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Early Business

Welcome to the Early Business Stage in your Entrepreneurial Journey!

On this page we鈥檒l explore essential resources designed to help newer businesses develop innovative products, build strong brand awareness, and increase sales. From funding opportunities and marketing strategies to networking events and mentorship programs, these tools are tailored to support your growth. Whether you're launching your first product or looking to scale, these resources provide the guidance and connections you need to succeed.

 

Local & Regional Resources

Bounce Innovation Hub

Based in Akron, Bounce provides co-working spaces, an accelerator program, and entrepreneurial support for tech-focused and social enterprises.

  • Provides flexible office spaces and resources to help tech and social enterprises grow.
  • Offers structured programs to help startups refine their business models and scale.
  • Connects entrepreneurs with a community of innovators and mentors to foster collaboration and growth.

Cleveland Foundation

The Cleveland Foundation offers funding and support for social entrepreneurship projects and community-based initiatives in Cleveland.

  • Offers grants and funding opportunities for businesses with a focus on social entrepreneurship and community initiatives.
  • Provides resources to help entrepreneurs make a positive impact in the Cleveland area.
  • Focuses on supporting businesses that aim to create lasting community change and address local challenges.

Cleveland Public Library鈥檚 TechCentral

The Cleveland Public Library鈥檚 TechCentral provides business resources, 3D printing, and other tech tools to entrepreneurs looking to prototype or build new products.

  • Provides access to 3D printers, CAD software, and other cutting-edge tools for product development.
  • Offers research materials and databases that help entrepreneurs with market analysis and business planning.
  • Helps entrepreneurs create prototypes and refine product ideas with access to professional-grade equipment.

Cleveland Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Located in Cleveland, the SBDC offers business counseling, resources, and assistance for small business owners.

  • Provides expert one-on-one business counseling for entrepreneurs on topics like marketing, finance, and growth.
  • Offers access to tools and information that help small businesses succeed and grow.
  • Helps businesses explore funding options, including grants and loans, to support expansion.

Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE)

Part of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, COSE offers advocacy, networking, and resources tailored to small business owners in Northeast Ohio.

  • Provides advocacy for small businesses, ensuring their voice is heard in policy discussions.
  • Offers events that connect small business owners with potential clients, partners, and mentors.
  • Provides specialized resources and tools to help small businesses thrive in Northeast Ohio.

JumpStart Inc - Small Business Impact Workshop Series

JumpStart鈥檚 Impact+ program is a virtual education series designed for advanced entrepreneurs looking to harness the power of technology to scale their operations, expand their reach and achieve sustainable growth.

  • Virtual workshops focused on using technology to scale operations and increase reach.
  • Designed for experienced entrepreneurs looking to implement innovative solutions for sustainable growth.
  • Offers valuable guidance from industry leaders to help businesses navigate growth challenges and achieve long-term success.

Sears THINKBOX

Sears THINKBOX supports entrepreneurship with mentorship, workshops, and access to machinery and professional assistance.

  • Offers mentorship and workshops to help entrepreneurs develop and refine their ideas.
  • Provides access to high-tech machinery, prototyping tools, and professional guidance for product development.
  • A creative space designed to help entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life with the latest tools and resources.

Shaker LaunchHouse

Shaker LaunchHouse is a coworking space and business incubator that hosts programs and events to support local entrepreneurs in various stages of development.

  • Provides flexible workspace and resources for startups to develop and grow their businesses.
  • Offers access to mentorship and programs that help entrepreneurs build solid business models.
  • Fosters a collaborative environment where entrepreneurs can share ideas, challenges, and successes.

Small Business Administration Cleveland District Office

The U.S. Small Business Administration's Cleveland Office offers resources, loan programs, and networking events for local entrepreneurs.

  • Offers a variety of loan programs, including SBA-backed loans, to help entrepreneurs access capital.
  • Provides advice on starting, managing, and growing a small business.
  • Hosts events that connect local entrepreneurs with funding sources, mentors, and peers.

The UARF I-Corps Program

The University of Akron Research Foundation I-Corps Program is an entrepreneurial training initiative that helps researchers and innovators explore the commercial potential of their ideas through customer discovery and business model development.

  • Gain a deep understanding of potential customers and validate the market demand for your product or idea.
  • Learn key concepts of business model development, pitching, and startup creation from experienced mentors and instructors.
  • Access resources and funding to support further research, development, and commercialization efforts.

University of Akron School of Law SEED Clinic

The University of Akron SEED Legal Clinic provides free legal assistance to entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses, offering support on intellectual property, business formation, and other legal matters.

  • Provides pro bono legal assistance with entity formation, contracts, and regulatory compliance.
  • Helps entrepreneurs protect their ideas through patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
  • Operated by law students under attorney supervision, offering cost-effective legal expertise.

Digital Resources

Figma

Figma is a web-based design and prototyping tool that enables teams to collaborate in real-time on creating user interfaces, wireframes, and interactive designs.

Typeform

Use Typeform to create surveys to gather customer feedback and validate your business idea.

UserTesting

Use UserTesting to get real-time feedback on your product concept or prototype from targeted users.