December 29, 2021
May this year bring new happiness, new goals, new achievements, and new inspirations for continued success in business and life.

We so very much appreciate your membership, ideas, support, and friendship. 2022 promises to be an exciting year for the chamber. Thank you for your past membership and we look forward to your new membership to keep our business community vibrant.
Companies Can Apply Now for Ohio Export Internship Program
The Ohio Export Internship Program matches businesses interested in growing exports with highly motivated college students who have taken export-focused coursework. The Ohio Department of Development offers participating small to medium-sized businesses a 50 percent reimbursement for the wages of the intern.

This year, there were 44 student/company matches across the state. The program is a partnership between the Department of Development, The Ohio State University, Youngstown State University, Cleveland State University, and the University of Dayton.

The internships have a track record of helping businesses achieve export success. In the 10 years of the program, 359 student-company matches were created, resulting in 114 internship extensions, 57 new job positions, and 365 new international markets, distributors, or customers.
Companies can apply now. Development’s Export Assistance Office is reviewing applications through Feb. 1. Internships will run from May to August 2022.

For more information and to apply, click here.
Grants Can Help Grow Your Business Internationally
The International Market Access Grant for Exporters (IMAGE) provides eligible businesses a 50% reimbursement of up to $10,000 for activities that promote international business. Activities include:

  • Website development
  • International advertising
  • E-commerce
  • Search engine optimization (SEO)
  • Marketing and website translation
  • Compliance testing
  • Trade shows (international, domestic, and virtual)
  • EXIM Credit Insurance Premiums

The second application period opened Dec. 13, 2021, and closes at 3 p.m. Jan. 12, 2022. Funding for the second round can be used for activities between Jan. 1, 2022, and March 31, 2022. Additional IMAGE funding opportunities will be announced quarterly subject to funding availability.

Applications must be approved before starting grant activities. For more information and to apply, visit IMAGE.Development.Ohio.Gov, email IMAGE@Development.Ohio.Gov, or contact an Ohio SBDC Export Assistance Network director near you.
Series Shows How Certifications Can Help Businesses
You’re Certified! Now What? is an eight-part training series that can help businesses make the most of the certifications they have received from the state of Ohio.

It is specifically designed to help businesses that have been certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE); a Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE); a Veteran-Friendly Business Enterprise (VBE); and an Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity (EDGE) business.

The series is held periodically, and the next one begins Jan. 11 and runs through March 1, 2022. It will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesdays, and the sessions will be virtual through Microsoft Teams. There is no cost to participate.
Each session will provide information about making the most of business certifications, including advice on landing contracts with federal, state, and local governments.

For more information or a detailed agenda, email Timothy.Collins@Development.Ohio.Gov or Michael.Lester@Development.Ohio.Gov. To register, click here.

To learn more about becoming certified, visit Minority.Ohio.Gov and click on Minority and Small Business Certifications. Businesses also can reach out to a Minority Business Assistance Center near them for help.
1284 Som Center Road #308
Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
Phone: (440) 252-4138