Hamilton County Office of Small Business Launches with First-Ever Small Business Day Event


HAMILTON COUNTY, OH (May 22, 2023) Hamilton County Commissioners are launching the Hamilton County Office of Small Business during the first-ever Hamilton County Small Business Day at the Sharonville Convention Center today. Simultaneously, Hamilton County is also commencing the fourth round of Small Business Relief Grants after disseminating $14 million to 1,400 small businesses since the start of the pandemic. Commissioners cut the ribbon-cutting on the new office at the “sold-out” event.

Nearly 1,000 small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and area representatives gathered to network and access all the resources the Hamilton County Office of Small Business provides including grant applications, business plan development, and direct help with questions like loan readiness and bid preparation.

“We want to position Hamilton County as the #1 County in America for small business,” said Commission President Alicia Reece, who conceived the idea to house all County small business resources in one office. “The Office of Small Business is officially open and ready to help small businesses start, grow, and sustain success. Small businesses are the heartbeat and future of our County.”

“As a former small business owner, I understand how difficult it can be to find the answers and help you need when you’re doing it on your own. The Office of Small Business is that much-needed connection to mentorship, funding, and one-on-one business coaching,” said Commissioner Denise Driehaus.

“Small businesses play a crucial role in our local economy by creating jobs and keeping taxes local. They reflect the diversity and innovation of our unique communities,” said Commissioner Stephanie Summerow Dumas. “We are investing in small businesses because they make our community more self-sustainable, and this event is just the first of many steps we’re taking to do that.”

Networking opportunities included:

  • Alloy Development Co.
  • Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber
  • City of Cincinnati Department of Economic Inclusion
  • The Collective Empowerment Group Metro Cincinnati Chapter
  • ECDI
  • The Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce
  • Greater Cincinnati Microenterprise Initiative
  • Hamilton County Economic Inclusion and Equity
  • Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA
  • Minority Business Assistance Center
  • SCORE Greater Cincinnati
  • U.S. Small Business Administration
  • Urban League of Greater Southwest Ohio

"We are thrilled to be part of the launch of the Office of Small Business," said Patrick Longo, Alloy Development President. "Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community, and we are committed to serving as their unwavering partner, empowering them to reach new heights of success. Together, we will create an environment where entrepreneurship thrives, ideas flourish, and dreams become realities."

Learn more about the Hamilton County Office of Small Business at www.hamiltoncountysmallbusiness.com.  

Posted on 05/22/2023