From the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Small businesses are the foundation of the Mahoning Valley’s economy. They employ thousands of people who are our family members, friends and neighbors. Small businesses also support causes we care about and drive innovation.
Yet, they face barriers to success. It can be difficult for them to find talent. Their access to expertise, counseling and their state elected officials and policymakers often is limited. They may not have the financial wherewithal to advertise their brand, product or service to a large audience. They might not know what cost-saving programs are available or how to be in front of the right people.
Now, perhaps more than ever, small businesses need assistance.
The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, through its economic development, business and advocacy services, and through alliances with key partners, is helping to bridge those gaps for its nearly 3,000 members, 95% of which have 300 employees or less.
The Chamber’s Government Affairs and Community Impact division supports an array of initiatives that create a more competitive environment for our small businesses to thrive.
Take, for example, what we’re doing to increase the number of workers in the talent pool, which includes an effort in partnership with Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries to remove employment barriers like childcare or transportation, as well as barriers experienced by specific populations, including the justice-impacted. Ensuring the Valley has a robust workforce will shield small businesses from losing their workers to a large national or international company when one comes to town, and there is little doubt those types of firms have their eyes on the Valley.
We have aligned with Eastgate Regional Council of Governments to meet the demand for suitable and attainable housing. The Chamber also formed a Housing Council of home builders, developers, lenders and other businesses in the housing industry to grow investment and develop good, quality housing.
Government Affairs also acts as the voice of our small business members, advocating for local, state and federal policies that foster growth and reduce regulatory burdens. Through partnership building and hosting key events, Government Affairs provides small business direct access to decision-makers and opportunities to influence legislation.
One way we accomplish that is through our Lattes with Legislators series. Other ways include roundtable events with our federal officials and webinars with subject matter experts. Small businesses that need help navigating available resources in our area can access our free Small Business Resource Guide online as a starting point. There, we also provide a minority-, women-, veteran- and disabled-owned directory.
We also support an accelerator program for late-stage startups and early-stage growth companies. Called Opportunity Ready, it helps participants scale their business. Our Membership, Events and Marketing and Communications division, likewise, helps our small business members succeed.
Consider … Our small business members save thousands of dollars by utilizing our healthcare, payroll, workers’ compensation, shipping, office supplies and energy programs. They also have access to JobsNow, a program that promotes in-demand jobs at no cost and to our membership roster, allowing them to connect with other local businesses.
We help small businesses open doors to new opportunities through networking with thousands of people at more than 80 events each year. Our Power Lunch series offers members the opportunity to interact on a more personal level, but they can network at any event. We promote what small business members do through multiple channels, including our Valley Business magazine, Take 5 videos and through our awards programs to bring their story to wide audiences. Our groundbreaking and ribbon cutting ceremonies also provide them with great public exposure. We provide marketing resources through our free Marketing Toolkit, which provides information to help small businesses promote themselves.
Marketing is critical for any business, especially small businesses, which often don’t have the resources to tell the public about what they offer. Internally, every flyer, social media post or email blast created by our staff spreads the word about what’s happening at the Chamber and with its members, letting other business owners and the community know we’re here to help build relationships and create opportunities.
Our Mahoning Valley Safety Council can help small businesses reduce workplace injuries and manage workers’ compensation claims. If members attend at least 10 of the 12 monthly meetings they can receive a rebate on their workers’ compensation through the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.
Businesses looking for employees often hang a “Help Wanted” sign. The Chamber has hung its “Help Offered” sign. Consider taking advantage of it.