State Highlights Leetonia Company During Small Business Week

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Development is celebrating National Small Business Week by highlighting the success of Ohio’s entrepreneurs, Small Business Development Centers and Minority Business Assistance Centers in communities across the state. 

“National Small Business Week is the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the impact that thousands of Ohio small businesses have on our state’s growing economy,” said Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “The Department of Development, through our extensive network of Small Business Development Centers and Minority Business Assistance Centers, is committed to empowering entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams of success.

Haltec Corp., which is based in Leetonia and manufactures tire valves, recently received counseling services from the company’s local SBDC at Youngstown State University.

“For several years, Haltec Corp. has benefited greatly from collaborating with the SBDC Export Assistance Network,” said Adam Smith, director of strategic marketing at Haltec. “This partnership has been instrumental in propelling Haltec’s global expansion. SBDC’s resources have provided invaluable guidance and support, helping Haltec navigate the complexities of international trade regulations and optimize its export strategies.”

The company used services and programs provided by the Department of Development, including the International Market Access Grant for Exporters program, to expand its marketing efforts globally, including international trade shows in Asia, Europe and South America. The company was also matched with interns through the Ohio Export Internship program.

Ohio has more than 90,000 small business retailers, according to new data published by the U.S. Small Business Administration. In the past two years, Ohio SBDCs have served more than 23,000 clients, provided 128,000 hours of business counseling and helped clients access more than $153 billion in capital, according to the Department of Development.

Pictured at top: A Haltec employee works on a product. (Department of Development)

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.