Leadership: Small Business Assistance Network

Author: Ann Gallaher

November 2008

Through the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) and their partner network, several programs and services are available to small companies seeking assistance on business planning, locating office space, accessing capital and educational opportunities.

Edison Technology Incubators
The Ohio Department of Development established the Edison Technology Incubator Program to house and assist technology-oriented start-ups during their concept definition and development stages. A professional management team from each Edison Incubator provides expert business advice to their clients. Management teams can assist Incubator clients in areas such as business plan development, strategic business and financial planning, and access to technology support. In Dayton, contact Barbara Hayde at the Entrepreneurs Center by calling 937.281.0098.

Virtual Incubators
Are you a part-time or early-stage company that needs assistance fulfilling your entrepreneurial dream? With assistance from ODOD, the Entrepreneurs Center offers a new Affiliate Membership Program which provides entrepreneurs with limited access to the center’s core services. Affiliate Membership is designed for entrepreneurs that are located outside of the incubator. Their network, training and mentors can help you grow and succeed in business. Contact Jim Hill, Business Incubation Manager at the Entrepreneurs Center at 937.281.0116.

Small Business Development Centers
The Small Business Development Centers of Ohio (SBDC) provide in-depth business consulting to pre-venture, start-up and existing small businesses throughout the state. If you own a small business or are thinking about starting one, contact the Ohio SBDC at The Entrepreneurs Center for no-cost, confidential, professional counseling. Pat Newcomb, the program’s director, can be reached at 937.281.0118.

Entrepreneurial Signature Program
In the Dayton Region, entrepreneurial development is facilitated through collaboration with many partners. Working together, they are able to provide education, technology validation, and access to capital assisting entrepreneurs to start-up and grow their businesses. Through the Entrepreneurial Signature Program (ESP), developmental services and early stage capital is available to Dayton Region technology businesses. Early and growth stage businesses are provided access to capital through the
Dayton Investment Network. Technology validation is provided by TechNet, a pairing of technologists and business experts, to help businesses commercialize technology products. To learn more about the Entrepreneurial Signature Program in the Dayton Region, contact Christina Howard at the Dayton Development Coalition at 937.222.4422.

Entrepreneurial Development Network (EDN)
Entrepreneurial Development Network (EDN) provides entrepreneurs with a coordinated network of education and assistance. To view upcoming educational events we encourage you to view www.tecdayton.com. Some of the services provided by a local Dayton connection through the Ohio Department of Development could help your company grow and expand. We encourage you to check it out!