Service Support for Businesses
Whether you are considering starting a business or have an existing business, there are many resources in the community to help you thrive. From help with business plans to secure financing to developing a strategic marketing plan, there are many resources for you to tap into in the Norwalk area.
We are here to help! For questions, more information on any of the programs below, or suggestions on additional services, please contact our office at 419-663-2030.
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network is a program of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Norwalk and the North Central Ohio region are served by the SBDC office at the Braintree Business Development Center in Mansfield which provides comprehensive management and technical assistance to entrepreneurs seeking assistance to start up, expand, or maintain operations. SBDC provides one-on-one counseling, education and training services, and specialized services to address specific industry or emerging market needs.
Contact: Tim Moore, Director
Phone: 419-521-2651
Fax: 419-525-3492
Email: tmoore@braintreepartners.org
SCORE
Sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration, SCORE (Counselors to America's Small Business) is a 10,500-member volunteer association whose counselors are either retired or active business executives. The volunteers in Norwalk’s branch provide in-depth counseling and training to help prospective entrepreneurs with business startup issues and assist established small businesses to help them grow.
SCORE specializes in helping entrepreneurs develop business plans, marketing plans and financing applications. Norwalk’s award-winning branch is located at 185 Shady Lane Drive in Norwalk.
Call Ted Mahl or Tony Smith at 419-668-4867 x3446 for an appointment.
Business-to-Business Mentoring
This is a program we are currently in the process of developing with long-standing, successful area business owners. If you are interested in participating as a mentor or would like to find out more, contact our Economic Development Team at 419-663-2030.
International Market Development
Norwalk area firms interested in developing international markets can identify resources through the Ohio International Trade Assistance Center (ITAC), which provides counseling and training to small and medium sized businesses that are new to export or want to expand export activity.
Export assistance is provided by ITAC at no cost to clients, but fees may be charged for specialized projects. ITAC can help businesses develop export compliance plans, international trade plans, country trade profiles and document requirements for international shipments. Counselors can also assist with the identification of land, ocean, and air carriers for international logistics activities.
ITAC works in partnership with the following agencies:
ITAC’s services are made possible through a grant awarded from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Ohio Department of Development's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in order to promote growth through exports.
Contact ITAC to schedule an appointment
Bob Cohen, Director
Braintree Business Development Center
Phone: 419-521-2651
Fax: 419-525-3492
E-Mail: itac@braintreepartners.org
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