Small Business Assistance
The Commercial Team at Old Brooklyn CDC is here to help your small business! Whether you’re an Old Brooklyn resident with a home-based business, looking to find space in the neighborhood for your existing venture, or need some support in your current OB storefront, we can assist and connect you to the right resource partners for your needs.
Start
Looking to move or open your business in Old Brooklyn? Fill out the form below. We’d love to help you find a space in the neighborhood.
Support
Our team will connect you with resource partners that can assist your business at any stage. Running a business is overwhelming, fill out the form below for help.
Grow
Have you outgrown your space? Do you want a second location? Looking to take your business to the next level? Let us help. Fill out the form below to connect with us.
Business Engagement Opportunities
Get listed on the Old Brooklyn Business Directory
Join OBCDC’s Commercial Membership Program
Attend the Commercial Corridor Collab
Resources for Your Business
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OBCDC & SCORE work closely together to provide the best support to the small businesses of Old Brooklyn. Funded by the SBA, SCORE connects businesses with mentors that have real world experience.
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Jumpstart specializes in small business advising and training for start ups and businesses in their growth stage. They are most known for their Impact Program. Their services are available in Spanish and English.
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NEOHCED, better known as the Hispanic Business Center is home to a Small Business Development Center. They assist businesses at any stage or background. CentroVilla25 is home to their commercial kitchen program. They also offer Tier 1 MBAC services and support businesses with capital.
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ECDI and Women’s Business Center offers both free services and paid services that come with a membership. Free services include basic coaching and business plan help, while the paid services include more tailored coaching. ECDI has a lending arm as well.
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The Urban League of Greater Cleveland is home at a Small Business Development Center, Tier 2 MBAC center, and UBIZ for lending. They offer training and one on one advising.
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Plexus is the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of the area. Home to the new Inclusion Hub and extensive networking opportunities for business owners who are in the LGBTIA+ community or allies.
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VCC is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). They offer loans up to 250k that can be used for fixed assets. In addition, they offer a program called Grow U to help businesses become financially ready for funding.
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The most relevant funding Team NEO provides for small businesses is through the JobsOhio Inclusion Grant, which provides up to $50k. All locations in Old Brooklyn are eligible; must be within one of the focus sectors, such as food production and logistics.
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Cleveland's Economic Development Department offers multiple programs that provide business owners with capital. In particular, the Storefront Renovation Program (SRP) and Neighborhood Retail Assistance Program (NRAP) are for exterior and interior improvements.