.
North Coast Angel Fund
NCAF is a contributed capital and “sidecar” pre-seed investment fund with a focus on early-stage technology investments.
Northeast Ohio Student Venture Fund
NEOSVF is a 501(c)(3) student run organization that funds high-growth potential, startups in Northeast Ohio in the area of Advanced Materials, Medical Technology, Fuel Cells, Energy Storage, Medical Technology, Software Applications, Sensing and Automation Technologies, Situational Awareness Systems, Surveillance Systems Solar and Photovoltaics.
Tech Sprout
Tech Sprout provides small amounts of funding to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn high-tech ideas into viable businesses. The fund is administered by Mansfield’s Braintree Business Development Center, and is designed to help move ideas toward commercialization.
Flashstarts
Flashstarts is a three-month accelerator for technology companies in downtown Cleveland. The intensive program provides capital and support with product development, customer development, pitching, hiring and fundraising, and matches firms with mentors to help their progress.
Great Lakes Innovation and Development Enterprise
GLIDE provides professional business assistance and technology incubator space to companies at every stage of development. They connect entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to succeed and offer a sophisticated business environment with amenities that help companies function efficiently and effectively.
Higher Education Collaboration Council
The JumpStart Higher Education Collaboration Council connects Northeast Ohio-based higher education institutions and community members to the Northeast Ohio entrepreneurial community.
JumpStart
JumpStart unlocks the full potential of diverse and ambitious entrepreneurs to economically transform entire communities.
MAGNET Incubation Center
At the MAGNET Incubation Center (MIC), members receive assistance turning manufactured product ideas into growing businesses.
Northeast Ohio Medical University
NEOMED is a community-based, public university that partners with other colleges and universities; health care providers, pharmacies and research companies; and business, civic and public leaders to help bring wellness and access to health care to the medically underserved in Ohio and throughout the nation.
Ohio Aerospace Institute
OAI is a non-profit organization that enhances the aerospace competitiveness of its corporate, federal agency, non-profit and university members through research and technology development, workforce preparedness and engagement with networks for innovation.
Tech Belt Energy Innovation Center
TBEIC is a federally funded business incubator aimed at growing energy technologies and allied products/services such as: advanced materials, electronics, and efficiency, control systems.
University of Akron Research Foundation
UARF was established in 2001 to promote and support university/industry collaboration and to provide effective mechanisms by which UA discoveries and inventions are developed and commercialized.
Youngstown Business Incubator
YBI helps accelerate emerging businesses by providing an array of invaluable services. Facilities, equipment, resource networks, entrepreneurial counseling, and networking opportunities – all of which are critical to successful business development.
Investment Funds
Building a tech startup or growing a small tech business is a journey. The Northeast Ohio Startup Network facilitates access to the right capital solution to drive your venture forward.
Our funds are designed for entrepreneurs following the highest growth path, interested in raising significant outside funding and/or operating in a technology industry in which significant growth is possible. The regional funds listed below are affiliated with the Network and/or Ohio Third Frontier Pre-Seed/Seed Plus Fund Capitalization Program and do not include private funds and angels.
Akron BioInvestments Funds
The Akron BioInvestments Funds support the attraction and establishment of biomedical companies in Akron. Created by the City of Akron through its Akron Development Corporation, The Akron BioInvestments Funds is comprised of two parts: the Product Development Fund and the Rapid Commercialization Loan Fund.
Appleseed Microfinance
Appleseed Microfinance, which is based at the Braintree Business Development Center in Mansfield, provides small capital for small businesses in the 21 counties of Northeast Ohio.
The ARCHAngel Network
Formed in 2005, The ARCHAngel (Akron Regional Change Angel) Network is a regional forum for introducing investors to market-driven, technology-based investment opportunities within Northeast Ohio and particularly those within the greater Akron area. The Network’s leadership team consists of representatives from the University of Akron, enterprise accelerators, regional initiatives, local government, the private sector and investment partners.
Barberton Growth Fund
The Barberton Growth Fund was established by the Barberton Community Development Corporation (BCDC) thanks to a significant investment from the Barberton Community Foundation. The fund’s goal is to invest in entrepreneurs interesting in growing their businesses in the city of Barberton.
The Bit Factory
The Bit Factory is a software startup accelerator located in Akron, Ohio. We accept startups with dedicated and passionate founders building amazing software or hardware in any field or industry.
Concept Capital
Concept Capital, a for-profit venture capital company associated with holding company Crossroads Group, helps young people with long-term, viable business models get their start. It is not looking for restaurant or bar ideas, but for innovative product or service businesses that can be deployed on a larger scale.
Emerging Market Fund
The Emerging Market Fund (EMF) provides capital and connections to diverse, young, Ohio-based companies and has a focus on investing in very high potential, high growth tech-based companies owned by minority, women and inner-city-based entrepreneurs.
Innovation Fund
The Innovation Fund, founded by the Lorain County Community College Foundation, is a regional fund focused on supporting technology-based entrepreneurial endeavors and emerging technology-based businesses.
JumpStart
JumpStart provides venture capital and intensive, high-impact assistance to diverse entrepreneurs and small businesses owners, working one-on-one to establish and achieve value-creating milestones of growth.
North Coast Angel Fund
NCAF is a contributed capital and “sidecar” pre-seed investment fund with a focus on early-stage technology investments.
Northeast Ohio Student Venture Fund
NEOSVF is a 501(c)(3) student run organization that funds high-growth potential, startups in Northeast Ohio in the area of Advanced Materials, Medical Technology, Fuel Cells, Energy Storage, Medical Technology, Software Applications, Sensing and Automation Technologies, Situational Awareness Systems, Surveillance Systems Solar and Photovoltaics.
Tech Sprout
Tech Sprout provides small amounts of funding to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn high-tech ideas into viable businesses. The fund is administered by Mansfield’s Braintree Business Development Center, and is designed to help move ideas toward commercialization.
Wooster Opportunity Loan Fund
The Wooster Opportunity Loan Fund supports early stage, high-potential technology companies located in or willing to move to Wayne County. The fund awards loans of up to $35,000 to companies with high potential to raise venture capital money and create new jobs.
University Resources
Ashland University – Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
The mission of the Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurial Studies is to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit of the students, Faculty, University, Alumni and greater Ashland community.
BGSU Firelands – Office of Educational Outreach
The Office for Educational Outreach offers a diverse range of educational programs designed to serve the businesses and citizens of our area community.
Baldwin Wallace University – Center for Innovation & Growth
The Center for Innovation & Growth (CIG) prepares tomorrow’s leaders to change their world as students learn — and practice — skills in creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. The CIG infuses a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship campus-wide and contributes to the regional economy.
Baldwin Wallace University – NEOLaunchNET
Powered by the Burton D. Morgan Foundation, NEOLaunchNET is a co-curricular program providing free and confidential venture coaching, idea contests, pitch competitions, networking opportunities, in-class presentations, and a host of visiting entrepreneurs and activities that complement BW’s innovation and entrepreneurship courses.
Baldwin Wallace University – School of Business: Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Today’s ever-changing business environment needs idea-generators. People who are strategic thinkers with a creative mindset and passion for problem solving. BW’s major in innovation & entrepreneurship can help you develop the skills to succeed. It is designed as a second major to complement a primary program of study-humanities, business, music and social, physical and health sciences.
Case Western Reserve University – NEOLaunchNet
CWRU NEOLaunchNet serves students and alumni of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Institute of Art, and Cleveland Institute of Music. Since 2012, CWRU NEOLaunchNet has helped more than 500 students and alumni to research and establish enterprises. NEOLaunchNet supported ventures have raised millions of dollars through competitions, public sources, and private investors. CWRU NEOLaunchNet is a member of the Burton D. Morgan NEOLaunchNet community.
Cleveland Institute of Art – Career Center
The Career Center at CIA provides services to students, alumni, and employers. The Career Center is there for students as they work to build their own studio practice, join established businesses, become entrepreneurs, or continue towards an advanced degree.
Cleveland State University – Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs: Center for Economic Development
The Center for Economic Development provides research and technical assistance to governments, nonprofits, and businesses. The Center is dedicated to help measure policy performance, assess economic impacts and inform on growth of businesses, industries, regions and cities. The Center can help develop a compelling argument for funding your next project or illustrating how programs bring positive community and regional economic results. The Center serves as a designated U.S. Economic Development Administration University Center.
Cleveland State University – Monte Ahuja College of Business: Centers for Outreach & Engagement
Regarded in high esteem for their strategic development and delivery of programs that address current needs and future business challenges, the Centers for Outreach & Engagement help to position organizations for economic success. The Centers partner with the Northeast Ohio business community, government agencies, and academic institutions worldwide to deliver courses, seminars, research, and other outreach initiatives.
Cleveland State University – Monte Ahuja College of Business: Sustainable Business Center
The Sustainable Business Center at the Monte Ahuja College of Business offers current and future business leaders a multidisciplinary approach to learning and implementing sustainability initiatives. Real and immediate value is added through connections to cutting-edge research, graduate students and other opportunities for Northeast Ohio businesses to initiate service-learning projects with our business students.
College of Wooster – Center for Entrepreneurship
The Center for Entrepreneurship offers a wide variety of programs and activities that support the entrepreneurial sprit of students from all majors. Any student with an interest in creating solutions, products or services can find opportunities to complement and enhance their professional development and academic experience.
Cuyahoga Community College – Metropolitan Campus
The Metropolitan (Metro) Campus opened in 1969 as Tri-C’s first campus. Located near downtown Cleveland in the Campus District, the Metro Campus offers state-of-the-art health careers labs, is home to the nationally-renowned Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland, and features industry-standard learning laboratories in programs such as Recording Arts and Technology, Hospitality Management and Electronic/Electrical Engineering.
Hiram College – Center for Integrated Entrepreneurship
Integrated Entrepreneurship at Hiram integrates the concepts of entrepreneurship into the liberal arts through curricular and extra-curricular activities to help students develop skills such as – critical thinking, curiosity, ethical awareness, ability to write and speak clearly, ability to draw and synthesize knowledge from diverse sources and apply to diverse uses, insight into the human experience, and a life-long love of learning.
John Carroll University – Edward M. Muldoon Center for Entrepreneurship
The Edward M. Muldoon Center for Entrepreneurship and its partners host, attract and support a range of entrepreneurial activity, interests and people across John Carroll University and the Boler School of Business. The Edward M. Muldoon Center for Entrepreneurship is the headquarters for entrepreneurship at John Carroll University.
Kent State University – College of Business Administration: Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship
The Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship offers a variety of programs designed to meet your needs. With three majors and two minors, there are combinations to suit your interests whether you want to start your own business, work in a corporation or small business, go into sales, product development or brand management.
Kent State University – Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation
Through its cutting edge collaborative research, the Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation at Kent State University advances current understanding of entrepreneurship to guide and engage students, community members, academic researchers and policy makers thus making a positive difference in the entrepreneurial eco-system in Northeast Ohio and the world beyond our network of campuses.
Kent State University – NEOLaunchNET
NEOLaunchNET KSU helps KSU students, faculty/staff, and alumni transform their ideas into thriving businesses, successful projects, or innovative collaborations. Through meetings, mentoring, workshops, and events NEOLaunchNET promotes entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as helping clients create new businesses or grow existing start-ups. NEOLaunchNET Kent State is a member of NEOLaunchNET, powered by the Burton D. Morgan Foundation.
Kent State University – Stark
Kent State University at Stark is Kent State’s largest regional campus, serving Stark County and the surrounding area for more than 70 years. As Stark County’s only public university, Kent State Stark plays a vital role in generating a more educated workforce, attracting and retaining qualified individuals to the area and contributing to the positive economic development of the region.
Kent State University at Tuscarawas – Business & Community Services
Kent State University at Tuscarawas works closely with the business community to provide educational programs relevant to the workforce of today and tomorrow. Through Business and Community Services, students are linked to the resources and expertise of a major metropolitan university that is staffed by award-winning faculty, as well as leading experts from business, industry and the professions.
Lake Erie College – The Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE)
Established in 2007, the Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) is a collaborative effort reaching across all the Learning Communities at Lake Erie College and throughout the Northeast Ohio business community. CFE seeks to prepare and inspire the students of Lake Erie College to act entrepreneurially by positively influencing their ability, confidence, and willingness to start and grow successful new ventures.
Lakeland Community College – Entrepreneurship Center
Lakeland’s Entrepreneurship Center supports existing businesses and encourages the creation of new businesses. The Center works in partnership with the Lake/Geauga Small Business Development Center at Lakeland Community College. Together, the programs provide quality learning opportunities for small businesses in the community and our students.
Lorain County Community College – NEOLaunchNET
NEOLaunchNET at Lorain County Community College is a co-curricular program that serves students, alumni, staff and faculty to encourage entrepreneurial thinking, innovative mindset, creative collaboration, and venture creation through coaching, events, and connections in Northeast Ohio. NEO NEOLaunchNET is supported by the Burton D. Morgan Foundation.
Mount Union – Department of Economics, Accounting and Business Administration
The Department of Economics, Accounting, and Business Administration prepares students for professional lives in business and related fields. Mount Union’s minor in entrepreneurship is administered through the Department of Economics, Accounting, and Business Administration.
Notre Dame College – The Enterprise Development Center
The Enterprise Development Center at Notre Dame College (EDC@NDC) represents an innovative approach to creating academic and experiential learning opportunities for students, while supporting Northeast Ohio’s startups and small businesses. By partnering with community and funding partners, the EDC@NDC promotes entrepreneurial thinking—a tenent of Notre Dame’s president, among others—and provides an interdisciplinary internship program
Oberlin – Creativity & Leadership: Entrepreneurship at Oberlin
Creativity & Leadership: Entrepreneurship at Oberlin is a multi-disciplinary effort designed to encourage students to put their innovative ideas into practice. The program reflects Oberlin’s artistic excellence, academic rigor, and longstanding commitment to preparing students for leadership and civic engagement.
Stark State College
Stark State College provides quality, high-value associate degrees, certificates, and professional development in diverse, student-centered learning environments. The College is dedicated to lifelong learning; affordable, transferable higher education; and career success. Stark State College advances quality of life through access, academic success, stewardship, and business and community partnerships.
University of Akron – College of Business Administration: Fitzgerald Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies
The vision of the Fitzgerald Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies is to promote entrepreneurship throughout the University of Akron, community, region, U.S. and the world through the dissemination of practical “experiential” and theoretical knowledge, which will benefit society as a whole.
University of Akron – Innovation Practice Center
When it is formally created, the Innovation Practice Center (IPC) will offer the vision and leadership to effectively launch innovative ideas and promising research into successful entrepreneurial ventures by engaging students, faculty and community in the process of innovation, invention and entrepreneurship. Housed within the IPC will be the Proof of Concept (POC) initiative.
University of Akron School of Law – Small Entrepreneur and Economic Development (SEED) Clinic
In this transactional clinic, law students provide low-cost legal and business assistance to small and emerging businesses in the local community. The SEED Clinic helps with business planning, operating agreements, employment law questions, contract/lease issues, entity selection, and nonprofit assistance.
Walsh University – Deville School of Business
The DeVille School of Business offers a quality business education that prepares our graduates for success in today’s competitive, global economic marketplace. A unique interdisciplinary approach provides students access to a broad range of up-to-date business courses providing for a well-rounded education. Experiential learning opportunities and internships are readily available for students and are often a stepping stone to a graduate’s first full-time job.
Youngstown State University – Williamson College of Business Administration: The Entrepreneurship Center
The primary goal of The Entrepreneurship Center, which resides in The Williamson College of Business Administration at Youngstown State University, is the development of entrepreneurship initiatives and programs. A 12 S.H. Certificate in Entrepreneurship and an 18 S.H. Minor are offered. YSU students of all majors may pursue both the Certificate and the Minor and learn how to transform their idea, product or service into a new business.
Investment Funds
Building a tech startup or growing a small tech business is a journey. The Northeast Ohio Startup Network facilitates access to the right capital solution to drive your venture forward.
Our funds are designed for entrepreneurs following the highest growth path, interested in raising significant outside funding and/or operating in a technology industry in which significant growth is possible. The regional funds listed below are affiliated with the Network and/or Ohio Third Frontier Pre-Seed/Seed Plus Fund Capitalization Program and do not include private funds and angels.
Akron BioInvestments Funds
The Akron BioInvestments Funds support the attraction and establishment of biomedical companies in Akron. Created by the City of Akron through its Akron Development Corporation, The Akron BioInvestments Funds is comprised of two parts: the Product Development Fund and the Rapid Commercialization Loan Fund.
Appleseed Microfinance
Appleseed Microfinance, which is based at the Braintree Business Development Center in Mansfield, provides small capital for small businesses in the 21 counties of Northeast Ohio.
The ARCHAngel Network
Formed in 2005, The ARCHAngel (Akron Regional Change Angel) Network is a regional forum for introducing investors to market-driven, technology-based investment opportunities within Northeast Ohio and particularly those within the greater Akron area. The Network’s leadership team consists of representatives from the University of Akron, enterprise accelerators, regional initiatives, local government, the private sector and investment partners.
Barberton Growth Fund
The Barberton Growth Fund was established by the Barberton Community Development Corporation (BCDC) thanks to a significant investment from the Barberton Community Foundation. The fund’s goal is to invest in entrepreneurs interesting in growing their businesses in the city of Barberton.
The Bit Factory
The Bit Factory is a software startup accelerator located in Akron, Ohio. We accept startups with dedicated and passionate founders building amazing software or hardware in any field or industry.
Concept Capital
Concept Capital, a for-profit venture capital company associated with holding company Crossroads Group, helps young people with long-term, viable business models get their start. It is not looking for restaurant or bar ideas, but for innovative product or service businesses that can be deployed on a larger scale.
Emerging Market Fund
The Emerging Market Fund (EMF) provides capital and connections to diverse, young, Ohio-based companies and has a focus on investing in very high potential, high growth tech-based companies owned by minority, women and inner-city-based entrepreneurs.
Innovation Fund
The Innovation Fund, founded by the Lorain County Community College Foundation, is a regional fund focused on supporting technology-based entrepreneurial endeavors and emerging technology-based businesses.
JumpStart
JumpStart provides venture capital and intensive, high-impact assistance to diverse entrepreneurs and small businesses owners, working one-on-one to establish and achieve value-creating milestones of growth.
North Coast Angel Fund
NCAF is a contributed capital and “sidecar” pre-seed investment fund with a focus on early-stage technology investments.
Northeast Ohio Student Venture Fund
NEOSVF is a 501(c)(3) student run organization that funds high-growth potential, startups in Northeast Ohio in the area of Advanced Materials, Medical Technology, Fuel Cells, Energy Storage, Medical Technology, Software Applications, Sensing and Automation Technologies, Situational Awareness Systems, Surveillance Systems Solar and Photovoltaics.
Tech Sprout
Tech Sprout provides small amounts of funding to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn high-tech ideas into viable businesses. The fund is administered by Mansfield’s Braintree Business Development Center, and is designed to help move ideas toward commercialization.
Business Grants, Loans and Tax Credits
The Ohio Development Services Agency has a variety of bonds, grants, loans and tax credits that can assist Ohio companies as they grow and create jobs in Ohio.
American Small Business Consultants NETWORK 