Small Businesses: Fueling the American Economy

The strength of the American economy is directly linked to the overall success of the nation’s small businesses. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, small businesses, which are firms with less than 100 employees, represent more than 99 percent of all employer firms, employ half of all private sector employees, pay 45 percent of total U.S. private payroll, and have generated 60 to 80 percent of all new jobs over the last ten years.

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Many individuals have ideas about new products, systems, or programs, but only a few receive the support they need to see their ideas become reality. However, in Union County, entrepreneurs and small businesses are given the opportunity to take their ideas and grow them into viable businesses.

 

Marysville Entrepreneurial Center (MEC)

Small businesses are the fastest growing segment in American commerce and they create 98 percent of all new jobs. However, over 50 percent of all small businesses fail in the first year, often because entrepreneurs fail to consider start-up costs and fixed expenses of operation. To support entrepreneurship in Union County and foster “grassroots” economic development, the Marysville Entrepreneurial Center (MEC) was created in 2008 in partnership with the Union County Commissioners, Union County Community Improvement Corporation (CIC), Ohio Small Business Development Center, and TechColumbus.

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The MEC, which is located at 129 North Main Street in Marysville, is Union County’s center for innovation and entrepreneurial development. The MEC is available to anyone needing help with developing their business concept; business plans, marketing techniques and business strategies. The MEC also provides office space and flexible workspace and is the location of a number of educational seminars, programs, and networking events.

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For more information about the Marysville Entrepreneurial Center, please call 614.989.2429 or visit the MEC website.

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Dogwood Business Development

Dogwood Business Development, located in Marysville, mentors people in business and helps them focus on their visions while building their confidence with sound business strategies. For more information about Dogwood Business Development, please call 937.594.2129 or click here.

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Starting A Business

The growth and success of every business is our top priority. That is why we have compiled the Marysville Business Start-up Guide. This document highlights a number of programs from various organizations in Union County, the Columbus Metropolitan Area, and the State of Ohio. These organizations provide assistance to businesses including financial, training, information and technical services. The document also includes information and guidance on important topics such as permitting, vendors licenses, and business planning.

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If you are interested is starting a business, please contact the Marysville Entrepreneurial Center for personalized counseling.

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COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO STARTING A BUSINESS

WORKCOMPLAB has compiled an excellent online resource for those interested in starting a business. For more information, click here.

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Useful Links

• The Metropreneur Columbus

• Entrepreneur Magazine

• Entrepreneurship.org – Fostering Entrepreneurship Worldwide

• Inc. Magazine – Information for Entrepreneurs

• Gaebler – Resources for Entrepreneurs

• Prentice-Hall – Small Business and Entrepreneurship Resources

• SCORE – Counselors for America’s Small Businesses

• QuickSprout – The Entrepreneur’s Handbook: 59 Resources For First Time Entrepreneurs

• MIT Professor Joseph Hadzima – Resources for the Entrepreneur

• Cayenne Consulting – Business Plan and Start-up Resource Directory

• Harvard Business School – Introduction to Entrepreneurship

• Entrepreneur & Business Start-Up Tools and Resources

• ZeroMillion.com – Entrepreneurship Resources

• Kauffman Foundation – Entrepreneurship and Education Resources

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