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Small Business Week Events | | | |
Celebrating Small Business Week: Driving Impact Through Entrepreneurship
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It's National Small Business Week! We're celebrate the entrepreneurs and small business owners who power the Toledo Region’s economy—creating jobs, driving innovation, and strengthening our communities.
At the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, this impact is backed by action. Through our Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC), we deliver measurable results—helping businesses access capital, launch new ventures, expand operations, and navigate complex challenges with confidence.
Each year, our SBDC and MBAC teams work side-by-side with hundreds of entrepreneurs, providing expert advising, technical assistance, and connections that unlock growth. From securing funding and earning certifications to building sustainable business models, these programs are accelerating success and advancing inclusive economic growth across our region.
The result is more than individual business wins—it’s a stronger, more resilient regional economy where opportunity is accessible and businesses of all sizes can thrive.
As we celebrate this week, we encourage you to support small businesses and explore how the Chamber’s resources can help you take your next step forward. A great place to start is with our special Small Business Week Events below. (No-cost to attend, but registration required.)
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The Three Pillars for Scaling Your Business
presented by the Minority Business Assistance Center
TODAY | noon - 1:30 p.m.
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Protecting Intellectual Property for Small Business
presented by the US Patent and Trademark Office & Ohio SBDC
Thursday | 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
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Business Blueprint
presented by the Small Business Development Center
TOMORROW | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
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SBDC & Grow with Google presents: Make A.I. Work for Your Business Friday | 11:00 - 1:30 p.m.
online webinar
| | Additionally, the IRS is holding a webinar on Understanding Federal Taxes for Small Businesses this Thursday at 2 p.m. Learn more and register here. | | Welcome to the TRCC Team: Natalie Dickinson, CPA, VP of Finance | | | | |
Innovation is at the heart of every successful business—but without the right protections in place, your ideas, products, and brand identity can be at risk.
As part of National Small Business Week, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Ohio Small Business Development Center to bring this critical conversation to Northwest Ohio. Learn more about why you should attend.
| | Welcome New April Members | | | | We’re proud to welcome our newest members who joined the Toledo Regional Chamber last month. Take a moment to explore these businesses and start building new connections. | | Remember to Vote Today: A Quick Look at Lucas County Levies | | | | |
The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce gathers information regarding levies each year, providing members with the information about them needed to make informed voting decisions.
These two levies will appear on the ballot in Lucas County.
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Make Your Interns’ Summer Memorable - Enroll them in Summer in the City
presented by Owens Corning
8-weeks, June & July 2026
| | | | Your interns are here for the summer, but what if they left as lifelong advocates for your company and the Toledo Region? The Toledo Regional Chamber’s Summer in the City program presented by Owens Corning connects interns to the people, places, and energy that make this region thrive. | | From one-of-a-kind experiences to meaningful networking and professional development, participants build stronger connections, expand their professional circles, and see why Toledo is a place to launch a career - not just spend a summer. Invest in an experience that boosts retention, enhances your employer brand, and gives your interns a reason to stay. | |
Capitol Conversations
presented by the Regional Growth Partnership/JobsOhio
May 12, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
The Athletic Club of Columbus
| | | | From the Toledo Region to the Ohio Statehouse – position yourself at the heart of the policy ecosystem that affects workforce, taxation, regulations and infrastructure. Gain access to legislators and decision-makers you might rarely reach otherwise and help maintain the region’s influence, sustain advocacy efforts, and support policies that benefit our business community. | | |
It is critical now more than ever that the Toledo region unifies to send a message to leaders in Columbus. Legislators and agency leaders alike must understand our region’s priorities and the critical need to work together to achieve success. Our region is strong, and these leaders must be shown what we bring to the table to the benefit of our entire state.
Your voice will make a difference in accurately representing the region and ensuring that our challenges and opportunities get the attention they deserve. Join us in Columbus. Make a difference.
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Help Your Team Grow—Without Losing Them
Join Us for an Informational Session on the Lucas County Benefit Bridge Pilot Program
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Join fellow Chamber members for a brief informational session on the Lucas County Benefit Bridge Pilot Program—an initiative designed to help employers retain skilled workers facing the “benefits cliff.”
Learn how this program can strengthen your workforce, reduce turnover, and support long-term employee success.
| | Through an 18-month support model, the program helps employees transition off public benefits while increasing their earnings—so they can accept raises and promotions without immediate financial hardship. | | |
To register for one of our upcoming sessions, please email gabrielle.huff@toledochamber.com and RSVP for one of the options below:
- South Toledo – Monday, May 4, 3:00 p.m., Area Office on Aging
- University Area – Wednesday, May 20, 3:00 p.m., Harbor (Shared Services Building)
- River East – Thursday, May 21, 1:00 p.m., Glass City Enrichment Center
- North – Thursday, May 28, 3:00 p.m., Nationwide Children’s Hospital
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Grounds for Discussion
presented by NAMI Greater Toledo
June 6, 2026 | 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Stranahan Theater & Great Hall |4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo
| | No-cost to attend, but registration is required. | | This no-cost, casual, monthly morning gathering is designed to spark conversations, expand your network, and help you build relationships that strengthen your business. Over coffee and open dialogue, you’ll meet new peers, exchange ideas, and walk away with connections that matter. | |
Transitioning to Supervisor: Frontline Leadership Essentials
May 18 & 19, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. - noon
300 Madison Ave., Toledo | Rms. 807-809
| | | | With Transitioning to Supervisor: Frontline Leadership Essentials, you can equip your new supervisors with the tools they need to succeed, reducing the likelihood of costly leadership failures. In just two half-days of focused, expert-led training from In2Great, your supervisors will learn how to manage conflict, set expectations, build trust and navigate the shift from peer to leader. Give your new and emerging leaders the skills and mindset they need to lead confidently - improving communication, strengthening culture and reducing turnover. | | |
Looking to Promote Your Business?
| | America 250 – Business Spotlight Opportunity | | |
If your business would like to be featured in this historic community celebration, contact: iharrison@buckeyebroadband.com
See spotlight examples here.
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America’s 250th anniversary is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone marking a quarter-millennium of freedom, innovation, and community.
In that spirit, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Buckeye Broadband to present a spotlight series of local businesses that are at the heart of our region’s economy.
Participating businesses will receive a professionally produced video feature and year-long patriotic exposure across television, streaming, and social platforms as part of the “Celebrate 250: Local Pride. National Spirit.” campaign.
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300 Madison Ave., Ste. 200 • (419) 243-8191
www.toledochamber.com
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