How can we help your business thrive?
Making sure Hamilton County small businesses thrive is a priority for Hamilton County Commissioners. This Small Business Resource Hub will help you navigate all the services, programs and resources designed to help small businesses grow and succeed. Through our partnerships with local chambers, jurisdictions, and our economic development partners, we will update this page with funding opportunities as they become available.
Hamilton County Small Business Resources
Hamilton County Office of Small Business (Alloy Development Company)
Hamilton County contracts with Alloy Development Company to serve its economic development and small business needs. Alloy is here to help small businesses navigate their path to success and thrive in our community. Whether you are a small business just getting started, or you are looking for ways to grow, they are here to help.
The Small Business Assistance Program from Alloy includes one-on-one coaching from an experienced business professional to help businesses refine plans, sharpen marketing, improve operations, grow and succeed. Business coaching can include assistance in the following areas:
- Business Plan Development
- Marketing
- Financing Proposal Development
- Management and Operations
- Financial Analysis
- Sales Enhancement
- Value Proposition
- Personnel Policies and Management
VISIT – https://alloydev.org/economic-development/business-assistance/office-of-small-business/
Hamilton County Economic Inclusion and Equity
The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners established the Economic Inclusion and Equity Department to promote inclusion in County procurement and County employment practices for all people of Hamilton County regardless of race, gender, disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The BOLD Initiative is Hamilton County’s Economic Inclusion Initiative to help ensure inclusion and diversity success in Hamilton County operations such as staff recruitment, hiring and advancement, and in Hamilton County’s purchasing and procurement opportunities with local small businesses.
VISIT – https://www.hamiltoncountyohio.gov/government/departments/economic_inclusion
Small Business Relief Programs
Cincinnati Commercial Tenant Improvement Program (“CTIP”)
CTIP was created in 2023 to encourage economic development by reducing barriers small businesses face when securing commercial space.
Following the success of its first year, with eleven business receiving grants, another round of grants are now available to small businesses in Cincinnati.
Through CTIP, DCED will grant up to $20,000 for tenant improvements to small businesses (1) relocating to Cincinnati, (2) opening a new location in Cincinnati, or (3) expanding within Cincinnati.
DEADLINE – 5 PM EST on Monday, October 21, 2024
APPLY – Cincinnati Commercial Tenant Improvement Program Application and Information
Hamilton County Down Payment Match Program
Hamilton County Commissioners announce a new program aimed at increasing commercial property ownership among small businesses. Small businesses that qualify for an SBA 504 Loan but face the common obstacle of insufficient funds for the down payment may qualify for assistance up to a $50,000 match.
Please note: Due to strong demand, the Hamilton County Down Payment Match Program is currently on a waitlist. Applications are still being accepted, and eligible businesses will be placed on the waitlist in the order received.
Eligibility:
- First-time, owner-occupied, commercial property purchasers,
- Businesses in operation for 24 months,
- Property must be in Hamilton County, and commercial real estate property over $500,000.
VISIT – https://alloydev.org/commercial-capital/sba-504-loan/
INFO – Hamilton County Down Payment Match Program Handout
APPLY – Hamilton County Down Payment Match Program Application
EMAIL – dpmatch@alloydev.org
HomeSafe Property Tax Relief Program (“HomeSafe”)
Run by the City of Cincinnati in partnership with the Hamilton County Treasurer’s Office, HomeSafe provides property tax relief of up to $10,000.00 to low-to-moderate income homeowners who are currently delinquent on their property taxes.
Applications opened in July of 2024 and are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the calendar year. Awards are given on a first come, first served basis.
APPLY – HomeSafe Property Tax Relief Program Application and Information
State of Ohio Small Business Support
The DeWine-Husted Administration is focused on supporting businesses, communities, and families so all Ohioans can succeed. The resources and information available below are intended to support small businesses, help Ohio communities, and ease the burdens of Ohio families.
VISIT – https://businesshelp.ohio.gov/
U.S. Small Business Association COVID-19 Relief Options
The U.S. Small Business Administration is unable to accept new applications for COVID-19 relief loans or grants. They continue to offer PPP loan forgiveness.
VISIT – https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options
Other Resources
ECDI Women’s Business Center
The ECDI Women’s Business Centers of Ohio (WBCs) are a program of nonprofit community lender, ECDI. In accordance with our mission, we are dedicated to eliminating the obstacles women face in the world of business by providing resources, training and access to capital.
VISIT – https://www.wbcohio.org/
Greater Cincinnati Microenterprise Initiative
The Greater Cincinnati Microenterprise Initiative (GCMI) is an entrepreneurial education program designed to help Individuals and small business owners develop and recognize opportunities for their business. GCMI has been supporting and developing entrepreneurs for since 1998.
VISIT – http://www.gcmi.org/
EMAIL – Grants@gcmination.org
CALL – (513) 569-4816, ex 2412
Mortar Cincinnati
Since 2014, MORTAR aims to create diverse communities by enabling historically marginalized entrepreneurs to access the resources needed to start & run successful businesses.
VISIT – https://wearemortar.com/
REDI – Inclusion Grant
We’re the first point of contact for companies considering the 15-county, three-state Cincinnati region as a perfect place to locate and grow. We’re economic development experts who bring the area’s top business and community leaders together to ignite the regional economy.
SCORE Greater Cincinnati
As the nation’s largest source of free, expert mentoring, resources and education for small businesses, SCORE offers critical support for entrepreneurs, helping guide them on their journey.
Urban League of Greater Southwest Ohio
The Urban League of Greater Southwest Ohio’s Business Development & Entrepreneurship supports entrepreneurs in developing their business startup or expansion aspirations in the greater Cincinnati area.
The Ohio Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) provide business counseling and assistance to individuals who are either starting or growing their businesses. Ohio SBDC at the Urban League Greater Southwestern Ohio is staffed by highly trained, Certified Business Advisors®. The Center provides no-cost, confidential, in-depth, one-on-one counseling for businesses that will or currently employ under 500 employees.
VISIT – https://www.cincinnatieec.com/ohio-sbdc-hamilton-county/
Women’s Business Enterprise Council Ohio River Valley – The WBEC ORV is an organization for women business owners interested in promoting, developing, and maintaining business relationships with other women business owners, major corporations, and governmental agencies.
Chambers of Commerce
Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce
African American Chamber
VISIT – https://theaachamber.com/