YOUNGTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — A workshop held Saturday helped locally owned businesses take advantage of state grants, grants and contracts.
The Minority Business Assistance Center helped minority, women, and veteran business owners submit applications for state-level aid. After one year, business owners will be eligible to apply and the grant will help them expand their business. The problem is that most business owners are unaware of the opportunity.
Certified Specialist Ayana Beulah says the workshop will help ease the burden on business owners.
“We know we are helping them grow their business with increased access to capital. Some clients get very overwhelmed with checklists. I'm grateful that I can be there and say, “You don't have to do it alone.'' You can go through the checklist together and submit your application all at once,” Beulah said.
Once approved, certification is valid for two years. You will then need to reapply.
Crystal Swiggett is a business member who attended the workshop and just celebrated her one-year anniversary in business on May 10th. She wants to expand and grow her business.
“I am the owner and manager of Raising Young Royal Child Development Center. I just wanted to provide quality care to people in areas with non-traditional working hours and high levels of poverty,” Swiggett said. said. “We are working to increase the size and expansion of our building so that we can provide these services to more children.”
Ms. Swiggett worked with children in the education field for 22 years before starting her own business. Her business focuses on educating and nurturing children who may not otherwise have access to quality education at an early age.
While running a growing business, Swidget is also in the first year of her doctorate in education. Workshops like this will help her grow quickly so she doesn't have to alienate people.
“It's always heartbreaking when you know they need your care and you think, 'I don't fit in with you.' That's the challenge, and that's why I worked with Valley Partners. That's why I contacted you. [Youngstown Business Incubator]”Because it gives us tools to expand and make available services that didn't exist before, such as certifications,” Swiggett said.
