About Us:

The Small Business Development Center, Kent State University at Stark is a fully funded, non-profit organization that is devoted to helping small businesses grow and individuals start new businesses. We do this through training programs and pre-arranged no cost consulting sessions.

Small Business Development Centers exist throughout the United States.   The US

Small Business Administration (SBA) manages the national program.  The SBA contracts with entities in each state who are responsible for the deployment of SBDC services in that state.  In the State of Ohio, the SBDC system is under the Ohio Department Services Agency.  In turn, the Ohio Department Services Agency contracts with local Hosts to ensure SBDC services are deployed throughout the State of Ohio. Kent State University at Stark, our Host, provides matching and in-kind funding outlined in the SBA grant.  America's SBDC supports a well established SBDC network, recognized by public and private sector entities as the preeminent provider of small business counseling, education and information

Our mission is to accelerate Ohio's economy by helping people in Stark and Wayne counties start, sustain and grow their businesses. Our vision is to transform Ohio, and specifically Stark and Wayne counties, into an innovative, entrepreneurial-based culture.

Nationwide, SBDC’s are fairly consistent in the way services are provided.  Usually,

these services include a selection of seminars and workshops, as well as one-on-one consulting.  In several states, including Ohio, SBDC Business Advisors must be certified to assure a professional standard.