Ohio companies could help Wal-Mart look locally

To grow your small business, you can focus on connecting with bigger names to make an impact. According to The Columbus Dispatch, retail legend Wal-Mart could help Ohio supply business owners get a boost in their shifting strategy.

By looking for contacts in this area, the source said, Walmart stands to expand domestic partners and focus on American businesses. Ohio isn't the only state involved in this, as the Dispatch said, but its owners and manufacturing heads could do what's best for both their business and the state economy by cementing ties with such a prominent business. The deadline for this latest call was May 18, following previous years of similar efforts.

Before this latest item of note, Wal-Mart posted the text of a letter to investors from the company's CEO, Doug McMillon. In the middle of a long list of company changes, McMillon referred to efforts toward sustainability and supply chain transparency, a possible nod to the same strategy that may be driving the need for the company to "go local."

"Over the last decade, we've become one of the most environmentally sustainable retailers (and companies) in the world and we're raising the bar even higher," he said. "We're investing in making our supply chain safer and more transparent so customers can be confident that the products they purchase are sourced the right way."

This way of thinking local could prompt businesses to seek out funding programs that similarly enhance their own community. The Ohio 166 Regional Loan Program not only benefits individual businesses but Ohio cities and states as well through favorable rates, job creation requirements and other incentives. Contact Growth Capital for more information on the best loan options.