Building Businesses,

Strengthening Communities.

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Business Support at Every Stage, At No Cost to You

Elevate Northland is a Tier 1 Minority Business Assistance Center, designated by the State of Ohio. That means expert business counseling, certification help, and access to capital — at no cost to you.

Apply

What Is a Tier 1 MBAC?

Minority Business Assistance Centers are part of a statewide network funded by the Ohio Department of Development. Tier 1 Centers like Elevate Northland work with entrepreneurs from the earliest idea stage through startup and growth, helping you build a plan, find funding, get certified, and win contracts.

Every service is free. There is no membership requirement or application fee. You just need a business, or the beginnings of one.

Who It’s For

All you need is a willingness to learn and grow and a business (or business idea) based in our 11-county service area. From there, we’ll help you take the next step.

Our work centers on minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and EDGE-eligible entrepreneurs, but support is open to business owners across the region.

Service Areas:

  • Delaware
  • Fairfield
  • Franklin
  • Knox
  • Licking
  • Marion
  • Morrow
  • Pickaway
  • Union
EN MBAC Service Map

It Costs You Nothing

Every service on this page is provided at no cost to Ohio businesses.

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What We Help With

Business Consulting

  • Business Planning & Counseling — One-on-one guidance from idea to launch to growth.
  • Accounting & Financial Management — Get your books, systems, and reporting in order.
  • Marketing Plan Development — Build a plan to reach the customers you want.

Access to Funding

  • Access to Capital — Loan packaging, lender connections, and referrals to financial assistance programs.

Networking

  • Contract & Procurement Support — Bid and estimate assistance, plus help finding contract opportunities.
  • Certification Assistance — Help completing federal, state, and local certification applications — opening doors to contracts and supplier-diversity programs.

Training / Workshops

  • Entrepreneurial Training — Hands-on workshops and skill-building through the MBAC and B.E.G.I.N.

What to Expect

Your first appointment, start to finish.

Apply. Fill out a short request — a few minutes, that’s it.

We connect. An advisor contacts you to schedule a time that works.

We listen. Bring whatever you’ve got — a full business plan or a napkin sketch. We meet you where you are.

We build a path. You leave with clear next steps and a partner to work through them with.

Get Started

No cost. No commitment. Just a conversation about where your business is headed.

Apply Today

Elevate Northland’s Minority Business Assistance Center is committed to accessibility for all individuals, including those with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you need accommodation to access these services, please contact us at [phone] and we’ll work with you