Existing Business

Utilizing the Ohio Award for Excellence Starter Guide, which is based on the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award program, a universally recognized excellence system for measuring progress and growth, clients are assessed in seven areas.

Leadership
Strategic Planning
Customer and Market Focus
Information and Analysis
Human Resource Focus
Process Management
Organizational Results

Each area is determined to need improvement, be adequate or excellent and strategies for improvement are discussed.

Useful Links

1st Stop Business Connection
A business information kit of state-level information and resources for Ohio’s emerging businesses from the Ohio Department of Development

Start-Up Guide
A comprehensive resources of things you need to consider, know and do to get a business started from the U.S. Small Business Administration

Entreworld.org
A world of advice, information and resources for entrepreneurs from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

The Capital Connection
A well-respected site full of information on where and how to mount a search for angel and venture capital, with good books on the subject too.

U.S. Bureau of the Census
Volumes of searchable information from the latest census to help inform your business.

MoneyHunt Business Plan Template
The Haas School of Business at the University of California-Berkeley considers this one of the best basic templates for writing a business plan.

Secretary of State Business Services
Search for a business in Ohio by name or other parameters or find the necessary corporate filing forms for your business.
Search Business Name Availability

Small Business Development Center Logo

Voinovich School, Building 20, The Ridges, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701 · 740–593-1797

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 (name, address, and phone number of person who will make the arrangements).