Stark County Minority Business Association

What Stark County Minority Business Association does

Stark County Minority Business Association (SCMBA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2008 and headquartered in Canton, Ohio, that supports minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses across Northeast Ohio. The organization holds the exclusive state designation as the Tier 1 Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) for the Akron Region, serving Summit, Stark, Tuscarawas, and Carroll counties. SCMBA delivers one-on-one business counseling, technical assistance, certification support, capital access guidance, and cohort programs (ERA for established businesses, CLIMB for micro-enterprise launches, YEP for youth entrepreneurs) serving more than 800 entrepreneurs annually, with 300+ business members and 59% of member businesses being women-owned.

The organization operates a portfolio of physical facilities under the Kirk Schuring Business Development Project, including the headquarters at 222 Market Ave N, the Innovation Hub at 309 Court Ave NW (offering private offices from $375/month and co-working from $20/month), and the Business Development Center and Marketplace on 10th at 500 10th St NW (a retail space where member businesses showcase and sell products Monday-Friday). SCMBA sustains a documented network of 50+ strategic partners including major regional employers (Timken, Hall of Fame Village, Pro Football Hall of Fame, Marathon Oil), regional and national banks (Chase, Huntington, PNC, Key Bank, First Commonwealth, Farmer's National Bank), and state agencies (JobsOhio, Ohio Department of Development, Ohio Commission of Minority Health).

Revenue is generated across six streams: business membership dues ($75-$500/year tiers), corporate support memberships ($1,000-$10,000/year tiers), the annual Golf Outing fundraiser, Innovation Hub workspace rentals, Marketplace retail space, and tax-deductible donations. The technology stack is standard off-the-shelf (WordPress CMS, Zoom, GrowthZone membership management, MailChimp, PayPal, Google Analytics) with no proprietary platform or AI components; SCMBA's value proposition is fundamentally human-mediated relationship services and community ecosystem, not software.

Name

Stark County Minority Business Association

Legal name

Stark County Minority Business Association

Website

https://starkminoritybusiness.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Short description

SCMBA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2008 in Canton, Ohio, that operates as the state-designated Tier 1 Minority Business Assistance Center for Northeast Ohio, serving 300+ minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses across four counties through counseling, cohort programs, workspace, and retail facilities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Minority Business Assistance and Development Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Professional Organizations (81392), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Small Business & Entrepreneurship Community Education (EDAAAFAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Corporate Foundations & CSR Grantmaking (BPAGAKAC), College Access, Scholarships & Student Success Nonprofits (BPAGADAE)

Keywords

• Minority business assistance
• Business development services
• Entrepreneurship programs
• Small business support
• Business incubation

Headquarters

HQ city

Canton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Workspace Rentals: Innovation Hub office rentals starting at $375/month and co-working space starting at $20/month at 309 Court Ave. NW, Canton, OH.
2. Business Membership Dues: Annual membership fees from minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses. Tiers include Small Nonprofit ($75), Large Nonprofit ($150), For-Profit Business ($150), and Corporation ($500).
3. Support Membership/Sponsorship: Corporate sponsorship tiers including Bronze ($1,000), Silver ($2,500), Gold ($5,000), and Platinum ($10,000) annually. Includes advertising, logo placement, and event recognition benefits.
4. Annual Golf Outing Fundraiser: 7th Annual Golf Outing & Reception event with sponsorship packages (Title Sponsor $10,000, Platinum $10,000, Gold $7,500, Silver $6,000, Bronze $5,000), golf foursome entries, and reception tickets.
5. Retail Space - Marketplace on 10th: Physical retail space at 500 10th St. NW, Canton, OH 44703 open Monday-Friday 12PM-6PM for small businesses to showcase and sell products.
6. Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations supporting minority business development. SCMBA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

SCMBA operates as a nonprofit Minority Business Assistance Center providing one-on-one business counseling, certification assistance, access to capital guidance, and structured cohort programs (ERA, CLIMB, YEP) for minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses. The organization supplements these advisory services with physical facilities including the Innovation Hub (private offices from $375/month and co-working from $20/month) and Marketplace on 10th retail storefront, plus corporate sponsorship tiers and an annual Golf Outing fundraiser. Revenue comes from membership dues, sponsorships, facility rentals, donations, and state MBAC grant funding.

Product overview

Stark County Minority Business Association (SCMBA) is a nonprofit organization that operates as a platform of interconnected programs and facilities supporting minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses in Stark County, Ohio. The organization offers structured cohort programs (ERA, CLIMB, YEP), core business services (counseling, marketing, certification assistance), physical facilities (Innovation Hub, Marketplace on 10th, Business Development Center), and membership/sponsorship tiers. The portfolio is designed to support businesses at every stage from ideation through growth, with the Kirk Schuring Business Development Project serving as the central hub housing the Marketplace on 10th retail space and Business Development Center.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ERA (Expanding Resources for All): Cohort program providing workshops, mentorship, and grant funding to approximately 25 businesses to learn business fundamentals.
• YEP (Youth Entrepreneurs Program)
• CLIMB (Capital to Launch Individual Micro-Enterprise Businesses)
• MBAC (Minority Business Assistance Center)
• Kirk Schuring Business Development Project

Products and services

• ERA: Expanding Resources for All A mentorship and grant funding cohort program for businesses active for more than 1 year, designed to aid minority businesses in Stark County, Ohio. Approximately 25 businesses are selected to learn business fundamentals through workshops, mentorships, and grant funding.
• YEP: Youth Entrepreneurs Program A free entrepreneurship program for middle schoolers in under-resourced communities. Students create their own businesses, participate in a pitch competition, and receive monetary rewards, a free laptop, and 100 shares of Hall of Fame Village stock.
• CLIMB: Capital to Launch Individual Micro-Enterprise Businesses A cohort program supporting entrepreneurs with education, funding, and space to launch and grow. Includes workshops and grant funding, office space at the Kirk Schuring Business Development Center, retail space at Marketplace on 10th, and one-on-one business support for 25+ businesses.
• MBAC: Minority Business Assistance Center State-funded Tier 1 business support program for minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses. Offers 1-on-1 business counseling, certification assistance, access to capital guidance, and referrals to Tier 2 partners. Serves Summit, Stark, Tuscarawas, and Carroll counties.
• Business Counseling & Technical Assistance One-on-one support to help businesses start, grow, and become sustainable, including business counseling, business plan development, financing and capital support, procurement readiness, state certification assistance, and capability statements.
• Innovation Hub Workspace Rentals Professional office and collaborative workspace at 309 Court Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44702. Offers private offices with flexible leases starting at $375/month and co-working space starting at $20/month with high-speed internet and shared amenities.
• Marketplace on 10th Retail Space
• Business Membership Annual membership tiers for businesses: Small Nonprofit ($75/year for up to 10 employees), Large Nonprofit ($150/year for over 10 employees), For-Profit Business ($150/year for up to 100 employees), and Corporation ($500/year for 100+ employees). Includes access to SCMBA events, referrals, and member network.
• Support Membership (Corporate Sponsorship) Corporate sponsorship tiers including Bronze ($1,000/year), Silver ($2,500/year), Gold ($5,000/year), and Platinum ($10,000/year), with increasing benefits at each level including logo placement, newsletter ads, social media posts, event speaking opportunities, and recognition plaque.
• Annual Golf Outing & Reception Annual fundraiser event (7th Annual scheduled for 2026) featuring golf, silent and live auction, and reception dinner ($35 for reception-only attendance). Sponsorship packages range from $125 (Hole Sponsor) to $10,000 (Platinum Sponsor).
• Lunch & Learn Series Recurring educational events featuring accredited speakers sharing experiences on topics of value to members. Each event includes a catered meal, community resource round table, and keynote speaker.
• Business Development Center

Quantifiable outcome

• 300+ businesses served through membership and programs
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

34 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Canton Regional Chamber of CommercecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership for business community development and networking opportunities in Stark County
• Akron MBACcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership within the Ohio MBAC network providing regional business assistance services
• Akron/Canton Regional FoodbankminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partnership supporting local food security and business community engagement
• AultmancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partnership providing business community connections and potential corporate mentorship opportunities
• Beaver ExcavatingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConstruction industry partnership providing mentorship and industry connections for member businesses
• Belden BrickminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturing industry partnership supporting minority business development
• Charter/Spectrum CommunicationsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunications partnership providing business resources and potential sponsorship
• Chase BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFinancial services partnership supporting access to capital for minority businesses
• City of CantoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal partnership providing city resources, bid opportunities, and community support
• City of MassillonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal partnership extending SCMBA services to Massillon community
• Clayco, Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConstruction and real estate development partnership for minority business opportunities
• ECDIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEconomic development organization partnership providing business development resources and access to capital programs
• Employers HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare benefits organization partnership supporting member businesses and wellness initiatives
• Hall of Fame VillagecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor Canton employer partnership offering business opportunities, mentorship, and sponsorship support
• Hammond ConstructionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConstruction industry partnership providing mentorship and industry connections
• Huntington BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFinancial services partnership supporting access to capital and banking resources for minority businesses
• JobsOhiocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState economic development organization providing resources, job creation support, and business development programs
• JumpStartcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOhio entrepreneurial development organization partnership supporting startup and early-stage business growth
• Key BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFinancial services partnership providing banking resources and access to capital for member businesses
• Malone UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational institution partnership offering academic resources, student volunteers, and community connections
• Marathon OilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partnership providing business mentorship, potential contracts, and sponsorship support
• Massillon WestStark ChamberminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChamber of commerce partnership extending business networking and community resources to Massillon area
• Ohio CollectivecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide collective partnership providing resources and advocacy for minority businesses
• Ohio Commission of Minority HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partnership supporting minority health and wellness initiatives within business community
• Ohio Dept. of DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partnership hosting the MBAC program providing certifications, capital access, and business development resources
• Olivieri ConstructionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConstruction industry partnership providing mentorship and potential business opportunities
• PNC BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFinancial services partnership supporting access to capital and banking resources for minority businesses
• Pro Football Hall of FamecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor Canton employer providing event sponsorship, mentorship opportunities, and community visibility
• SCOREcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMentorship partnership providing free business mentoring services to SCMBA members through SBA-affiliated mentors
• Stark StateminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity college partnership providing educational resources and workforce development support
• Greater Stark County Urban LeaguecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCivil rights organization partnership supporting economic empowerment and equal opportunity for minority communities
• Timken CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor Stark County employer partnership providing business mentorship and potential corporate contracts
• United WaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization partnership supporting social services and economic development initiatives
• MagnetcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturing partnership providing resources and connections for minority-owned manufacturing businesses

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Akron Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC): Another Tier1 MBAC in Ohio's MBAC system offering similar1-on-1 counseling, certification support, and capital access for minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses in the broader Northeast Ohio region.
• Greater Stark County Urban League: Local civil rights and economic empowerment organization serving the same Stark County geography with overlapping programs for minority business development and entrepreneurship.
• Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce: Listed SCMBA strategic partner and the primary business membership organization in Stark County, serving many of the same SMBs with networking, advocacy, and business development programming.

Broad incumbents

• National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC): National corporate membership organization that certifies minority-owned businesses and connects them to corporate supply chains — a national-level counterpart to SCMBA's local minority business development mission.
• Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC): National certification and networking organization for women-owned businesses — comparable in mission to SCMBA's support for women and minority entrepreneurs, but operating at national scale.
• SCORE: SBA-affiliated national network offering free business mentoring and education — a strategic SCMBA partner that delivers overlapping business counseling services at much larger national scale.
• U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. National federation of Black chambers of commerce providing advocacy, capacity-building, and procurement connections — directly comparable in mission to SCMBA's work supporting minority business growth.
• National Black MBA Association: National professional membership organization supporting Black business professionals and entrepreneurs through networking, education, and career development — comparable member-based model serving a similar minority professional demographic.

Regional players

• Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI): Ohio-based economic development organization and Core SCMBA partner that provides access to capital and small business support programs to minority and underserved entrepreneurs in similar markets.
• JumpStart Inc. Northeast Ohio entrepreneurial support organization and SCMBA partner that funds and mentors early-stage businesses — overlapping focus on minority and underserved founders across Ohio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCtz72VrI1w3EJsy4o1MiYGw
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php?id=100081709682789
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/stark-minority-business-association

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Stark County Minority Business Association