Business Development ResourcesBusiness Development Resources – for every stage in the business life cycle. Whether you are researching the possibility of starting a business, have already started or are well on your way, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce has a number of resources to help you make the most of your venture. What follows are links to some of the most sought-after business development resources (Some of the links will take you off-site).
Still have questions? The Chamber’s Small Business Development Center and International Trade Assistance Center can help through their consulting and training activities. Contact them at 419-243-8191 to learn more. Assistance can also be obtained through the local SCORE chapter. Visit the Northwest Ohio SCORE website to learn more about their services. Starting a Business (or thinking about it)? Start here: The Start-up Guide/Building Your Business Plan explains the steps to starting a business in Northwest Ohio, including:
The Business Plan Workbook is a tool to help you in your initial business planning. The Ohio First Stop Business Connection provides individualized, downloadable packets of forms and information on how to start your business. There are packets for over 200 types of businesses that can be searched by key word or through an alphabetical list. Vendor’s licenses: If your business is selling a product, you will require a vendor’s license. Certain services are also taxable in Ohio. More information and application’s for vendor’s licenses are available from the Ohio Department of Taxation or the auditor’s office in the county your business is located in. Name Registration: All businesses must register with the state. Visit the Ohio Secretary of State's website to make sure the name you want is available and then download and mail the registraton form. Other Licensing: Some businesses require specialty licensing from the state of Ohio. Information on which businesses and how to apply can be found here. Already in business? Resources for Existing Businesses Links to some of the most requested information for ongoing businesses. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us at 419-243-8191. Taxation: The IRS.gov small business tax resource page contains forms, instructions, and online tax workshop and more to help you meet the federal tax responsibilities for your business. Ohio Business Gateway is your link to online reporting of your state tax obligations. Ohio Department of Taxation - forms and rules for State of Ohio business tax obligations. Funding Options: The US Small Business Administration provides information on their loan guarantee programs for small business. Ohio Grow Now - GrowNOW enables small business owners to receive a two-year 3% interest-rate reduction on their bank loan when they link the loan to job growth or retention in the State of Ohio. Business owners can apply the rate reduction on loans up to $400,000 and save up to $24,000 in the initial two years of the loan. The program is a partnership between State Treasurer Josh Mandel’s office and the state’s participating banks. GrowNOW also stimulates Ohio’s economy and rewards small businesses that drive it. To qualify, businesses must meet the following criteria: • Have less than 150 employees • Be organized for profit • Have offices and operating facilities in Ohio • Must have a majority of employees be Ohio residents • Link the loan request to job growth or retention in the State of Ohio by saving or creating one full-time or two part-time jobs for every $50,000 borrowed City of Toledo Economic Development Programs Lucas County Department of Planning and Development Lucas County Linked Deposit Program Other Resources: The Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC) also hosts an extensive set of resource links for businesses. |
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