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Navigating Green Energy Financing: How Small Businesses Can Achieve Their Sustainability Goals with Traditional Financing Tools

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) promised new financing programs for small businesses looking to embrace green energy solutions. Many had hoped to leverage IRA funding to make their operations more energy-efficient, reduce carbon footprints, and lower utility costs. However, with several IRA green energy financing programs unavailable due to federal funding freezes and legal challenges, […]

Navigating SBA Policy Changes – What You Need to Know

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has long been a crucial ally for small businesses, providing financial support and resources to help them grow and succeed. Recently, the SBA has introduced several policy changes that have understandably created some uncertainty among small business owners. While some of these changes may seem daunting, the good news […]

OSDC Means Business: Defining Growth in Ohio

Ohio has long been recognized for its thriving metropolitan centers, particularly the “Three C’s”(Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus). These cities have been Ohio’s economic powerhouses, but recent trends suggest that Ohio’s growth story is shifting. Economic development efforts are driving new opportunities across the state, with industries outside the Three C’s taking center stage in ways […]

OSDC Means Business Session #1: Defining Growth in Ohio

The first session of the OSDC Means Business Series, Defining Growth in Ohio, is fast approaching and shaping up to be an excellent and informative event. You know Ohio is on the rise – from the climate resilience of the Great Lakes region to the tech boom in Central Ohio and the ecotourism resurgence in […]

Borrower Spotlight: Defifoods Group International, Inc.

Website: https://defifoods.com/ Location: Defiance County: Defiance Lending Partner: Citizens National Bank Defifoods Group International is minority-owned family business that manufactures private label chocolates and other confections. They create a variety of organic chocolates using ethically grown cocoa sourced throughout the world. They moved their production and warehouse operations to Defiance in 2022 to better serve […]

Announcing CorFund: Ohio’s First Loan Guarantee Program for Non-Profit Lenders

    Small businesses are the heart of Ohio’s economy, driving job creation, fostering community vitality, and sparking local innovation. To help these essential businesses thrive, we proudly introduce the CorFund Loan Guarantee Program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower non-profit lenders supporting Ohio’s smallest businesses. THE HEART OF OHIO’S SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH Small businesses […]

How Veterans Can Successfully Apply for SBA Loans

Veteran entrepreneurs are crucial contributors to the U.S. economy, driving innovation and showcasing the resilience that stems from their military service. With over 2.5 million businesses in the U.S. being veteran-owned, these individuals embody the spirit of innovation, dedication, and service. For veterans looking to fund their ventures, small business loans for veterans through the […]

OSDC Delivers New Green Energy Financing to Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio (October 23, 2024) The Ohio State Development Corporation (OSDC) is pleased to announce it is the first lender in Ohio to utilize the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 504 Green Energy Loan Program under its expanded rules. OSDC helped a minority-owned small business in the Columbus, Ohio region invest in energy efficiency upgrades […]

Tips for a Successful SBA Loan Application for Food Industries: How to Secure Financing

  In order to secure most small business loans, businesses have to provide three years of financial data to demonstrate that they can earn enough to make their monthly loan payment. However, for food industry businesses, the last few years may not be indicative of typical performance because of several pandemic-era relief programs and changes […]

Tips for a Successful SBA Loan Application for Manufacturing and Industrial Industries 

Navigating the process of securing an SBA loan can be challenging, especially for businesses in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. However, with the right approach and preparation, you can enhance your chances of success. Here are some essential tips to help you secure an SBA loan for your manufacturing or industrial business, inspired by insights […]