Looking to start a business in the area? Looking for some expert advice in growing your present small business? This page is designed to provide you with links to local, state and national websites you might find helpful. If you know of other sites we need to add to this page, please call us at 740-702-2722 or email mjones@chillicotheohio.com. If you don't find what you need, give the chamber a call at 740-702-2722 and we'll try to find the right resource for you.
One caveat: If you're searching for "free" money in the form of government grants to start a business, this is not the site. In fact, you will be hard pressed to find grants to begin a business. On the other hand, some of the sites below will lead you to sources of loans and other financing that might help you financially.
The Chillicothe branch has counselors available for one-on-one sessions to help emerging business people with almost any aspect of getting a business started or helping an existing business become even more successful. To learn more about this national organization, visit www.southcentralohioSCORE.org. To inquire about a confidential session with a local counselor, call 740-779-0845, leave a message and your call will be returned within 72 hours.
- www.sbdc.osu.edu
The Ohio State University South Centers in Piketon services the Ross County and southern Ohio area by providing workshops and seminars in addition to one-on-one confidential counseling. You can call the centers at 800-860-7232 to schedule an appointment or visit the website by clicking the title above.
Based in Chillicothe, the Alliance is a partnership of business and government with the purpose of providing jobs in the area by working with existing business and industry and attracting new ones to the area. The website has demographic information, a listing of sites available for new business or industry and other resources to get your business off the ground.
- www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner
The federal government has one agency dedicated to helping small businesses become and stay successful. It has one website with many resources to help get your business off the ground or provide existing business owners with information to help them become more prosperous. Just click the title above to take you to the site.
This group meets monthly in the chamber conference room at 8 a.m. the first Tuesday of each month. Following a 15-minute presentation on a topic or subject specifically addressing small business issues, the group shares its experiences running a small business and discusses issues the owners/operators are facing. It's also a great way to build relationships with other small business owners. People contemplating starting a business also are invited so they might learn of issues they could be facing. The grouip also has a discussion forum on LinkedIn to get help from other members. To attend the next roundtable, click here. To join the LinkedIn group, click here.
- www.nfib.com
This group's name says it all. In addition to providing resources, it also lobbies Congress to ensure the best possible environment in which to do business.
- www.uschambersmallbusinessnation.com
This organization serves the needs of businesses big and small across the nation. It's primary purpose is to lobby Congress to make sure the government's intrusion in your business is minimal. It has a website devoted to the needs of small business owners.
- www.development.ohio.gov
The state has an area on its website to specifically help small businesses.
- www.sopoc.org
The center offers support in government contracting at no charge to small businesses in Ross County and nine other counties in southeastern Ohio. It is for businesses considering expanding into the federal, state, or local government arenas. Small businesses learn how to best utilize the resources available to gain entry into these markets. Services include one-on-one consultation meetings, sales and marketing strategies to target local agencies, workshops on contracting and a bid-match service. 740-377-4550.
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