Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship Research at the Hudson Library
The Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship Research offers free innovative programs, workshops, and events to assist entrepreneurs in establishing, growing, and maintaining a healthy business. One-on-one business mentoring is available by appointment. hudsonlibrary.org/morgan-entrepreneurship-center
SCORE Akron
The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) is a national nonprofit organization. Capitalizing on the know-how of experienced executives, Akron SCORE mentors new and small business owners on how to succeed in today’s economy. Volunteer executives assist with creating and vetting business plans, provide guidance on how to grow your business, and conduct workshops on the necessary steps to start a new business. Volunteer members offer free consultation services, advice, workshops, templates, and tools to business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. akron.score.org
Bounce Innovation Hub
Founded by the City of Akron, Bounce Innovation Hub is Northeast Ohio’s first open innovation center focusing on supporting and growing new and small entrepreneurial businesses and connecting them with investors and established large firms. Located in downtown Akron, Bounce includes a small business incubator, entrepreneurial support and services, accelerator programs, a makerspace, co-working, event and meeting space, an Esports Center, and cafe. bouncehub.org
Business Resource Network
BRN represents local, state, and federal economic and workforce development agencies working together to address business needs. Since 2009, the BRN has been assisting companies in accessing hundreds of programs and services to help local and regional companies compete, grow, and succeed. thebrn.net
Small Business Administration (SBA)
SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency dedicated to small businesses. It provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise. sba.gov
Business Volunteers Unlimited
Business Volunteers Unlimited engages businesses and employers to help address and solve critical community issues. BVU links the diverse knowledge and experiences of business leaders with the needs and opportunities of nonprofits. BVU provides board matching, volunteer opportunities, and leadership training. bvuvolunteers.org
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
SBDC works to accelerate business success in Summit, Portage, and Medina counties. It assists companies at any point in the business life cycle with various business needs, including accessing capital, business plan development, management, human resources, financial analysis, and legal. akronsbdc.org
Jumpstart
Jumpstart provides venture capital and high-impact assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners, working one-on-one to establish and achieve growth. Services include new business assistance, business mentoring, scale-up services, and funding and support of diverse businesses in
underserved areas. jumpstartinc.org
ECDI Women’s Business Centers of Ohio
The ECDI Women’s Business Centers of Ohio (WBCs) is dedicated to eliminating the obstacles women face in the world of business by providing resources, training, and access to capital. WBC provides business planning, training, one-on-one assistance, and mentorship. wbcohio.org
The Inclusion Marketplace
The Inclusion Marketplace is an online portal connecting minority-owned businesses with opportunities for growth. A searchable database allows buyers and suppliers to connect to business opportunities, business growth services, and capital. inclusionmarketplace.com
Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC)
MBAC supports the growth and sustainability of small, minority-owned, and disadvantaged businesses. Assistance includes access to capital, surety bonding, and professional advice. The MBAC helps companies obtain MBE/EDGE certifications, which provides additional opportunities to work with the State of Ohio and local governments. akronurbanleague.org/minority-business-assistance-center
University of Akron Research Foundation (UARF)
UARF’s mission is to transform and expand the region’s innovation economy through entrepreneurship education, technology commercialization, application of University of Akron research, and creation of new entrepreneurial ventures. UARF offers programs and services to start-ups, focusing on technology-based companies. Support from UARF includes advice and mentorship, tactical support, and connections to other entrepreneurial providers. uakronuarf.com
Economic Community Development Institute (ECDI)
ECDI provides training and small business loans for new, existing, and aspiring entrepreneurs who need focused, intensive training and one-on-one assistance. ECDI also helps secure capital for business owners who cannot access traditional financing due to economic conditions or a lack of bank credit. ecdi.org
Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron (ABIA)
ABIA provides resources to evaluate ideas and bring concepts for human health and medical uses to prototype. It offers several services including product development and access to specialized expertise, assets, and equipment. abiakron.org
Great Lakes Innovation and Development Enterprise (GLIDE)
GLIDE helps Northeast Ohio entrepreneurs wrap sound business practices around great business ideas. GLIDE’s experienced It provides professional business assistance to companies at every stage of development and connects entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to succeed. glideit.org
