It's news to no one that right now, running a business is unstable and we're working through unprecedented times. That means, in order to succeed, you must take risks as a business owner in order to continue your business and move forward. Part of that risk-taking process means actively exploring every opportunity available so you can perform effectively, efficiently and safely. Embracing new tools and technology is just one way to continue to evolve, adapt and even grow your business during today's challenging business environment. But if you don't know where your business stands, it's impossible to know where it can go.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses here in the Toledo Region and around the world have been hit hard. However, northwest Ohio organizations have been working hard to support the community. One such organization is the United Way of Greater Toledo and its new iPledge program, focused on spreading the word about local small businesses and driving consumers to their doors – and websites. 

During Ohio’s pandemic shutdown, the disparity between those with technology and broadband access at home and those without was on full display. Toledo Lucas County Public Library saw countless community members huddled up outside their buildings to use the WiFi that was intentionally kept on to help keep our most vulnerable community members connected. Schools distributed WiFi hotspots and Chromebooks to families in need. These efforts to bridge the digital divide are laudable, but still don’t fully address just how problematic the digital divide still is for many in our community. A number of community organizations are coming together to address this problem, and we are looking for partners like you to help bridge that divide. 

In line with the goal of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Northwest Ohio Business Reboot Initiative to help businesses throughout the region successfully reopen and retool through the COVID-19 pandemic, the chamber has been celebrating reopenings with ribbon cuttings throughout the region. The effort, called the Business Reboot Ribbon Cutting Blitz, is comprised of five-minute ribbon cuttings and is the perfect way to commemorate your business’ return to work, the office or retooling initiative.

​​By Sabrina D'Onofrio, CGBP, CBA​, Export Assistance Director

More than 95 percent of the world’s population and two-thirds of the global purchasing power lies outside of America’s borders, yet less than 1 percent of the 30 million businesses in the United States export. Ohio is the ninth-largest exporting state in the United States, consistently ranking as one of the top 10 exporting states in the nation. This is something that, as the Director of the Export Assistance Network, I am very proud of and hope to continue to see Ohio stay within that top 10.

​It seems winter is on its way out, though some may say it never really showed up. January 2020 averaged just over 35 degrees in Ohio, the warmest January since 2006. The mild weather has supported a lack of volatility in the electric and natural gas markets, but energy prices are playing limbo; how low can they really go?

It’s common to prioritize health and fitness when setting wellness goals. While diet and exercise routines are essential, another great way to start is by knowing your biometric numbers. These are the important health scores that determine your overall health. Knowing these scores can help you identify your problem areas, set realistic goals and manage your health throughout the year.

Have you ever dreamed of experiencing the Acropolis Museum or sailing through the picturesque Corinth canal? Have you ever wanted to explore the stunning cities on Santorini and the ruins of Athens? Thanks to a partnership between the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce and travel organization Aventura World, now you can, and at an unbeatable price.

By Sabrina D'Onofrio, Export Assistance Network Director

​The International Market Access Grant for Exporters is coming to a close this Friday, Feb. 28 at 3 p.m. The IMAGE Grant is a program funded through the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). STEP is funded through the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of International Trade. The SBA provides guidance on the IMAGE grant that offers financial assistance for small businesses to promote their products and services in international markets. The IMAGE grant will provide 50 percent reimbursement up to $10,000 per fiscal year for qualifying activities. 

On Feb. 6, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Toledo Small Business Development Center held the first-ever Drivers Ed class. The series was designed specifically for young professionals entering C-suite and ownership-level positions in their businesses, and focuses on teaching them to not just sustain the business model of previous generations, but to grow. The series continues on March 5 at 8 a.m. with Accounting for Fuel Efficiency at the University of Toledo's Nitschke Technology Commercialization Complex.