Tasha Wilson-Wood has joined Elevate Northland as the Business Advisor for our Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC). She brings 20 years of corporate experience in procurement, supply chain, supplier relations, supplier diversity, and economic inclusion across the automotive, utilities, and financial services industries. Her background provides valuable insight into how organizations evaluate suppliers, navigate procurement systems, and identify opportunities for businesses to strengthen their readiness.

“Tasha brings a unique perspective to the entrepreneurs we serve,” said Lynnise Smith, Executive Director of Elevate Northland. “She understands what organizations look for when evaluating potential suppliers, and as an entrepreneur herself, she understands the challenges of building and growing a business. That combination of experience allows her to meet entrepreneurs where they are and help them identify practical next steps to move their businesses forward.”

Alongside her corporate experience, Tasha brings the perspective of an entrepreneur and business owner herself. Having launched and built her own business, she understands firsthand the challenges small business owners face—from establishing a strong foundation and positioning their business to identifying opportunities for growth. This combination of corporate and entrepreneurial experience allows her to help clients understand both sides of the business relationship and turn their goals into practical next steps.

“I want every entrepreneur to leave our conversation with greater clarity and a clear path forward,” Tasha said. “My goal is to help business owners understand where they are today, identify what needs to be strengthened, and determine the practical next steps that will move their business forward.”

Tasha meets with entrepreneurs and small business owners one-on-one, providing individualized support based on where they are in their business journey. Through Elevate Northland’s Tier 1 MBAC, services include:

• Business advising and counseling — individualized guidance to help entrepreneurs start, strengthen and grow their businesses
• Business planning support — assistance developing or strengthening a business plan and identifying actionable next steps
• Training and workshops — educational opportunities designed to build the knowledge and skills needed to operate and grow a business
• Technical assistance referrals — connections to specialized resources for needs such as access to capital, accounting and financial systems, marketing, certifications, procurement and contracting, and other business needs

All MBAC advising and assistance is provided at no cost to the entrepreneur.

Minority Business Assistance Centers are part of a statewide network funded by the Ohio Department of Development. Elevate Northland was recently selected to serve as a Tier 1 MBAC, providing early-stage entrepreneurs and small businesses with advising, counseling, training and referrals to help them start, strengthen and grow their businesses.

Who We Serve

Elevate Northland’s MBAC provides free, one-on-one business advising and support to entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the Central Ohio region. Whether you’re turning an idea into a business, working through the challenges of a new venture, or looking for ways to strengthen and grow an existing business, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

MBAC services are available to all entrepreneurs and small business owners within our service area. Our advisors can also assist businesses interested in pursuing certifications and opportunities designed to increase participation for minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned and EDGE (Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity) businesses.

Entrepreneurs and small business owners in Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Knox, Licking, Marion, Morrow, Pickaway and Union counties can access services. You do not have to be located in Northland, there is no membership requirement, and MBAC business advising is free.

The MBAC builds on Elevate Northland’s existing work to support entrepreneurs and small businesses. As a 501(c)(3) Community Development Corporation, Elevate Northland brings entrepreneurship programs, co-working and co-warehousing space, workforce development and community engagement together under one roof in one of the region’s most internationally diverse commercial corridors.

Get Started

Getting started takes just a few minutes. Complete a short intake application, and Tasha will follow up to schedule a time that works for you. Bring whatever you have—whether you’re still developing your idea, have started putting together a business plan, or are already operating and looking for your next step. As your Business Advisor, Tasha will meet you where you are and help you identify clear next steps.

Get Started →

Have questions before getting started? Call us at (614) 505-0840 to learn more.