Best Small Business Resources in the Cincinnati Area
Starting a business is a life-changing experience. Ohio has dozens of great resources to help entrepreneurs get started. Our team researched and vetted organizations in the Cincinnati area and compiled our list of recommended resources in this article.
Resources Available in your Area
Mortar
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Accepts Walks In
Description
This incubator offers a nine-week program that includes mentorship, business development strategies, legal advice, and various opportunities to pitch your company. Though open to everyone, this resource is geared towards low-income or otherwise underprivileged entrepreneurs.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
1329 Vine St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-888-4769
wearemortar@gmail.com
HOURS OF OPERATION:
MON - THU: 12 pm - 5 pm
Cincinnati Public Library
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Accepts Walks In
Description
The Cincinnati Public Library is great for entrepreneurs who want to do research for their business. The library houses several databases for topics such as demographics and geographic population distribution, industry information, and economic standings. The databases and other resources in the library are available to anyone who would like to access them, but most of the information will be relevant to Cincinnati and surrounding areas.
Restrictions
Library card required for some services.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
800 Vine St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-369-6900
HOURS OF OPERATION:
MON-WED: 9 am - 9 pm
THU-SAT: 9 am - 6 pm
SUN: 1 pm - 5 pm
Cincinnati SCORE
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Ohio SBDC at the Greater Cincinnati Urban League
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
The Brandery
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
This incubator offers funding, mentoring, and networking opportunities, but is unique for the emphasis it puts on helping you build your brand. Its main program is four months long, during which time your business will be paired with a creative agency.
Restrictions
The Brandery primarily serves businesses in the tech industry.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth