Small Businesses

Small businesses are responsible for creating over 60% of all new jobs and are the backbone of our local economy. They are integral to our nation's economic recovery and I strongly support policies that help Americans start, grow, and sustain small businesses. 

Small businesses lead the way with cutting-edge innovations and home-grown ingenuity. By employing local workers, these businesses help stimulate demand for goods and services. We must ensure the viability of small businesses given their role as robust economic engines within our communities.

To assist small businesses I will fight for access to better credit sources for new and existing companies seeking to expand operations.  I encourage lenders to provide small businesses with the credit necessary to operate, expand, and add jobs.  Small businesses also need fair tax relief which will provide necessary investments in future growth.

There is nothing small about small business commitment to our community or their impact on the nation. Within the 11th Congressional District of Ohio, small businesses have often led our economic recovery and prosperity, and I am committed to helping them grow and thrive.

Federal Resources

SBA Direct  SBA Direct is a new dynamic Web tool that allows users to personalize their experience on SBA.gov. Just by answering a few simple questions about your business, SBA Direct brings the targeted resources you need to start, operate and grow your small business – directly to your desktop.

SCORE  A resource partner with the SBA, SCORE has over 11,000 volunteers that bring practical experience to small businesses and entrepreneurs thinking about starting a new small business.  The online "Ask SCORE" tool allows small business owners to enter a business topic, choose a mentor from a list who best matches his or her needs, and send questions.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)  SBDCs provide free or low-cost assistance to small businesses using programs customized to local conditions.  There are more than 900 SBDCs with at least one in every state and U.S. territory.

Startup America  This interagency initiative connects entrepreneurs with successful businesses, opens up $2 billion in seed capital for emerging companies in fields of strategic importance, such as clean energy, and aims to simplify tax policy. Startup businesses may be interested in applying for new sources of Small Business Administration (SBA) funding.

Tax Breaks and Incentives for Small Businesses  The Obama Administration is committed to providing small businesses support through tax breaks and incentives for investment and growth. To date, the Administration has supported seventeen direct tax breaks for small businesses. Click here for a fact sheet on these small business tax breaks.

Veterans Business Outreach Program (VBOP)  VBOP is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling, and mentoring, as well as referrals for eligible veterans owning or considering starting a small business.

Women's Business Centers (WBCs)  WBC is a large network throughout the United States, offering women entrepreneurs, especially those that are socially or economically disadvantaged, comprehensive training and counseling to help them start and grow their own business.

State Resources

agLINK  Ohio farmers can receive an interest rate reduction to help offset the upfront costs of their farming operations.

ECOLink  Homeowners can receive a 3% interest rate reduction on bank loans to finance energy efficient upgrades.

growNOW  Small businesses seeking to create or retain jobs in Ohio can receive up to a 3% interest rate reduction on new or existing small business loans.

Reenergize Ohio  Small businesses can receive up to a 3% interest rate reduction on new or existing small business loans when used for energy-efficient upgrades.

Renew & Rebuild Ohio  Small business owners, farmers and homeowners are eligible to receive financial assistance to rebuild and recover following an emergency.

saveNOW  Ohioans can receive a 3% interest rate bonus on savings accounts and receive financial education newsletters.

SBA Ohio's Small Business Resource Guide  A comprehensive guide for small business owners in Ohio.

Local Resources

Cleveland SBA District Office

1350 Euclid Avenue, Suite 211
Cleveland, OH 44115
Phone: 216-522-4180
Fax: 216-522-2038

Visit the SBA Cleveland website for local updates and resources, and to find events and workshops in your area.

Grow Cuyahoga County Fund  The Grow Cuyahoga County Fund is designed to assist eligible small business owners within Cuyahoga County obtain loans to grow their businesses and create jobs.  Low interest loans of between $100,000 and $1 million are available and may also be used for retail and restaurant development projects.

SCORE Akron  Offers entrepreneurial counseling and workshops to successfully guide small businesses in Medina, Portage, Summit, and Wayne Counties.

SCORE Cleveland Offers entrepreneurial counseling and workshops to successfully guide small businesses in Cuyahoga County.