Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas
The Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas provides free business advising, training, and capital-access support to small businesses and entrepreneurs across nine counties in northeastern Ohio, funded by the SBA and Ohio Department of Development.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1983
- HeadquartersNew Philadelphia, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas does
The Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas is a publicly funded business advisory program that provides no-cost consulting, training, and resources to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs across nine counties in northeastern Ohio. Established in 1983 and hosted by Kent State University at Tuscarawas in New Philadelphia, the SBDC operates under cooperative agreements with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Ohio Department of Development, and is co-located within the Tolloty Technology Incubator.
The SBDC delivers its services through one-on-one advising, monthly workshops, and educational events covering topics such as business planning, financial management, marketing, and access to capital. Its team of approximately 11 credentialed advisors, led by Director Holly Bolinger (MBA, CBA), supports clients across disciplines and coordinates a network of bank partnerships and the Stark Community Foundation-managed SBDC Entrepreneurial Scholarship. Service delivery has expanded to include virtual advising and outreach across Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
The business model is grant-funded rather than transactional: the SBDC generates no fee revenue from clients, instead sustaining operations through federal and state cooperative agreements and host-institution support. As part of the Ohio SBDC Network, the center leverages shared statewide infrastructure while maintaining a locally rooted advisory practice tailored to the rural and small-metro economies of its nine-county service area.
Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas
- Legal name
- Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas
- Website
- https://sbdcksut.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1983
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas provides free business advising, training, and capital-access support to small businesses and entrepreneurs across nine counties in northeastern Ohio, funded by the SBA and Ohio Department of Development.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Small Business Development / Business Advisory Services
- NAICS
- Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (61171), Educational Support Services (6117)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Small Business & Entrepreneurship Community Education (EDAAAFAK)
Keywords
Where Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New Philadelphia
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Federal and State Funding: The SBDC Program is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and also funded in part by the Ohio Department of Development. Services are provided at no cost to clients.
- No-fee Consulting Services: All advising and support services are provided free of charge to small business clients. This is a publicly-funded economic development program.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Free advising and consulting services for small businesses |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The SBDC at Kent State Tuscarawas provides confidential, no-fee business advising and coaching to entrepreneurs and small business owners across a nine-county region in northeastern Ohio. Its core deliverable is one-on-one counseling supported by specialized modules in start-up services, accounting, finance, human resources, marketing, and subject-matter expert consultations, complemented by webinars, workshops, and an online business resources portal. All services are provided free of charge as the program is funded through cooperative agreements with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Ohio Department of Development.
Product overview
The Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas offers a comprehensive suite of advisory and support services designed to assist small businesses through all stages of development. The core offering is confidential, no-fee business advising and counseling utilizing a business coaching approach. This is supported by specialized service modules covering Business Start-Up, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, and Marketing/Sales, along with subject-matter expert consultations in manufacturing, banking, food service, exporting, and legal matters. The organization also provides SBDC Webinars and Workshops for entrepreneur education, maintains a Business Resources network connecting clients to partner organizations, and awards the SBDC Entrepreneurial Scholarship to students at regional higher education institutions. The SBDC serves a nine-county area in Ohio (Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Stark, Tuscarawas, and Wayne) and operates from the Tolloty Technology Incubator.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Business Advising and Counseling Services Confidential, no-fee one-on-one advising using a business coaching approach to assess situations, identify needs, find options, and pinpoint solutions for entrepreneurs at all stages of business growth, from planning through launch and expansion.
- Business Start-Up Services Assistance for pre-venture entrepreneurs with registering with the Secretary of State, business plan development, feasibility analysis, licenses and permits, government regulations, and strategic planning.
- Accounting Services Counseling and support in taxes, sales tax, auditing, QuickBooks, and bookkeeping for small business clients.
- Finance Services Financial strategy, financial analysis, buying and selling a business, and access to capital guidance for small businesses.
- Human Resources Services SHRM-certified HR counseling including workplace training, corrective action, compensation plans, wage and hour guidance, personnel forms, HR retainer program, employee handbooks, policies and procedures, workplace investigations, performance management, and job descriptions.
- Marketing and Sales Services Marketing plan development, branding, positioning, website, social media, content development, lead generation, public relations, channel identification, B2B and B2C marketing, target marketing, trademarks, and technology guidance.
- Subject-Matter Expert Consultations No-cost consultations with industry experts in manufacturing, banking, food service, exporting, legal (patents and trademarks), product development, inventory, and cost control.
- SBDC Webinars and Workshops Virtual and in-person seminars covering resources for Northeast Ohio entrepreneurs, legal issues, business planning process, and funding options for new ventures, including a monthly Virtual Small Business Orientation Workshop.
- Business Resources Network Networking opportunities and connections to specialized assistance partners including the Export Assistance Network, Manufacturing Extension Partnership, APEX Accelerator, and local economic development organizations.
- SBDC Entrepreneurial Scholarship Scholarship award for students at Kent State University at Stark, Kent State University at Tuscarawas, Malone University, University of Mount Union, and Walsh University pursuing degrees in entrepreneurial and business-related studies, managed and distributed by the Stark Community Foundation.
Companies that use Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Kent State University at TuscarawascoreHost institution for the SBDC, providing physical location (Tolloty Technology Incubator), administrative support, and academic credibility. The SBDC is an extension of the university's community outreach mission.
- Stark County Regional Planning CommissionminorRegional government planning organization that collaborates with the SBDC on economic development initiatives in the service area.
- Kent State University East LiverpoolminorAnother Kent State regional campus that works with the SBDC network on regional economic development initiatives.
- Tuscarawas County CommissionersminorLocal government partners who support economic development initiatives in Tuscarawas County where the SBDC is headquartered.
- Coshocton Port AuthorityminorEconomic development organization for Coshocton County that collaborates with the SBDC on regional development initiatives.
- Export Assistance Network (EAN)minorOhio-based network providing export assistance services. SBDC refers clients for international trade support and exports counseling.
- Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)minorPublic-private partnership dedicated to serving small and medium-sized manufacturers. SBDC connects manufacturing clients to MEP resources.
- APEX AcceleratorminorFormerly PTAC - assists businesses with government contracting opportunities, bid preparation, and contract navigation. SBDC refers clients for government contracting support.
- Eugene Tolloty Technology Center IncubatorminorBusiness incubator located within the Regional Technology Park that provides affordable start-up locations for new businesses. SBDC is located within this facility.
- Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC)minorPromotes industrial, economic, commercial, and civic development of Tuscarawas County. Over 45 years of operation, led by business leaders and county officials.
- Business and Community Services at Kent State University Tuscarawas (BCS)minorProvides workforce development, career training, and community education programs. Collaborates with SBDC on serving the regional business community.
- Unified BankminorRegional bank partner that provides financial services to small businesses. Supports SBDC's access to capital mission.
- Consumers National BankminorRegional community bank serving small business clients. Financial institution partner supporting SBDC's small business financing services.
- The Commercial & Savings BankminorCommunity bank partner providing banking services to small businesses in the SBDC service area.
- First Commonwealth BankminorRegional banking institution serving small business customers in northeastern Ohio.
- Main Street BankminorCommunity bank focused on serving small businesses and local communities.
- Park National Bank - CoshoctonminorRegional bank serving Coshocton County and surrounding areas, supporting small business financial services.
- The First National Bank of DennisonminorCommunity bank serving Tuscarawas County and the greater region with small business banking services.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP): Public-private network that supports small/mid-sized U.S. manufacturers — a formal referral partner of the SBDC. Comparable as a federally-backed, no-fee advising program for small businesses, but specialized in manufacturing rather than generalist.
- Women's Business Centers (SBA Program): SBA-funded centers providing business training and counseling specifically to women entrepreneurs. Operates under the same SBA funding umbrella and serves overlapping SMB customers, though narrower in target demographic.
- Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOC): SBA program offering business training, counseling, and resource referrals to veteran-owned small businesses. Similar SBA-affiliated structure and free advisory model, with a narrower veteran-focused segment.
Broad incumbents
- Ohio SBDC Network: Statewide SBDC network coordinated by the Ohio Department of Development — the immediate parent and funding channel for the subject center, with sister SBDCs at other Ohio universities (e.g., Cleveland State, Youngstown State) operating the same model in adjacent territories.
- U.S. Small Business Administration: Federal agency that funds the SBDC program and offers its own advising, lending, and contracting programs. Comparable as the umbrella organization and a broader small-business support provider rather than a direct head-to-head competitor.
- America's SBDC Network: National association representing all U.S. SBDCs and the parent organization of the subject company. Provides shared branding, content, and federal coordination; comparable as the broader network of which the subject center is one node.
Direct peers
- SCORE: National nonprofit providing free, confidential business mentoring and advising to small businesses and entrepreneurs — directly comparable service model (no-fee coaching), similar target customers (SMBs/pre-venture), and analogous funding structure (SBA partnership, volunteer mentors).
- APEX Accelerator: SBA-affiliated program (formerly PTAC) providing no-cost government contracting assistance to small businesses — a named referral partner of the subject SBDC. Same funding lineage, same SMB target market, and overlapping service scope around federal contracting.
- SCORE Northeast Ohio: Regional SCORE chapter serving the same northeast Ohio geography with free small-business mentoring. Closest like-for-like regional competitor for advisory hours and workshop attendees in the SBDC's nine-county service area.
- Small Business Development Center at Cleveland State University: A sister Ohio SBDC hosted at Cleveland State University serving a neighboring northeast Ohio territory. Identical operating model (university-hosted, SBA/ODOD-funded, no-fee advising), making it the closest functional peer within the same statewide network.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas social profiles
Digital presenceSmall Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas
What does Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas do?
The SBDC at Kent State Tuscarawas provides confidential, no-fee business advising and coaching to entrepreneurs and small business owners across a nine-county region in northeastern Ohio. Its core deliverable is one-on-one counseling supported by specialized modules in start-up services, accounting, finance, human resources, marketing, and subject-matter expert consultations, complemented by webinars, workshops, and an online business resources portal. All services are provided free of charge as the program is funded through cooperative agreements with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Ohio Department of Development.
Is Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas a public or private company?
Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas founded?
Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas was founded in 1983. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas based?
Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas is headquartered in New Philadelphia, United States, in the North America region.
How does Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Federal and State Funding is the primary driver. The others are no-fee Consulting Services.
Who are Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), Women's Business Centers (SBA Program) and Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOC). Broad incumbents are Ohio SBDC Network, U.S. Small Business Administration and America's SBDC Network. Direct peers are SCORE, APEX Accelerator, SCORE Northeast Ohio and Small Business Development Center at Cleveland State University.
Does Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas have an API?
No public API is recorded for Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas.
What industry is Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas in?
Small Business Development Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas's product category is Small Business Development / Business Advisory Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAAAFAK, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Community Education. Its NAICS code is 611 and its SIC code is 8200.