07/30/2025

Small Business Roundtable Spurs Discussion for Resources and Opportunities for Growth

The roundtable focused on tools available to help U.S. manufacturers grow and compete

The Ohio Department of Development's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted a U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) Resource Roundtable in July, bringing together business support partners, and federal officials to discuss resources and opportunities for growth.

Representatives from the Ohio Department of Development, Small Business Association joined members of Ohio’s small business community to discuss challenges, share insights, and highlight resources designed to support entrepreneurs and drive onshoring efforts across the state.

"At the department of development, we are breaking down barriers and building up Ohio's manufacturing industry," said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. "We’re focused on breaking down barriers, driving innovation and making sure businesses can grow and thrive right here in Ohio."

Development supports Ohio small business owners and entrepreneurs through various business assistance centers that provide services at no cost to the business owner. Ohio Small Business Development Centers served more than 24,000 clients over the last two years, providing Ohio businesses access to $144 million in capital, building economic strength, and fostering growth.

The event featured SBA Associate Administrator Paul Fitzpatrick, who leads the agency’s Office of Entrepreneurial Development and is spearheading the SBA’s Made in America Manufacturing Initiative. The roundtable focused on tools available to help U.S. manufacturers grow and compete, including expanded access to capital, onshoring support, export financing, and the SBA’s new supplier portal. Participants also discussed regulatory reform efforts aimed at reducing $100 billion in red tape and encouraged small businesses to provide input on outdated or burdensome rules.

More information about programs and services available through the Ohio Department of Development—including no-cost advising, capital access, and market entry support—can be found on the department of development's website

The Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Program is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBDC Program is also funded in part by the Ohio Department of Development.