At the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, we believe small businesses are the backbone of our regional economy. As we celebrate National Small Business Week, we’re proud to spotlight two vital resources housed right here at the Chamber: the Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC). Together, these programs empower entrepreneurs and business owners with the tools, support, and connections they need to thrive. |
The Ohio SBDC at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is a go-to resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners at every stage of their journey. Whether you're launching your first venture, seeking financing, or planning for expansion, our experienced advisors offer no-cost, confidential one-on-one consulting.
Services include:
- Business plan development
- Financial forecasting and cash flow analysis
- Market research and competitive analysis
- Access to capital and loan packaging
- Strategic growth planning
In 2024 alone, the Ohio SBDC at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce supported 535 clients with over 4,000 hours of no-cost consulting, resulting in 22 business start-ups and $5.7M in capital impact. That impact reflects our region’s entrepreneurial spirit and the critical importance of ongoing, hands-on support.
Minority Business Assistance Center: Achieving Scale and Market Success
The MBAC serves a crucial role in promoting economic inclusion and empowering underserved entrepreneurs. Focused on supporting minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses, MBAC provides targeted technical assistance, business certification support, and access to procurement opportunities.
Through MBAC, clients gain:
- Help navigating MBE/EDGE/DBE certification processes
- Training and development workshops
- Guidance in securing contracts with public and private entities
- One-on-one business consulting
Our MBAC team is passionate about removing barriers and building pathways to opportunity. In 2024 they assisted nearly 700 clients by providing over 2,500 no-cost consulting hours and gain $92.5K in contracts. They also helped 66 clients achieve certifications, opening doors to new and expanded opportunities.
Building a Stronger Future—Together
As we celebrate the achievements of small businesses this week, we also recommit ourselves to supporting their continued success. At the Chamber, we know that when small businesses thrive, our whole community benefits. We invite entrepreneurs, startups, and established business owners alike to connect with our SBDC and MBAC teams—because your success is our mission.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit https://www.toledochamber.com/small-business-development-center.html or https://www.toledochamber.com/minority-business-assistance-center.html or contact us directly at (419) 243-8191.