CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – In recognition of National Small Business Week, the Cuyahoga County Office of Small Business is celebrating one year of service. Launched in 2024, the office offers personalized assistance and guidance to small business owners, ensuring they receive the support needed to navigate the business landscape. Since opening, the Office of Small Businesses has facilitated over 2,500 hours of technical assistance, business start-up advice, and guidance on procuring contracts and funding to over 800 small businesses and facilitated 45 small business loans totaling $1.5M.

“The Office of Small Business is essential to ensuring entrepreneurs have an advocate who understands their challenges and breaks down barriers to resources,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “By supporting small businesses owners, we are investing in innovation, growing our economy, and creating opportunities. When small businesses succeed, communities grow stronger.”

Cuyahoga County is home to over 30,000 small businesses, employing close to 300,000 residents with an annualized payroll of close to $18 billion. The Office of Small Business fosters connections and collaborations between businesses and various stakeholders in the county, including local chambers of commerce, trade associations, and industry leaders, opening opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Serving as a one stop small business concierge for businesses owners to grow their networks, the Office of Small Business helps entrepreneurs to increase their workforce, find peer support and educational resources, and forge pathways to financial opportunities.

“I am proud to lead an office that guides small business owners every step of the way.” Said Vaughn Johnson, Cuyahoga County’s Deputy Director for Economic Development. “Small businesses drive community impact, create jobs, and revitalize neighborhoods. I encourage anyone with an idea for a new small business venture to contact the Office of Small Business for personalized guidance and support.”

Thinking of opening a small business? The Cuyahoga County Office of Small Business is here to help. Working with key organizations, the office can connect new businesses to key resources, including capital opportunities, as well as procurement and contracting services. Visit the site if you are interested in starting a new business.

Explore the story of a business supported by the Office of Small Business.