For minorities looking to navigate the business world, the Akron Urban League offers a helping hand.
The organization and the Urban League of Greater Cleveland have been selected as partners in a statewide program to help develop minority-owned businesses.
They’re among seven entities to operate the state’s Minority Business Assistance Centers, the Ohio Development Services Agency (ODSA) announced Monday.
The ongoing partnership is receiving $150,000 annually for two years, said Kimberly Irvin-Lee, director of the Akron Urban League’s Minority Business Assistance Center.
“Individuals in the community, primarily minorities, have an opportunity to come and seek help from us as they are growing their business or developing their business, learning about the different aspects of the business,” Irvin-Lee said. “They may be struggling with financials, marketing or how to use a tool like QuickBooks, trying to do a business plan, looking for procurement. We can help them rethink their business to focus on structure or how to advance.”
One such business to benefit is Experimac, which repairs and sells refurbished Apple computers.
The store, operated by Bertram Griggs and Ronald Mosley, is at 1706 W. Market St. in Westgate Plaza in West Akron’s Wallhaven district.
Irvin-Lee met with Griggs on Monday, just days after the business had its soft opening and as its owners were mapping out plans for a grand opening in August.
The assistance center also can help businesses that are trying to get certified with the state of Ohio, designations such as minority business enterprise (MBE) or Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity (EDGE), Irvin-Lee said. Such designations can help minority-owned businesses obtain opportunities that are set aside primarily for businesses that are certified.
The Minority Business Assistance Center district overseen by the Akron Urban League is made up of Summit, Stark, Wayne, Tuscarawas, Carroll, Ashland, Richland, Harrison and Holmes counties.
Medina, Portage and Cuyahoga counties are part of the eight-county Cleveland district.
“Through our partnerships across the state, minority-owned businesses will be better supported in their growth and development,” said Jeffrey L. Johnson, chief of the ODSA’s Minority Business Development Division.
The program supports minority-owned businesses by offering no-cost counseling, state certification support, and training focused on creating jobs and increasing sales.
Minority Business Assistance Centers networks with nonprofit organizations, economic development organizations and educational institutions with strong experience in business and economic development.
The Akron Urban League also has workshops every month.
Monica L. Thomas can be reached at 330-996-3827 or mthomas@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @MLThomasABJ and www.facebook.com/MLThomasABJ.