Start Up Business Resources

1. Local Advisory & Business Counseling

Free 1-on-1 mentorship, loan application help, and specialized support from regional organizations.

• Small Business Development Center (SBDC) @ YSU, opens a new window | 📞 330-941-2140
  Assistance for starting and existing businesses.
• SCORE Mentoring, opens a new window — Connect with experienced business mentors for free advice.
• Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC), opens a new window — Hosted at the Youngstown Business Incubator; assists with state and local contracts, business growth, and certification programs.
• Valley Partners, opens a new window — Work with a Business Resource Manager on loan-ready business plans.

2. Business Plans & Market Research

Library Online Databases

Access these free online databases with video tutorials on the Library Business Resources Portal, opens a new window:

• Business Book Summaries, opens a new window — Executive summaries of key business publications.
• Business Source Complete, opens a new window — Search by keyword for company profiles, industry reports, and SWOT analyses.
• EBSCOhost Databases, opens a new window — Complete collection of research databases.
• eBook Business Collection, opens a new window — Full-text digital books on management, finance, and marketing.
• Legal Information Source, opens a new window — Legal research database available via the library portal.
• LinkedIn Learning, opens a new window — On-demand video classes for business management, budgeting, marketing, and nonprofits.
• Mergent Intellect, opens a new window — Corporate profiles, executive details, and First Research industry intelligence.
• PolicyMap, opens a new window — Geographic demographics, local income trends, and mapping tools.
• Reference Solutions, opens a new window — Customer demographics, competitor mapping, and mailing lists.
• Regional Business News, opens a new window — Full-text regional business publications and news.
• Small Business Source, opens a new window — NOLO business books, guidebooks, and startup advice.
• Weiss Financial Ratings, opens a new window — Independent financial safety ratings for banks, credit unions, and insurance companies.

Other External Supplier Tools

• Thomasnet.com, opens a new window — Supplier search directory for hard-to-find industrial products (e.g., ISO-certified extruded plastics; free registration required).

Business Plan Templates & Examples

• SCORE Business Plan Templates, opens a new window — Fill-in-the-blank templates for new businesses.
• SBDCnet Sample Business Plans, opens a new window — Over 800 sample plans across different industries.

3. Legal, Licensing & Compliance

Startup & Legal Tools

• NuWav Legal Documents, opens a new window — Create customizable legal documents (such as LLC Operating Agreements).
• Ohio Startup, Hiring & Checklists, opens a new window — Official state guide for new businesses.
• Ohio Secretary of State Business Services, opens a new window — Business registration and filings.
• IRS Small Business & Self-Employed Center, opens a new window — Federal tax compliance and FEIN applications.
• Local Licenses & Permits: Check with municipal, county, or township zoning boards.
• Ohio EPA Permit Wizard, opens a new window — Environmental permit identification wizard.

4. Grants, Funding & Cost Savings

• Municipal Façade Grants: Local revitalization grants available through city planning offices (Youngstown, Warren, Struthers, etc.).
• Find Your Representative, opens a new window: Contact local, state, and federal representatives to ask about economic development grants.

Government Contracting & Certifications

• Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) @ YBI, opens a new window: Helps businesses apply for state and local government contracts and navigate State of Ohio business certifications:
  • MBE (Minority Business Enterprise), opens a new window
  • EDGE (Encouraging Diversity, Growth & Equity), opens a new window
  • WBE (Woman Business Enterprise), opens a new window
  • VFBE (Veteran-Friendly Business Enterprise), opens a new window
• APEX Accelerator @ YSU, opens a new window: Specializes in helping area businesses compete for federal government contracts.
• BWC Safety Grants, opens a new window & Chamber Safety Council, opens a new window: Workers' compensation discounts and safety intervention programs.
• OhioMeansJobs, opens a new window: On-the-job training wage reimbursement programs.

5. Industry Intelligence & Workforce Tools

• Occupational Outlook Handbook, opens a new window: Industry growth, wage data, and employment trends.
• O*NET Online, opens a new window: Detailed job task breakdowns, skills, and tools for writing job descriptions.
• Industry Trade Associations: Trade group directories for benchmark statistics and industry standards.