Frequently asked questions

The Miami Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) gives free, confidential, one-on-one business advising to entrepreneurs and small business owners in Dayton and the surrounding Miami Valley region of Ohio. We're part of the Ohio SBDC network and are located at the Entrepreneurs' Center in downtown Dayton.

Yes. One-on-one advising from the Miami Valley SBDC is free. The program is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and in part by the Ohio Department of Development, so business owners don't pay for advising.

Yes. Advising is confidential. What you share about your business, your finances and your plans stays between you and the SBDC.

We're at the Entrepreneurs' Center, 31 S. Main St., Dayton, OH 45402. Meetings are by appointment only, so please request advising or call 937-210-9460 before you visit.

Anyone starting or running a small business in the Miami Valley can use the SBDC, from people with just an idea to established companies that want to grow. All services are offered on a non-discriminatory basis.

Fill out the short online form through the Ohio SBDC client portal, or call 937-210-9460. We'll match you with an advisor whose experience fits your business.

Advisors help with business planning, cash flow and profitability, financial projections, pricing, marketing strategy, hiring and managing employees, getting ready for a loan, and exporting. See our team for each advisor's areas of expertise.

No. You can come with just an idea. Your advisor will help you work out what to do first. If you'd like to get started on your own, try our free business plan builder.

Yes. Language assistance is available for people with limited English proficiency. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Call 937-210-9460 to arrange either.

No. The SBDC doesn't lend money or award grants directly. Advisors help you prepare to borrow: organizing your financial projections, putting together a loan package, and understanding your funding options before you talk with a lender.

Yes. An advisor can review your business plan and financial projections, explain what lenders look for, and help you assemble a loan package. Our free Pro Forma Forecasting Tool can help you build the projections lenders ask for.

Yes. We hold workshops and webinars on topics like starting a new business, getting loan-ready, marketing and record keeping. See the current schedule and register on our Workshops page.

Yes. STRIVE is a free, seven-session business program for veterans, active duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, military spouses and transitioning service members, with one-on-one mentorship. Learn more on our STRIVE page.

Yes. Through the Ohio SBDC Export Assistance Network, export counselors provide free, confidential help with export readiness, market research, finding international buyers and export financing. Visit our Export Assistance page or request export counseling.

Yes. Our Resources page has free startup checklists, LLC guides, an Ohio sales tax guide, a business plan builder and a financial projections spreadsheet.