Ohio Small Business Development Center to Offer Free Seminars for Starting a Small Business
The The Ohio Small Business Development Center (OSBDC) at the Summit Medina Business Alliance is offering business seminars for individuals that are interested in starting their own business or have recently started a business operation. The programs address the planning process, initial financial projections, ownership options, review of the required forms, as well as loan options and additional funding availability. The licensing sources and general application forms provided through the Ohio Business Gateway at www.Ohio.gov will be discussed, and participants will receive a business plan outline.
These sessions are provided at no cost and offer an open forum for questions and answers throughout the meetings. Although these are free programs, advance registration is required.

You may register for Summit Medina Business Alliance seminars by calling Summit Medina Business Alliance Small Business Development Center at 330.375.2111, or by email to info@akronsbdc.org.



**********************************************************************************************************************



2012 "Business Basics" seminar schedule:

January 11, 2012
February 1, 2012
March 7, 2012
April 11, 2012
May 2, 2012
June 6, 2012
July 11, 2012
August 1, 2012
September 5, 2012
October 3, 2012
November 7, 2012

This seminar is targeted to individuals who are interested in starting their own business or have recently started a business operation. Business Basics provides participants the fundamentals of getting started whether they are planning a commercial lease or a home-based location. The program addresses describing your business, legal forms of ownership, developing financial projections, and the importance of industry and market research.

All "Business Basics" seminars are held from 4 PM to 6:30 PM at:
the Akron Global Business Accelerator
526 S. Main St., 9th Floor Conference Room #904
Akron, Ohio 44311

Please remember to park in Visitor Parking and sign in with the Administrative Office on the first floor.

"Business Basics" seminars presented by Jim Griggy, CBA at the Summit Medina Business Alliance.



********************************************************
********************************************************


2012 "How to Write a Business Plan" seminars schedule:

February 28 - 9:30 AM to noon
April 26 - 3 PM to 5:30 PM
June 26 - 9:30 AM to noon
August 23 - 3 PM to 5:30 PM
October 23 from 9:30 AM to noon

This seminar covers the importance and mechanics of writing the business plan, small business loans & lines of credit, and small business linked deposit programs.

"How to Write a Business Plan" seminars presented by Mary Ann Jasionowski, MEd, CBA & SMBA Director, and Mark Hansel, Cleveland District Representative for the Small Business Administration.

All "How to Write a Business Plan" seminars are held at: the Akron Global Business Accelerator
526 S. Main St., 9th Floor Conference Room #904
Akron, Ohio 44311.

When attending seminars, please remember to park in Visitor Parking and sign in with the Administrative Office on the first floor.

You may register for these seminars by calling Summit Medina Business Alliance Small Business Development Center at 330.375.2111, or by email to info@akronsbdc.org.


**********************************************************************************************************************

"Numbers Demystified" - Making Sense of Financial Statements

All too often small business owners receive a set of financial statements from an accountant or bookkeeping service, from an untrained employee, or directly from an accounting software package without the benefit of any knowledge of what the numbers actually mean. Later, they are surprised by events that could have been foreseen if they knew how to look at their own financials.

This two-hour presentation demonstrates some basic financial analysis techniques using meaningful comparisons and financial ratios.

March 21, June 20, September 19, and November 14 -
all from 4 PM to 6:30 PM at the Akron Global Business Accelerator, 9th Floor Conference Room #904
526 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44311

To register, please call 330.375.2111 or email to inro@akronsbdc.org.

When attending the seminar, please remember to park in Visitor Parking and sign in with the Administrative Office on the first floor.
***********************************************************
***********************************************************

OHIO BUSINESS MATCHMAKER 2012

When:
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
7:00 a.m – 4:30 p.m. Pre-Conference Training and Exhibits (No Matchmaking)
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
7:00 a.m – 4:30 p.m. Business Matchmaker, Training and Exhibits

Where:
Wright State University Nutter Center
3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy.
Dayton, Ohio 45435

The Ohio Business Matchmaker 2012 is a unique opportunity for buyers and suppliers of goods and services to come together. More than 250 buyers will be on hand for one-on-one meetings with small, minority, service-disabled
veteran-owned, veteran-owned, HUBZone, and women-owned
businesses. Buyers are from city, state, county, and federal agencies as well as prime contractors and other organizations with combined purchasing budget representing hundreds of millions of dollars worth of opportunities.

For more information, please visit
ohiobusinessmatchmaker.com or call (614) 466-2711

Buyer Registration begins January 10, 2012
Supplier Registration begins January 17, 2012

The State of Ohio is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider of ADA Services



***********************************************************


Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship Research at the Hudson Library presents the MBA Lite Mini-Series: Manage Your Business

starting
Wednesday, January 11, 2012 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM (ET)

96 Library St
Hudson, OH 44236

Happy New Year! We hope to welcome you back to the 2012 Winter/Spring Entrepreneurship Series with a brand-new, four-part “MBA-Lite” Mini Series : Manage Your Business. The first session of this series will be Wednesday, January 11 at 6:30 PM with Patrick Gaughan, Business Community Liaison/ Instructor at Youngstown State University who will present “Managing Your Investors/Shareholders.”

The remaining programs in the MBA Lite include: “Rethinking Intellectual Property Strategy: The Impact of the America Invents Act” offered on Thursday, January 19,with Colin Drummond, Ph.D, Director of the Coulter-Case Translational Research Partnership at Case Western Reserve University;

Wednesday, February 1, Leo Plante, Goodyear Executive Professor at Kent State University, will present “Financial Decision Making”

and the final session on Wednesday, February 8, is “Mindsets of the Entrepreneur” with David Kukurza, Academic Program Director in the Center of Integrated Entrepreneurship at Hiram College.



Check out the rest of the 2012 Winter/Spring Entrepreneurship Calendar of Events at
http://hudsonlibrary.org/MorganEntrepreneurshipCenter/EntrepreneurshipSeries.html



**********************************************************************************************************************


Daily Habits to Increase your Hire-ability

Tuesday, February 21
7 PM
Hudson Library
96 Library St.
Hudson, Ohio 44236
www.hudsonlibrary.org


Maintaining an even keel is important while looking for employment. HR Specialist Tina Romano-Allen returns to the Hudson Library & Historical Society on Tuesday, February 21 to offer tips and ideas to help job seekers with their mental game.

“It’s hard to keep motivated. Job seekers can lose weeks of time with mental crashes that can come with disappointing news.” Romano-Allen will provide energizing activities to nurture yourself and to keep you engaged while riding the roller coaster of finding employment.

Romano-Allen has extensive experience in corporate hiring, career transition and performance management and contributes articles to the Employment section of the Plain Dealer. She is a regular speaker and job coach for several education and career centers.

The Job Seekers’ programs continue on Thursday, February 23, 2 to 4 p.m. OR Saturday, February 25 from 10 a.m. to noon with Research Databases for Job Seekers; Ohio Means Jobs, Tuesday, March 20 at 7 p.m. and Keys to Getting Interviews on Friday, April 20, 10 a.m. to noon. Registration will begin one month prior to the programs.

We are always adding programs to the Job Seeker Series. Visit www.hudson.lib.oh.us to keep up with the latest additions and other programming at the library.

We hope you can make it!

Sincerely,

Jodie DeLamatre, Reference Librarian
Hudson Library & Historical Society
330-653-6658
hudsonlibrary.org

For more information or to register, please contact Hudson Library.

***********************************************************
***********************************************************

You are invited to the following event:
Research Database Class for Job Seekers
EVENT TO BE HELD AT THE FOLLOWING TIME, DATE, AND LOCATION:

Feb 23, 2012
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Hudson Library & Historical Society
96 Library St
Hudson, OH 44236
www.hudsonlibrary.org
330-653-6658


Library class will help job seekers prepare resumes, research companies Finding a job in a tough economy calls for thorough information about where to look and how to make yourself stand out from a crowd of competing candidates. At 2 p.m. on...
Read More

Share this event on Facebook and Twitter

We hope you can make it!

Cheers,
Hudson Library & Historical Society



**********************************************************************************************************************

SPAM ALERT!!!

There are spam emails circulating regarding folks being contacted by the Better Business Bureau due to complaints being lodged with the Better Business Bureau. Do not open these emails or the accompanying attachments - they are spam and the Better Business Bureau does not send these kind of emails.




**********************************************************************************************************************

FYI...
If You Do Not Know the NAICS Code You Are Looking for...

If you do not know the precise industry NAICS you
are looking for, contact the Census Bureau at 1-888-75NAICS or naics@census.gov. Describe the activity of the
establishment for which you need an industry code and you will receive a reply. Another source to help you assign
the correct NAICS industry name and number can be found at www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html.


**********************************************************
**********************************************************





SBA Introduces New Mobile Application for

Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs

New SBA mobile application brings enhanced access to

information and resources



WASHINGTON – Smart phone users interested in starting or growing a small business can now find helpful resources at their fingertips via a new SBA mobile application from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“Increasingly, smart phones are the vehicle through which Americans access information. This is certainly true of many entrepreneurs and small business owners and this new application ensures they will have access to SBA’s resources and programs – literally at their fingertips,” said SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills. “Greater mobility fits with the new user-focused SBA.gov launched recently, and is another example of the steps we are taking to do a better job of connecting entrepreneurs and small business owners with the tools to help them start or grow their businesses and create jobs.”

Developed and donated as a gift by Palo Alto Software, Inc., the SBA mobile app will make the search for extensive resources more efficient, whether users are starting a new business or taking an existing business to a new level. The app will first be available for the Apple iPhone®, with future versions for other smart phone platforms.

“Palo Alto Software’s mission is to help small businesses succeed. We’ve developed this mobile application for the SBA because we understand the importance of having the right tools and resources when starting or growing a business,” said Sabrina Parsons, CEO of Palo Alto Software. “Ideas can strike entrepreneurs at any moment, and having useful resources available through mobile devices could be the impetus that begins the next big company.”

The mobile app will help users connect with SBA district office staff and SBA-affiliated counselors and mentors who can provide free, personalized small business assistance. The user-friendly format of the app will help answer questions such as: How do I start a business? Where can I go in my area to get free help with writing a business plan? And where do I begin finding funding for my business?

The SBA mobile app also features a built-in startup cost calculator to help estimate the costs associated with getting a business off the ground, plus an SBA partner locator to help users find SBA offices, Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers and SCORE.

Users will also have mobile access to SBA video content and social media alerts to provide them with tips on the go. This will include live updates from the SBA’s YouTube channel and from SBA’s Twitter feeds. The free mobile app can be downloaded from the SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/content/sba-mobile-app.



***********************************************************
***********************************************************



Summit Medina Business Alliance
2011 QUICKBOOKS SERIES


Basic QuickBooks classes

This course is designed to teach how to use QuickBooks software to maintain financial information. Accounting topics will be discussed as they relate to understanding QuickBooks. While an accounting background is not necessary for this training, this training should not be considered a substitute for basic accounting training.

Reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. A seat in the class is reserved when payment of $100 (for all four sessions plus all training materials) is received. Checks should be made out to Summit Medina Business Alliance. Payment in full must be received before first class begins to ensure ample seating and materials. There will be no refunds or adjustments for missed classes. All classes are held from 4 pm to 6:30 pm.

mail checks to:
Summit Medina Business Alliance
526 S. Main St., Ste. 813
Akron, OH 44311



Workshop Location: The PC Lab, 7th floor
Akron Global Business Accelerator
526 South Main St.
Akron, OH 44311

To register or for more information, call 330.375.2111, or email info@akronsbdc.org.

Sponsor: Ohio Small Business Development Center at the Summit Medina Business Alliance.
Jim Griggy, CBA - Instructor


*September 22, 2011, 4 PM to 6:30 PM
Lessons 1 & 2 - Getting Started and Setting Up QuickBooks

*September 29, 2011, 4 PM to 6:30 PM
Lessons 3 & 4 ¨Working with Lists & Working with Bank Accounts"

*October 6, 2011, 4 PM to 6:30 PM
Lessons 5 & 6 ¨Using Other Accounts In QuickBooks & Entering Sales Information"

*October 13, 2011, 4 PM to 6:30 PM
Lessons 7 & 8 ¨Receiving Payments and Making Deposits & Entering and Paying Bills"


***********************************************************
***********************************************************



GO Direct!

The U.S. Department of the Treasury recently announced that all federal benefits will be paid electronically. Anyone applying for federal benefits on or after May 1, 2011, will need to choose an electronic payment method at the time they apply for their benefit, while anyone currently receiving paper checks needs to switch by March 1, 2013. People already receiving benefit payments electronically do not need to take further action. They will continue to receive their payment as usual on their payment date.

This change makes it more important than ever for [ORGANIZATION/YOUR CHAPTER/AFFILIATES] to encourage [SENIOR CITIZENS/VETERANS/PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES] to sign up for electronic payments now.
. Have a bank or credit union account? Americans can sign up for direct deposit of their benefit payments directly into their checking or savings account by going to www.GoDirect.org, calling (800) 333-1795, or visiting their local bank or credit union.
. Prefer a prepaid debit card? The Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® card is an FDIC-insured prepaid debit card that provides a safe, low-cost alternative to paper checks for federal benefits payments. Cardholders can make retail purchases, pay bills and get cash back. No bank account or credit check is required. To sign up for the card, or to learn about its fees and features, people can go to www.GoDirect.org, call (800) 333-1795, or contact their federal agency.

People who do not choose an electronic payment option by March 1, 2013, or at the time they apply for federal benefits, will receive their payments via the Direct Express® card so they will not experience any interruption in payment.

The Treasury Department’s Go Direct® campaign provides free materials to help you share this important information. Here’s what you can do:
· Display Go Direct campaign and Direct Express® card materials in your lobby.
· Link to www.GoDirect.org from your website.
· Help people who are about to apply for federal benefits be ready to choose direct deposit or the Direct Express® card at enrollment time and understand what information they should have on-hand when signing up.
· Actively encourage the people you serve who currently get federal benefit checks to make the switch to electronic payments today, so they can beat the last-minute rush to sign up before the deadline.

For more details or to order free materials, visit www.GoDirect.org.



**********************************************************************************************************************
***********************************************************

Ohio Minimum Wage Going Up in 2011

The Ohio Department of Commerce announced a 5- to 10-cent per hour increase in the state's minimum wage effective Jan. 1, 2011. At the start of the year, the minimum wage for non-tipped employees will increase from $7.30 per hour to $7.40. For tipped employees, the rate jumps from $3.65 to $3.70 an hour. The increased wage will apply to employers who gross more than $271,000 per year. Cur-rently, Ohio's minimum wage applies to employers who gross more than $267,000 per year, the agency re-ported. For employees at smaller com-panies and for 14- and 15-year-olds, the state minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, which is tied to the federal minimum wage.


******************************************************


SPAM Alert!!!

Apparently, the newest fun in the spam world is to send e-mails alerting a company that their federal tax payment through EFTPS was rejected. This is spam which is confirmed by the IRS in a press release here: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=160334,00.html

The IRS NEVER uses e-mail as a form of communication with taxpayers. Communication with the IRS is by USPS mail unless a taxpayer initiates a phone call with the IRS (or in-person visit at an IRS office).

...........................................................
...........................................................


Tune in to NEOtropolis on Western Reserve for news on N.E. Ohio businesses
(Time Warner Cable channels 45 & 49)



NEOtropolis explores the business and economy of Northeast Ohio. Veteran broadcaster Jim Evans hosts the program, which features a field segment and panel discussion about a particular aspect of the region’s businesses or economy, news reports from content partner The Business Journal, a stock report and much more. Look for the program on Western Reserve PBS (formerly PBS 45 & 49)



..........................................................
..........................................................



IRS Helps Small Employers Claim New Health Care Tax Credit; Forms and Additional Guidance Now Available on Small Business Health Care Tax Credit
IR-2010-117, Dec. 2, 2010 — The IRS releases final guidance and a one-page form and instructions for small employers eligible to claim the new small business health care tax credit for the 2010 tax year.

Notice 2010-87, Transitional Relief for Determining Timeliness of Federal Tax Deposits.doc The document provides transitional relief for determining the timeliness of Federal tax deposits (FTDs) under section 6302 of the Internal Revenue Code. The notice provides that the Internal Revenue Service will not assert penalties under Code section 6656 for FTDs due in calendar year 2011 that are untimely solely because the depositor treated a statewide legal holiday as if it were a legal holiday in the District of Columbia.

IRS Announces 2011 Standard Mileage Rates
IR-2010-119, Dec. 3, 2010 — Driving for business? In 2011, you may be able to claim 51 cents per mile according to IRS guidance issued today.

Interest Rates Decrease for the First Quarter of 2011
IR-2010-120, Dec 7, 2010 — Quarterly interest rates for the quarter beginning January 1, 2011.



..........................................................
...........................................................



THE FOLLOWING TWO ARTICLES WERE TAKEN FROM THE BUSINESS SECTION OF THE AKRON BEACON JOURNAL


1. FREE TAX INFO AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

The IRS reminds taxpayers that it provides free publications, forms and other tax materials and information. Free help is available on the IRS webite, by phone, at local IRS offices, and at many community locations.

At the website http://www.irs.gov, one can access free tax information. At 1040Central on the Individuals page, one can obtain forms, instructions, and publications, learn about IRS e-file, determine your eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit, read about the latest tax changes, and find answers to frequently asked questions.

in the Online Services section, one can access numerous applications to help with your taxes, including Free File, the IRS Withholding Calculator, the Alternative Minimum Tax Assistant, the EITC Assistant, and more. one can also check the status of one's refund by clicking on "Where's My Refund?"

Filers also may call the IRS Tax Help Line for individuals at 800.829.1040 to get answers to federal tax questions.



2. HOME BUSINESSES QUALIFY FOR TAX BREAKS

websites to visit:

Bankrate.com
http://bankrate.com/brm/itax/tips/20010321a.asp
Features requirements for home-office deductions and where to claim costs.

Internal Revenue Service
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index
Select "Small Business and Self-Employed 'Filing Season Central'" to access information.

Investopedia
http://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/08/home-office-tax-deduction.asp
Lists criteria for home-office deductions.

Startup Nation
http://www.startupnation.com/pages/articles/home-based-business-taxes.asp
Discusses home-based business write-offs.





__________________________________________________________

IRS e-News for Small Businesses: a Time Saver for Small Businesses and the Self-Employed



IRS e-News for Small Businesses offers small businesses and the self-employed a real time-saver. e-News is a bi-weekly newsletter that alerts them to what¡¯s new, hot and important for small business owners to know. It¡¯s quick to read, easy to subscribe ¨C and it¡¯s free.



e-News for Small Businesses is the IRS¡¯s e-newsletter for businesses with specialized content consisting of:

¡¤ Important upcoming tax dates for small businesses

¡¤ What¡¯s new for small businesses on IRS.gov

¡¤ Reminders and tips to assist small businesses with tax compliance

¡¤ IRS news releases and special IRS announcements

¡¤ Direct links to a variety of Web sites and resources

¡¤ Availability of IRS products, services, and training opportunities

Businesspeople may also want to take a look at other IRS e-newsletters:

IRS Tax Tips ¨C tax information via e-mail from the IRS daily during the tax-filing season and periodically the rest of the year


Retirement News for Employers ¨C information about current developments and upcoming events within the retirement plan arena; issued periodically during the year
Subscribe to e-News for Small Businesses on IRS.gov at http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=154825,00.html or other IRS e-newsletters at http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/content/0,,id=103381,00.html, click on the newsletter title, click on ¡°Subscribe Now¡± and enter your e-mail address.



..........................................................


For more information on other events in Summit and Medina Counties, please visit http://MedinaCountyEvents.com, and http://SummitCountyEvents.com


.........................................................


...........................................................

DISASTER CONTRACTING


If you are a small business wanting to assist in cleanup in the aftermath of a disaster, you need to do the following:


FIRST STEP

Register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR) at www.ccr.gov. The FEMA Disaster Response data base collects its information in the CCR. Once you have accessed the website, go to ¡°Help¡± link on the top of the page and read the CCR Handbook. It will tell you all the information you will need to register. To begin your registration go to the CCR Home page and select ¡°Start a New Registration¡± on the left hand side of the page.


After you complete the required elements, go to the Disaster Response page (see ¡°Optional Information¡± on the left had side of the page). FEMA established its Debris Removal Contractor Registry (DRCR), specifically for state and local governments to use to identify and pre-qualify available debris removal contractors. All vendors interested in doing business with FEMA should send an e-mail to FEMA-Industry@dhs.gov.


Small Business should also complete SBA¡¯s Supplemental Page at the end of the registration.


CCR Customer Service Contact Information
Toll-Free Phone Number 1-888-227-2423
CCR Email: ccr@bpn.gov
Hours of Operation are 9 - 5 (EST) Monday - Friday. Voice mail messages will be taken if all lines are busy; all calls will be returned.


SECOND STEP:


The Army Corps of Engineers also has its Disaster Resource Contractor Registry at http://www.lrl.usace.army.mil/DisasterEquip/ (firms must also be register in CCR). The Corps of Engineers has developed this contractor registry for assistance with their disaster response mission. The Corps of Engineers uses its engineering and contracting capabilities to support FEMA and other Federal, State and local government agencies in a wide variety of missions during natural and man-made disasters.

Information in this registry will be used by Corps of Engineers offices that are looking for specific goods or services during emergencies. Submission of information is voluntary. Information will be considered For Official Use Only within the Federal government. Submission of information to this registry DOES NOT expressly or implicitly commit the Federal government to procurement of products or services

For any questions regarding the Army Corps Contractor Registry, please email disasterresponsereg@lrl02.usace.army.mil.


OTHER RESOURCES


FEDBIZOPPS

Once you have registered with CCR, you can go to http://www.fedbizopps.gov. This is the single government point-of-entry for Federal government contract opportunities over $30,000. Managed by the General Services Administration, FedBizOpps allows businesses to sign up for e-mail notification of open contracts related to specified fields. At the website, on the right hand side, under Related Links, click on ¡°Vendor Notification Services¡±, which will allow you to receive email alerts by contract number, classification or all contract notices.


You can reach the FedBizOpps Help Desk by clicking on the ¡°Help Desk¡± link on the bottom of the FEDBIZOPPS web page, calling 877-472-3779 or sending an email to fbo.support@gsa.gov.

The Help Desk is open between 8am and 6pm EST (M-F).


Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) form a nationwide network of procurement professionals dedicated to providing you: www.aptac-us.org

An understanding of the requirements of government contracting, and the know-how to obtain and successfully perform federal, state and local government contracts.
At little or no cost, PTACs provide a wide range of assistance covering every phase of government contracting ¨C from initial registrations through contract completion.


Small Business Development Centers: Offer One-stop assistance to individuals and small businesses by providing a wide variety of information and guidance in local, easily accessible branch locations. http://www.sba.gov/sbdc/sbdcnear.html



For any other contracting opportunities, please contact the state, county, or other local municipalities in the area that you would like to do business in, to find out what is available and what their requirements may be.

...........................................................


SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Akron, Ohio June 1, 2006

The City of Akron and Summit County have joined with The Summit Medina Business Alliance (SMBA) to improve the environment for Akron's small business community.

The Summit Medina Business Alliance, Inc. (SMBA) has been incorporated to support the economic development of the region by drawing upon academic, government, private and public resources to help the region grow and improve. The SMBA will also serve as a central resource facility to foster innovation and continuous improvement of business and the development of the region through consulting, training, technology transfer and resource exchange between business, higher education and government.

This new non profit corporation will be the host for the Akron Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in their delivery of business consulting services. The City of Akron and Summit County have provided funding for the SBDC currently housed in the Akron Global Business Accelerator (formerly known as the Akron Industrial Incubator). The Akron SBDC is also supported by grants from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD). The support given through such funding does not constitute an expressed or implied endorsement of any of the co-sponsor(s)' or participant(s)' opinions, products, or services.

This cooperative effort between the City of Akron, Summit County, and The Summit Medina Business Alliance is a significant milestone towards expanding the region's ability to support the growth of small businesses and increase jobs, says Director, Mary Ann Jasionowski. The SBA reports that small businesses generate 60% to 80% of net new jobs in the nation annually.

Our highly professional staff will initiate and maintain contact with Summit and Medina county start-up and existing businesses to provide management assistance and educational programs to aid in the identification and solution of business problems.
Our full-time counselors, Mary Ann Jasionowski, Brian Walters, and Jim Griggy, are available to consult and train entrepreneurs and small business owners.

The Akron SBDC is located at 526 S. Main St., Suite 813, Akron, OH and can be contacted at 330-375-2111 or by email at info@akronsbdc.org.



¡°The Small Business Development Center Program of Ohio (SBDC) is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBDC program is also funded in part by the Ohio Department of Development. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the Ohio Small Business Development Center at the Summit Medina Business Alliance, 526 S. Main St., Ste. 813, Akron, OH 44311; phone 330.375.2111.¡±