In the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship and business, staying well-informed and connected is key to success. Whether you're a startup, an established business, or an aspiring entrepreneur, leveraging the right resources can make a significant difference in your journey. We've compiled a diverse range of business resources to help you along the way.
Library Business Resources and Information
Business Page, opens a new window: Includes events, items from our collection, resources and tutorials for how the databases work
List of Resources, opens a new window: A list of businesses resources available from the Library
Elevator Speech
Your elevator speech is a concise and compelling introduction to your business. HubSpot offers valuable examples and tips to help you craft an impactful elevator pitch. Check it out., opens a new window
Employment of Employees
One Stop Business Guide:, opens a new window Provides free state-level information needed to get started or continue on your entrepreneurial journey
One Stop Jobs:, opens a new window Find workers' compensation, training programs, and restored citizens information
O Net Online:, opens a new window Research job descriptions and keywords
Financial Support
Façade Grant Programs: Investigate local opportunities in cities such as Struthers, Youngstown, and Warren
Competitive Grants: Research opportunities from organizations like Amber Grants, Cartier Women's Initiative Awards, Chase, Eileen Fisher Foundation, FedEx Small Business Grants, Girlboss Foundation, The Halsted Grants, Kauffman Foundation, National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grants, Open Meadows Foundation Grant, Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Program, Social Ventures, Tory Burch Foundation Fellows
Ohio Chamber of Commerce Business Grants List, opens a new window
Additional financial resources for loans and grants include:
City of Warren Loan and Tax Abatements, opens a new window
City of Youngstown Business Services, opens a new window
Score Business Loans Education, opens a new window
Ohio Department of Development, opens a new window (Microlending Program $10000-45000 with 0% interest)
Kiva Microlending, opens a new window ($1000-10000 with friends/family)
Government Contracting
The APEX Office at YSU specializes in government contracting. Learn more at apex-ysu.org., opens a new window
Internships from Youngstown State University (YSU)
Williamson College of Business Administration Internships:, opens a new window Opportunities related to business fields of study for students in their junior or senior year or enrolled in the MBA program
Micro-Internships:, opens a new window Coordinated by the Williamson College of Business Administration, these are short-term, paid assignments in marketing, operations, sales and research
Nonprofit Internships:, opens a new window The Center for Nonprofit Leadership provides students with academic programming and professional development experiences for pursuit of a career in the nonprofit sector
Marketing and Advertising Associations
American Marketing Association (AMA):, opens a new window A community for marketers that offers resources, certifications and news
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA):, opens a new window A national organization for PR professionals
Additional U.S. and international marketing associations can be found in this Marketing Industry: Research Guide, opens a new window from the Library of Congress.
Mentorship
Score's Find a Mentor:, opens a new window Search by keyword, location, communication method, expertise, industry and language
Business Plans Help
Valley Economic Development Partners, opens a new window
YSU Small Business Development Center, opens a new window
Succession Planning
Visit Score.org, opens a new window. Click on the magnifying glass and type in your search “succession planning”.
You can also get templates and recorded webinars with Score's Succession Planning guide., opens a new window
Training
Ohio Means Jobs, opens a new window
YSU Training Centers, opens a new window
YSU IT Workforce Accelerator, opens a new window
Build Your Future: Ohio's Construction Industry, opens a new window (brochure on building trades with associations)
Additional Resources
Basic Information on Operating Agreements, opens a new window
State of Ohio Business Certifications, opens a new window
Minority Business Entrepreneurship (MBE)
Encouraging Diversity Growth & Equity Program (EDGE)
Woman Business Enterprise Program (WBE)
Veteran-Friendly Business Entrepreneurship Procurement Program (VFBE)
November 2023
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