It’s undeniable small business drives the U.S. economy. According to a 2007 Small Business Administration (SBA) Report, 

• Small firms represent 99.9 percent of the 27.2 million U.S. businesses
• Small businesses employ about half of U.S. workforce
• Small firms account for more than half of the nonfarm private gross domestic product (GDP).

With a business community technically made almost entirely of small firms, Holmes County is witness to the big impact of small enterprises. Today County Government in partnership with the Holmes County Economic Development Council and the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce strives to maintain a positive business environment for its existing and aspiring entrepreneurs.

There are numerous federal, state, and private resources available to assist the small business community.  

Small Business Administration
The mission of the SBA is to "Maintain and strengthen the nation's economy by aiding, counseling, assisting and protecting the interests of small businesses”. Today's SBA initiatives include loans, counseling, and government contracts for women, minorities and veterans.  The Administration is structured to offer loans independently, back loans from other lenders, and counsel small business owners with the help of several resource partners. http://www.sba.gov/

Business.Gov
Business.gov is an online resource serving a single access point to government services and information to assist the nation's businesses with their operations. The site provides quick and easy access to business laws, government regulations, forms and agency contacts.  Business.gov features include:  small business guides, state and local guides, business search engines, license & permit catalogs, government agency contacts, government forms. http://www.tusc.kent.edu/ServicesforBusiness/small_business.cfm

Ohio Business Gateway
Ohio Business Gateway (OBG) is an online resource designed to simplify the relationship between business and state government. In addition to state specific business information and services OBG is Ohio’s one-stop for filings, registrations, and payments with the state Department of Taxation, Bureau of Workers' Compensation, Department of Job and Family Services, Office of Budget and Management, and Department of Commerce. For further information visit: http://business.ohio.gov/ 

SCORE
SCORE is a not for profit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. As "Counselors to America's Small Business" SCORE volunteers, consisting of working and retired entrepreneurs and executives offer free and confidential advice to small businesses in the form of face-to-face counseling, online counseling, online workshops and more. SCORE has several offices in the Akron and Canton area and is presently in the process of establishing a local chapter to service the Holmes County business Community.

Small Business Development Centers
Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) are considered the gateway for small business owners and entrepreneurs to access support services.  The SBDCs are staffed with highly trained business advisors who offer free counseling to help with your specific business needs. Holmes County is serviced by SBDC Region 10 with offices located on the Kent State University Tuscarawas Campus, New Philadelphia. SBDC services are available at the regional headquarters and locally by appointment at the Chamber of Commerce in Millersburg.