Best Small Business Resources in the Dayton 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 Dayton area and compiled our list of recommended resources in this article.
Resources Available in your Area
The Entrepreneurs Center Dayton
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
TEC offers incubation that includes legal assistance, coaching and mentoring, and marketing development.
Restrictions
Tech-related businesses only.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
714 East Monument Ave.
Dayton, OH 45402
937-281-0168
info@tecdayton.com
Dayton Public Library
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Accepts Walks In
Description
The Dayton Metro 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 Dayton and surrounding areas.
Restrictions
Library card required for some services.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
215 E Third St.
Dayton, OH 45402
937-463-2665
HOURS OF OPERATION:
MON - TUE: 9:30 am - 8:30
WED: 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
THU: 9:30 am - 8:30 pm
FRI: 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
SAT: 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
SUN: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Dayton 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
Nucleus Coshare
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Accepts Walks In
Description
As an entrepreneur, you can find low-cost office space at Nucleus CoShare to be able to work alongside other budding small business owners. In addition to the regular office space, you also have the ability to rent conference rooms and time in the photo studio.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
411 E 5th St.
Dayton, OH 45402
937-259-4686
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Nonmembers:
MON - FRI: 9 am- 5 pm
Members:
MON - SUN: 5 am -12 am
Ohio SBDC at Wright State University
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