Business Resources

"The Chamber is a non-profit association that strives to be an indispensable resource for Adams County and surrounding areas. "

LOAN & GRANT ASSISTANCE…This provider assists existing businesses, recruits new businesses, oversees local development, helps administer small business loan and grant funds, manages housing rehabilitation and other grants, and acts as a catalyst for the development of the county's infrastructure. This office also provides information on “tobacco funding” and the Southern Ohio Agriculture and Community Development (SOACDF). 

"A free learning platform for women entrepreneurs."

"Established in 1983, the Brown County Chamber of Commerce is an association of more than 250 businesses and organizations making the Brown County community a better place in which to live, work, and play. Our active membership consists of local businesses, professionals, non-profits and government representatives who enjoy connecting to the community through advocacy, educational and leadership opportunities. For more information, contact us at 937-378-4784."

"The Ohio Development Services Agency has a variety of bonds, grants, loans, and tax credits that can assist Ohio companies as they grow and create jobs in Ohio. More information on the various programs is listed below."

ADVICE & TRAINING…The Business Development Center of Adams-Brown Community Action Partners offers an interactive, in-depth course on starting up or expanding a small business. They also provide small business loans of $500 to $15,000, as well as training workshops on computer courses such as Microsoft Office Suite and QuickBooks. For more information, please call Lisa Tumbleson-Davis at 800-553-7393 x 238 or ltumbleson@ABCAP.net. 

ADVICE & TRAINING... Located in Piketon, this provider has a staff of highly trained business counselors, many of whom currently own & operate (or have previously owned and operated) a small business. OSU South has established a network of partners and resources to serve client needs. They provide no-cost, confidential, in-depth, one-on-one small business counseling and customized on-site instruction for topics such as labor law assistance, succession planning, and business policy creation. Public seminars, on-line training, market research, and feasibility studies are also available. 

AFFORDABLE MARKETING MATERIALS… This program has a Small Business Marketing Solutions Service that enables business owners to receive affordable assistance in professionally marketing their business, through printed media and the internet. They can provide a personalized website, brochures, business cards, and other marketing material needed for promotion and maximum success in advertising and networking. Training workshops on computer courses such as Introduction to Personal Computers, Microsoft Office Suite, and QuickBooks are frequently offered.  For more information contact Lisa Pfeifer, Business Development Director, at (740)289-2371 x 381 or toll-free at 866-820-1185.

"It is the mission of the Equal Opportunity Division to serve, support, and find solutions for Ohioans by ensuring equal opportunity to and fair treatment in government contracting and state employment. The Division strives to achieve its mission by enforcing affirmative action and equal employment opportunity policies, and implementing and monitoring the state’s procurement preference programs for minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and socially and economically disadvantaged businesses."

"Welcome to the Inclusive Employer Toolkit! This Toolkit provides information and resources to help employers recruit, hire and retain employees with disabilities and best practices to foster an inclusive workplace. All of OOD’s employer resources can be found in one place!"

"The Ohio Development Services Agency is committed to creating jobs and building strong communities, while ensuring accountability and transparency of taxpayer money and exceptional customer service."

ADVICE & TRAINING & LOAN ASSISTANCE... The SBA can inform you of a number of loan assistance programs, many of which are designed for rural areas like Adams & Brown Counties. In addition to accessing capital, examples of the many other topics addressed include women and veteran-owned businesses; franchising, entrepreneurship, and home-based business; business plan development; and qualifying for and applying for government contracts. 

"Founded in 2007, The Ohio Workforce Coalition (OWC) is Ohio’s oldest workforce-focused, multi-stakeholder coalition.  Throughout its history, OWC has been bringing together workforce leaders and stakeholders from across Ohio to promote public policies that build the skills of adult workers, meet the workforce needs of employers, and strengthen workforce systems. 

"As such, OCW has always represented members from education and training, economic and workforce development, business and industry, community-based workforce organizations, labor, human services, and the public workforce system. "

"Our academy offers a wide range of courses, webinars, and other resources to help you succeed in your respective roles. Whether you are looking to enhance your skills as a program sponsor, gain new knowledge as an apprentice, or stay up to date on the latest industry trends and best practices, our academy has something for everyone.  We firmly believe that investing in the education and development of Registered Apprenticeship stakeholders is crucial to workers accessing training opportunities that will lead to sustainable career opportunities that will enhance the growth of America’s middle class. By providing you with some of the tools and resources you need to excel in your roles, we are confident that we can collectively advance the field of Registered Apprenticeship and positively impact the development of America’s workforce."     

ADVICE & TRAINING… This provider is a nonprofit association of thousands of volunteer business counselors throughout the U.S. and its territories. SCORE members are trained to serve as counselors, advisors, and mentors to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners. Connect with SCORE and get free business advice.    

"Free digital training courses and tools to help your small business adapt, grow, and better serve your community"

GOVERNMENT CONTRACT PROCUREMENT… This is a free, assistance-oriented organization that will help you get informed about and registered to bid on various government-funded opportunities. Eligible businesses should be located in Ohio, have been in business for at least one year, and wish to expand their product and/or service markets to include local, state, and/or federal governments.

GRANT & LOAN ASSISTANCE… Through USDA’s Rural Energy for America (REAP). The program is intended to encourage rural small for-profit businesses and agricultural producers to install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. The grant program can help pay for twenty-five percent of the total eligible project costs—while the guaranteed loan program can help pay for seventy-five percent of the total eligible project costs. Please keep in mind that these programs can only assist with costs incurred after an application is received by Rural Development.