The Ohio State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has been named the 2009 Best Center in Ohio for excellence in assisting new and existing small businesses throughout Appalachia, Ohio.
The Region 7 SBDC, which serves Adams, Brown, Lawrence, Scioto, Gallia, Pike, Ross, Highland, Jackson and Vinton Counties, and also houses the Manufacturing and Technology SBDC, was chosen based on the number of clients served, time personnel invested with clients, and the amount of capital clients have secured through the center's assistance.
"For anyone interested in starting or expanding a business, we are an excellent point of contact," said Ryan Mapes, business development specialist and director of the regional SBDC. "We partner with Chambers of Commerce and economic development agencies throughout the region and provide services that help clients understand loan packages, complete business and marketing plans, and provide employee training opportunities."
Brad Bapst, director of the Manufacturing and Technology Small Business Development Center, said being chosen as the top Small Business Development Center in Ohio says a lot about staff members and their ability to help southern Ohio businesses succeed.
"The award is a result of the reputation that the center has developed with businesses in the region," Bapst said. "To invest the time with clients and be diligent in following-up, requires attention to detail. For our staff to achieve that speaks highly of their knowledge and ability to service our clients' needs."
The Small Business Development Center and the Manufacturing and Technology Small Business Development Center provide on-on-one consulting to clients free of charge. In 2009, the centers served more than 600 clients and spent 6,600 hours of contact time. Nearly half of those clients are long-term clients. 22 of the clients started new businesses, creating 41 new jobs. Businesses served by the Center secured over $10 million in capital.
The Small Business Development Center and the Manufacturing and Technology Small Business Development Center are part of the OSU South Centers Business Development Network, which also includes the Ohio Cooperative Development Center, the Endeavor Center, Entrepreneurial Signature Program, and the Growing! Ohio Farmers' Markets Program.
