READY TO START UP
OR SCALE UP
ACCESS SUPPORT FOR ENTREPRENEURS
Over the past several years, many innovative companies and unique small businesses have sought RISE support to take the next big step for their business – whether that be opening their doors for the first time, securing their first storefront, hiring their first employee, buying out their owner, or even selling their business.
Want to join in? Building and growing a business isn’t always easy, but our team can help you solve many common challenges. Download the Starting your Business in Ohio guide, give our staff a call, or join the Regional Incubator for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship (RISE) for tailored, free business assistance.
SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
UTILIZING VARIOUS METHODS TO MOVE SMALL BUSINESSES FORWARD
1-on-1 Business Advising
Small business owners and rising entrepreneurs are able to utilize expert business advisors to help guide them on the next steps in their business development journey. Our advisors are aware and familiar with the challenges often faced by startups and small businesses and the barriers to business growth. Clients will leave more informed on the solutions to overcome their challenges and crucial next steps to accomplish their goals.
Network & Resources
RISE is here to help you make connections. We have a growing network of RISE entrepreneurs and supporters who can share their experiences to better prepare you for what lies ahead. This network provides the much-needed support startups and small business leaders need as the look to start and/or grow their business.
Events & Programming
RISE hosts a range of events throughout the year from networking opportunities to informational workshops. These events provide educational information to improve your business functions and paths to reach your goals.
MBET is a grassroots collaborative effort between local minority-owned businesses, economic development organizations-ECEDC & RISE, the City of Sandusky and its Commissioners, and Sandusky City Schools. MBET's mission is to champion minority business development through collective and intentional entrepreneur support that improves the economic, social, and personal standing for all minority entrepreneurs in the Greater Sandusky Area. Since coming together in 2020, the group has used networking events and social media to build community and increase visibility of local minority entrepreneurs and have delivered business and financial assistance to minority-owned businesses.
Startup Scholarship
Thanks to the support of the Mylander Foundation and RISE, MBET will sponsor the cost of forming your business with the state of Ohio and support you in planning for a successful venture. Additionally, For Love with Love Charity has committed a $500 grant to support your startup business expenses. This opportunity is available for up to 35 applicants completing the required steps.
SMALL BUSINESS GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
LEVERAGING PARTNERSHIPS TO BRING FINANCIAL AID TO YOUR EFFORT
ECEDC and RISE have administered several innovative public-private partnerships to bring grant funding to local small businesses when funds are available, and timing is right. Past partnerships include the Emerging Sandusky Business Grant which provided $270,000 in funding to six small businesses in downtown Sandusky thanks to H2 Property Management, the
RISE Small Business Innovation Grant Round 1 which provided $20,000 to thirteen small business making innovative pivots thanks to Dorn Charitable Fund at Erie County Community Foundation, and the RISE Small Business Innovation Grant Round 2 which provided $50,000 to small businesses recovering from COVID-19 thanks to the Erie County Commissioners.
RISE can help small businesses navigate grant and loan application processes. RISE can also help foundations and Corporate Social Responsibility teams meet their investment goals. Work with RISE to set up a grant program to meet your goals.
