Business Resource Network Assists 45 Area Companies

By Susie Kooser
Chief Operating Officer, Mahoning and Columbiana Training Association

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Since its inception in 2008, the Business Resource Network has helped nearly 400 companies in Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties. In 2022, the BRN team assisted 45 companies: 14 in Mahoning, 19 in Trumbull and 12 in Columbiana.

The BRN is a collaborative group of workforce, economic development and education organizations and government agencies. This provides businesses with a single point of contact for a wide range of business services, including financial options, employee training and technical assistance.

During a focused and personalized interview, a BRN account executive learns about each company’s challenges and opportunities. Partner organizations that have signed confidentiality agreements use that information to offer suggestions and to propose services that are customized to each business’ needs.

A comprehensive proposal is then presented to the company by an account executive who will continue to act as the single point of contact and assist in implementing elements of the proposal. There is no charge for the interview and the comprehensive proposal. Many services are available at no cost.

The BRN has been recognized over the years by both government and private entities as a model of how workforce development and economic development can effectively collaborate and leverage resources.
The BRN’s 35 partner organizations meet monthly to exchange ideas and brainstorm to help local businesses grow and succeed.

With expertise ranging from real estate to worker safety, from succession planning to exporting, from government contracts to employee training, the partners help companies regardless of size. Clients have ranged from single owner-operator companies to those with hundreds of employees and from service providers to heavy manufacturers.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.