“I am profoundly grateful for the unwavering support, expertise, and guidance provided by Erin Gibson, my SBDC coach, which has been instrumental in moving my passion project, The Anna Jinja Show, towards success. From our very first meeting, it was evident that Erin’s commitment to my success was steadfast. The guidance Erin has offered has been indispensable in navigating the intricacies of entrepreneurship, providing tailored insights to my specific needs.
Whether it’s refining my business strategy, fine-tuning marketing approaches, or overcoming operational hurdles, Erin’s wealth of knowledge has served as a beacon of clarity amidst the challenges of business. What truly distinguishes Erin is her genuine dedication to my growth. She doesn’t just offer advice; she becomes deeply invested in my journey, celebrating triumphs and offering unwavering support through setbacks. Her steadfast belief in my vision fuels my determination to exceed expectations and push boundaries.”
Anna Mather, Owner, Anna Jinja Show,, Athens, Ohio
“I would like to take a moment to recognize Carleen Dotson with the Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service. Carleen’s work ethic and expertise is amazing. Carleen has successfully navigated me through the process of becoming a successful new small business owner and successfully obtain loan approvals through the SBA. I would not be successful without Carleen – her help, advice and guidance. We now own 2 car washes, an ice/water vending machine and are in the process of purchasing our third car wash along with 2 laundromats and tanning business.”
Steve Simmons, Owner, Soggy Doggy Car Wash and Splash N Dash Touchless Car Wash,, Zanesville, Ohio
“I had an amazing experience attending a free Small Business Development Advising Hour. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Richard, our advisor, was well-prepared for the meeting, having already researched our company and ready to dive into problem-solving. The guidance I received was worth thousands of dollars! This free service was extremely valuable and helped reset my feet on solid ground. I left the meeting feeling encouraged and empowered. I highly recommend Pickerington as a great place to start and run your small business. A big thank you to the Pickerington Area Chamber for providing such a helpful and beneficial service.”
Dr. Kelli Sears, Owner, MINDscapes LLC, Pickerington, Ohio
“I had an opportunity to meet with Richard Carr from the Ohio SBDC at the Pickerington Area Chamber. This is a confidential and free service offered by SBDC to help small businesses. Richard was insightful, inquisitive, offered a wealth of knowledge, and the conversation simply motivated me to think about a few things differently. I left the meeting a bit smarter with the same amount of money in my pocket as a started with. I would definitely recommend this service from Ohio SBDC, hosted by the Pickerington Area Chamber.”
Dave King, Owner, Capitol Fence, Pickerington, Ohio
“Without the SBDC, we would have never gotten our business off the ground. Opening a business is extremely daunting. Carleen Dotson, counselor for the SBDC, was there every step of the way. She answered every question and helped in more ways than we ever could have dreamed.”
Sarena Larsen, Owner, Munchkin City Daycare, Middleport, Ohio
“I could not have got my business started so quickly without the help of Erin Gibson and the Ohio University Small Business Development Center. Everything I needed was prepared and delivered to the lender to get my loan approved and business opened. If you have never started your own business, you can waste a lot of time without the right resources and guidance. I have told several people about the valuable assistance I received with Erin Gibson at the OU SBDC and how it has impacted my business.”
Matt Bethel, Owner, Redbud Ridge LLC, McArthur, Ohio
“The SBDC provided me with a lot of education on financing, business planning, and the in’s and out’s of making renovations that I would have otherwise been in the dark on. The process of starting my business would’ve been much more frustrating and time-consuming without the SBDC. Going forward, having an advisor to check in with, get a different perspective on ideas, and knowing I always have a great resource should I ever need help gives me peace of mind and confidence in my decision making.
Anytime I encounter a local entrepreneur looking to grow their business or start one, I immediately point them to the SBDC. Whether they need just a little guidance or a complete overhaul of their business, the SBDC should be the very first place they go. My advice to someone wanting to start a small business is to do as much as you can with as little as you can while you lay the foundation and structure to grow your business. Also, learn from the big-time players in your industry but don’t follow their rules. Be innovative. You’re your own boss. You don’t have to do things the way they’ve always been done.”
Chase Jenkins ACSM-CPT, Owner, Uplift Fitness, Pomeroy, Ohio
“Silverback STS is a relatively young company and on numerous occasions, I have come to SBDC scratching my head and looking for guidance. Without fail, the responses from the SBDC have been timely, professional, and very helpful. I have and will continue to encourage any new business to reach out and utilize the invaluable assistance offered by the SBDC. The genuine desire demonstrated by SBDC to help new businesses succeed is obvious and very much appreciated!”
Troy Lowe | CEO/SWAT Medic – SilverbackSafety & Training Solutions, Nashport, Ohio
“The SBDC is the epitome of Partner and is wonderful to work with. They are helpful, creative, have great business minds, and truly care about their clients. When we work together, we are creating an even greater asset for Belmont County businesses and entrepreneurs.”
Crystal Lorimor | Executive Director – Belmont County Community Improvement Corporation, St. Clairsville, OH
“The SBDC was instrumental in getting our business started. We did not know the ins and outs of opening a business but John [Voorhies] gave us all the advice and expertise needed. He has been there whenever we have needed him as well. The fact that this service is free is amazing”
Richard Farmer | Co-Owner – Copperline Machine & Fabrication LLC, Fleming OH
“The SBDC has helped me focus and stay the course. I couldn’t do it without the constant assistance that the SBDC provides.”
Martha Creasy | A Touch of Thread Quilting Gallery, Zanesville, OH
“The folks at the SBDC were a great help when I started my business. They are community minded with good insight and I greatly appreciate Erin Gibson and Carleen Dotson, as well as Brenda Roush and Perry Varnadoe with the Meigs County Economic Development Office. Without help from them, I would not be where I am today. They are a strong asset to the community and local businesses and I look forward to continuing to work with them.”
Allen Jacks | Owner – Jack’s Auto Upholstery Plus, Pomeroy OH
“The SBDC has given me the confidence and support to help run our small family business. When I started, I knew very little about how to help run a business. As employees and family members moved on, I was given more and more responsibility when it came to the business inner-workings and financials… and it was quite scary for me. It wasn’t until we saw all of the amazing FREE help the SBDC offered and started signing up for as many classes as we could. Those classes, combined with one on one assistance, have really helped us feel confident in what we did know and helped guide us through new territory… better understanding of: Profit & Loss Statements, Balance Sheets, Specific Computer Programs, Marketing/Advertising, and we are still taking classes,”
Barbara Tromm | Quality Window Systems, Inc., Pomeroy OH
“The SBDC is fantastic and I highly recommend them for anyone starting a business”
Trisha Glover | Owner – Platinum Salon & Spa LLC, Marietta OH
“I initially accessed the Small Business Development Center via the Lancaster Fairfield County Chamber, specifically around the courses they were offering. I find that people have no idea. They just don’t know what resources are available. Sometimes, we’re unknowingly delaying our own growth just due to a lack of knowledge. I’m very much a fan of the small business centers and the services they offer.”
Vonnie McDonald | State Farm Agency, Lancaster OH