Our mission is to accelerate Ohio's economy by helping people in Stark and Wayne counties start, sustain and grow their businesses.

Our vision is to transform Ohio, and specifically Stark and Wayne counties, into an innovative, entrepreneurial-based culture.

The Small Business Development Center at Kent State University Stark is a fully funded, non-profit orgainzation that is devoted to helping small businesses grow and helping individuals start new, small businesses. We do this through training programs and consultation sessions which are scheduled in advance.

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) receives funding from five sources:

The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides primary funding

and oversees the services we provide.

Another funding partner is the Ohio Department of Development,

which also oversees our processes and accreditation on a national

level.

The Stark Regional Planning Commission provides funding that helps

the SBDC deliver services to those individuals and business owners

throughout the county who are economically disadvantaged.

Lastly, The Office of Corporate and Community Services at Kent State

University Stark hosts the SBDC. Kent State Stark provides the

infrastructure for the SBDC to operate and to access facilities and

educational programs that are of benefit to our clients.

All counselors within the SBDC are required to complete a rigorous certification program to become a Certified Business Advisor (CBA) before they can begin meeting with clients. Additionally, counselors must renew their certification on an annual basis by completing 30 hours of coursework each year.

The Small Business Development Center of Ohio (SBDC) program 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 Canton SBDC at 330-244-3290.

What is the

Ohio Small Business Development Center?

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