Empowering Communities: Understanding Ohio’s Economic Development Funding
Typically the Growth Capital blog highlights programs and topics that we feel small business owners should consider utilizing for their own growth and development. But this month we want to take a higher-level look at development initiatives happening across the state. Ohio is rich with opportunities for community development, but accessing the necessary funds to […]
Small Business, Big Impact: Overcoming Sustainability Challenges
In recent years, the concept of sustainability has shifted from a trend to a necessity—especially for small businesses. Not only does enhancing sustainable practices help the environment, but it can also lead to increased profitability and customer loyalty. However, integrating sustainability into small business operations can be challenging. So, let’s explore how small businesses can […]
Small Business Startup Mistakes to Avoid
In last month’s Growth Capital blog, we walked you through some common mistakes small business owners make and how they can be planned for and avoided. Realizing that many people may still be in the dreaming and planning stages of small business ownership, we thought it prudent to also take a look at common mistakes […]
Supporting Small Business Success: The SCORE Mentoring Program
In business, networking is essential to starting and growing something that will last. But in the beginning, it might seem like a monumental task to find and make connections that will have a meaningful impact. We think the best way to start your business network is with a business mentor, someone who has been there, […]
Federal Contracting & Small Businesses: A Perfect Pair
Last month the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) released fiscal data for 2022 that showed that the federal government spent $162.9 billion contract dollars with small businesses in the United States. While that is a staggering amount of money—and more than ever before—the overall percentage of dollars that went to small businesses actually declined by […]
Inclusive Economic Development and the Role of CDCs
When it comes to economic development, we would be lying if we said that it was fair and equitable across the nation. In fact, Brookings made this fact public in 2020 with its roadmap to inclusive development report. This report distills down into one poignant, unmistakable thought—economic growth in and of itself is not enough […]
Securing Non-Profit Funding Options to Promote Growth
Spring is a time of renewal and growth, and we’re not just talking about our lawns and gardens! Now is the perfect time to be thinking about new ways that you might want to grow and change your business—that will likely require some funding. This month we’re outlining how to go about locating and securing […]
3 Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Your Small Business
We know how exciting starting a small business is—seeing your passion project become a reality is an indescribable experience. However, the journey to launching a business is one that often has pitfalls that are easy to fall into, even if you’re not new to the field. We’re here to walk through some common mistakes that […]
New Business Venture Basics—Where Do I Start?
Welcome to 2023! We’re so glad you’re joining us in the New Year, and we’re jumping right in with some tips for how you can make 2023 the year you pursue that new business idea you’ve been dreaming of—or came up with just as you toasted goodbye to 2022. No matter how long starting a […]