In the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship and business, staying well-informed and connected is key to sustained success. Whether you are expanding operations, seeking capital, bidding on public contracts, or planning succession, regional Mahoning Valley resources can accelerate your growth. Explore our curated essential resources below.
Quick Navigation
1. Library Business Resources & Research Tools
- Library Business & Finance Page, opens a new window: Browse featured databases, staff research services, upcoming business workshops, and video tutorials.
- Complete List of Business Databases, opens a new window: Free access to powerful research tools including Data Axle Reference Solutions (B2B prospecting and competitor mapping), Mergent Intellect (company financials and executive contacts), PolicyMap, and LinkedIn Learning.
- Crafting an Elevator Speech, opens a new window: Concise pitches are vital for existing businesses networking or seeking capital. Review official guidance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on building business through effective quick pitches.
2. Employment, Internships & Workforce Training
Hiring & State Workforce Resources
- Ohio One Stop Business Guide, opens a new window: State-level guidelines on employer compliance, tax accounts, and continuing business expansion.
- OhioMeansJobs / One Stop Jobs, opens a new window: Post job openings, manage workers' compensation details, explore employee training grants, and connect with restored citizens employment programs.
- O*NET Online, opens a new window: Research standardized job descriptions, salary benchmarks, skill requirements, and industry keywords for job postings.
- YSU Training Centers, opens a new window & YSU IT Workforce Accelerator, opens a new window: Professional development, IT certifications, and specialized skill-building programs designed for regional employers and working professionals.
Youngstown State University (YSU) Internships
- Williamson College of Business Administration (WCBA) Internships, opens a new window: Connect with upper-level undergraduate or MBA students for semester-long business roles in accounting, marketing, supply chain, or management.
- Micro-Internships (Parker Dewey), opens a new window: Hire students for short-term, paid projects in market research, content creation, operations, and sales support through YSU WCBA's Parker Dewey portal.
- Center for Nonprofit Leadership Internships, opens a new window: Recruit dedicated students pursuing careers and leadership roles in the social sector through YSU's Center for Nonprofit Leadership.
3. Financial Support, Grants & Cost Savings
Local Loans, Grants & Municipal Programs
- Municipal Façade Grants: Building exterior improvement grants available through city planning departments in Youngstown, Warren, Struthers, and surrounding municipalities.
- City of Warren Community & Economic Development, opens a new window: Municipal loan programs and local commercial tax incentives.
- City of Youngstown Economic Development, opens a new window: Revolving loan funds, economic growth grants, and urban expansion assistance.
- Ohio Micro-Loan Program, opens a new window: Microloans ranging from $10,000 to $45,000 at 0% interest for eligible small businesses.
- Find Your Elected Representatives, opens a new window: Inquire directly with local, state, and federal lawmakers about regional economic development funding and grants.
Competitive National Grant Opportunities (Click to Expand)
Safety Grants & Premium Discounts
- Ohio BWC Safety Intervention Grants, opens a new window: Matching grant funding through the Bureau of Workers' Compensation to purchase equipment that reduces workplace injuries.
- Regional Chamber Safety Council, opens a new window: Earn savings and rebates on BWC premiums by participating in monthly safety education meetings.
4. Government Contracting & Certifications
- APEX Accelerator @ YSU, opens a new window: Specialized counseling, technical assistance, and bidding preparation to help businesses secure federal government and defense contracts.
- Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) @ YBI, opens a new window: Hands-on technical assistance for state and local contracting, business planning, financial management, and official State of Ohio certifications:
- Operating Agreements & Governance Documents, opens a new window: Essential legal agreements outlining ownership percentages, voting structures, and buy-sell procedures required when applying for certifications or business loans.
5. Mentorship, Strategy & Succession Planning
- YSU Small Business Development Center (SBDC), opens a new window: Confidential 1-on-1 counseling on business expansion, financial forecasting, export strategy, and operational performance.
- SCORE Mentor Search, opens a new window: Search for experienced volunteer mentors by industry expertise, operational topic, or language preference.
- Valley Economic Development Partners (Valley EDP), opens a new window: SBA loan packaging, small business financing, and economic development lending assistance.
- SCORE Succession Planning Guide, opens a new window: Free downloadable templates, checklists, and webinars for selling, transferring, or structuring business ownership transitions.
Need Targeted Research or Market Data? Visit any of our 14 library branches to access business databases or Book a One-on-One Consultation, opens a new window with a Business Specialist.
Add a comment to: Existing Business Resources