Akron-Summit County Public Library

Internet Resources

Compiled by the Librarians of the Akron-Summit County Public Library

Small Business Grants and Loans

There is an ongoing myth that there is an abundance of (free) government grant money available to anyone who wants to start a business. The truth of the matter is that most government grants are geared toward very specialized and technical research. In reality, most small businesses use loans for start-up capital. Nevertheless, the following are sources for obtaining information on small business grants and loans.

Library Resources These are sources available through the Akron-Summit County Public Library's Business and Government Division.
Web Resources Websites both public and private for small business funding.
Local Assistance Contact information specifically for the Akron/Ohio area.

Library Resources


Government Assistance Almanac 2004-2005: Desk Reference 353.0082 G746; A guide to federal domestic financial and other programs which cover grants, loans, insurance, personal payments and benefits, subsidies, fellowships, traineeships, etc.
Government Giveaways for Entrepreneurs IV: Desk Reference 658.1522 L629g; This title is part of the Matthew Lesko series.
Free Money to Change Your Life: Desk Reference 658.1522 L629fmc 2000; This title is part of the Matthew Lesko series.
Free Money to Quit Your Job: Desk Reference 658.1522 L629fmg; This title is part of the Matthew Lesko series.

Web Resources

Small Business Administration: Contains a large amount of information concerning starting, financing, and managing a small business as well as many other links to grant-related web sites.
U.S. Government Grants: In-depth web site that provides detailed information concerning government grants and loans.
The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: Source of federal programs and services to assist the American public. Most monies available are for organizations and institutions.

Local Assistance

City of Akron Mayor's Office of Economic Development: Includes a considerable amount of information and help for starting a business in the Akron area including loan and grant programs.; 166 South High Street, Suite 202; Akron, Ohio 44308; (330) 375-2081
Akron Initiative: The AKRON INITIATIVE is a partnership between the City of Akron, four Akron area banks, and the U.S. Small Business Administration in order to provide greater access to capital for those who want to start, grow or maintain a business in the City of Akron.
Greater Akron Chamber: Service which provides no charge counselling for new and existing businesses through the Small Business Development Center(SBDC) and the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE).; One Cascade Plaza; Akron, Ohio 44308; (330) 376-5550
: WEGO has SBA microloan funds. They primarily target low-income women and provide training and counceling for start-ups.; 58 West Center Street; Akron, Ohio 44309; (216) 535-4523
Ohio Department of Development: The Ohio Department of Development promotes economic opportunities to improve the profits and prosperity of Ohio's citizens. Site contains "1st Stop Business Connection" for free business information kits that contain state level regulations and forms for your particular business. These kits can either be downloaded, e-mailed or delivered by mail.; P.O. Box 1001; Columbus, Ohio 43216-1001; 1-800-248-4040; 1-614-466-4232; 1stStop@odod.state.oh.us