Ohio University Small Business Development Center receives top state award for Overall High Performance by a Center

Following an enormously successful fiscal year, the Ohio University Small Business Development Center (Ohio University SBDC) was honored with the statewide Small Business Development Center award for Overall High Performance by a Center at a ceremony on Nov. 8, 2017.

Following an expansion to a 12-county service area in 2016, the Ohio University SBDC continued with its proven track record of consistently exceeding its goals. In the 2017 fiscal year, the Ohio University SBDC worked with 362 clients, helping them create 86 businesses, generating and maintaining more than 1,000 jobs. Additionally, the SBDC assisted businesses with obtaining nearly $5.5 million in capital, and increasing sales by almost $8.3 million.

“The success and recognition that OHIO’s Small Business Development Center has experienced further proves that our University is positioned to be a leader in economic development to make a considerable impact on our region,” said Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis. “We must continue to lead through collaborating with communities across our region and develop approaches that envision a new and sustainable economy through innovation and other forms of strategic support.”

The Ohio University SBDC provides consulting and support to a wide array of businesses in Athens, Belmont, Fairfield, Guernsey, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry and Washington counties and is hosted through the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs. It assists both startup and existing businesses in a range of areas including capital access, business planning, market planning/research, financial analysis and budgeting. The Center supports the rural Appalachian region, which faces economic obstacles that staff members are constantly working to improve.

“The Ohio University Small Business Development Center has always strived to serve our business community with customized, relevant counseling and training. This recognition drives home that we are achieving success in that goal, through our talented staff, economic development partners and lender partners within our 12-county region,” Lissa Jollick, Regional Director, said.

Cindy Voorhies, Business Advisor, indicated that the 2016 SBDC expansion enabled the Ohio University Cambridge SBDC service area to have more resources and time for the clients they served.

“Being a part of such a highly qualified team with experience and expertise in many areas of business is gratifying. As part of the Ohio University family, we have been able to maintain a strong relationship with our former host institution, Zane State, while strengthening and increasing our collaboration with the Ohio University Zanesville and Eastern campuses. This collaboration enables our clients better access to our services.”

For additional information or business assistance, please contact Lissa Jollick at jollickl@ohio.edu or 740.593.0473.