Serving entrepreneurs and small businesses across Richland, Huron, Ashland, Crawford, Wyandot, Marion, Morrow, and Knox counties. We support entrepreneurs and new and established businesses with 500 employees or fewer.
No-cost, confidential business advising

Starting or growing a business? Let’s turn your ideas into next steps.

Starting a business shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. While the internet is full of conflicting advice, the Ohio SBDC at Ashland University provides a clear, proven roadmap from your initial idea to your grand opening.
Schedule a No-Cost ConsultationExplore Our Services
No-cost · Confidential · Serving 8 Ohio counties for 20+ years
An SBDC advisor working one-on-one with a client at the Ashland office
Starting a new business?

Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy.

Whether you’re starting up or are ready to grow, we help you make sense of what matters most and build a practical plan forward.
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Local Expertise

We’ll help you make sense of state-specific regulations. We know the exact licenses and permits you need, saving you weeks of paperwork and costly mistakes.
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Decades of Insight

With over 20 years of experience, our advisors have helped entrepreneurs through all kinds of situations. We help you stress-test your concept and ensure your business is feasible before you spend a dime.
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Bank-Ready Planning

Need funding? We don’t just help you write a business plan; we give you the “inside track” on what local banks look for and which lenders are most startup friendly.
Make the SBDC your first stop. We’ll help you think strategically, move faster, and build a business that lasts.
Growing an existing business?

How we support your journey.

Launch day was just the beginning. We know that keeping a business running takes incredible time, heart, and strategy. If you feel like you’re constantly reacting to problems instead of planning for the future, the SBDC is here to help you regain control.
Sustainable Growth — we guide you through the “growing pains” of hiring and process improvement so your success doesn’t lead to burnout.
Technical Foundation — need help with employee handbooks or SOPs? We handle the heavy lifting of documentation.
Team Culture — we help you keep your best talent through employee satisfaction assessments and retention strategies.
Modern Marketing — from social media to AI-driven sales tools, we’ll help you find the right technology to reach more customers.
Check Up — sometimes a business just needs a “second pair of eyes” to review things such as your financials, business processes/operations, and/or existing marketing efforts. We can provide this, while also providing relevant solutions and feedback.
Stop letting the business run you. It’s easy to feel like the business is running the show. We can help you get back in the driver’s seat. Let’s start moving it forward, together.
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An advisor and business owner planning at a whiteboard
The Jeromesville Daily Grind storefront
Success story

From Vision to Venue: Jeremiah Cordes Brews Up Success in Jeromesville

When Jeremiah Cordes envisioned bringing a vibrant coffee shop to Jeromesville in 2023, the Ohio SBDC at Ashland University helped him navigate everything from business planning and building purchase to marketing strategies—transforming a fixer-upper property into The Jeromesville Daily Grind, LLC. With ongoing support including student collaborations on TikTok content and website development, Jeremiah now runs a thriving, debt-free coffee shop that celebrates local history while planning his next downtown venture.
Read the full storyMore success stories →
— Tracy, Just Good Whole Food

Ready to get started and grow your business? Let’s talk.

If you’re interested in inviting the SBDC to help you with your entrepreneurial journey, please register for our no-cost business advising services, and someone will reach out to you soon. Want quick tips and workshop updates? Follow us on Facebook.
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