Your guide to Small Business Resources

OCTOBER 2026

What's Happening at MBAC

Workshops • Opportunities • Resources

Fall is in full swing at MBAC. From practical workshops and procurement opportunities to business spotlights and new connections across our service area, there’s a lot happening this month. Here’s what’s new at MBAC-Akron and how we can help your business move forward.

CAPITAL CONNECTIONS

Funding Opportunities to Help Your Business Grow

Finding the right funding can help you start, strengthen, or grow your business. This month, we're highlighting several grant and financial assistance opportunities worth exploring.

Featured Opportunity: Verizon Small Business Digital Ready

Eligible small-business owners can apply for a $10,000 grant by completing two eligible courses or events through this free program. There is no application fee. Complete the required activities and apply by December 7, 2026, to be considered for the remaining monthly selections.

Learn more and apply

Additional Opportunities

Business expansion: JobsOhio Small Business Grant — up to $50,000 for qualifying projects.
Employee training: Ohio TechCred — reimbursement for approved technology credentials. Apply by October 30, 2026.
Women-owned businesses: Explore the Amber Grant and HerRise MicroGrant for additional funding opportunities.

Connect with your local MBAC Business Advisor to review each program's eligibility requirements and application deadlines before applying.

— Lynn Puryear, Regional Director

WORKSHOPS + EVENTS

Learn, Connect, & Grow

Build your skills, gain expert insights, and make valuable connections. Whether you're exploring a business idea or growing an established company, MBAC offers workshops for every stage of the journey, with virtual and in-person opportunities across our nine-county service area.

Women Who Build & Win

OCTOBER 21 | 5 - 7 PM | AKRON

Join women entrepreneurs and experienced business leaders for an engaging fireside chat featuring real-world insights, lessons learned, and strategies for business growth, followed by professional headshots and

networking.

Small Business Marketing: Say It So They Get It!

OCTOBER 26 | 6 - 8 PM | RICHLAND

Learn how to clearly communicate what your business does, who you help, and why it matters. Turn your customers’ needs and your solution into compelling messaging you can use on your website, social media, networking, and sales conversations.

Year End Financial Checkup: Clean Books, Strong Decisions

OCTOBER 27 | 5 - 7 PM | AKRON

Get your business finances organized before the year-end rush! Learn to understand key financial statements, spot common bookkeeping issues, prepare records for tax season, and build better financial habits to support smarter business decisions and future funding opportunities.

Small Business Marketing: Marketing Without Much Money

NOVEMBER 2 | 6 - 8 PM | RICHLAND

Need more customers without a bigger marketing budget? Learn how to choose cost-effective marketing strategies, focus on what works for your business, and create a simple, affordable plan you can maintain and measure.

Chase: Investment 101

NOVEMBER 4 | 5:30 - 6:30 PM | AKRON

New to investing? Learn the basics of stocks, bonds, risk, and diversification in this beginner-friendly workshop. Discover practical ways to grow your money over time and build confidence in your financial future.

Meet the Certifiers: Your Direct Line to Certification

2-Part Series | 10-2 PM | Virtual - Join from anywhere.

November 4

Learn about certification opportunities available through the State of Ohio and partner agencies.

November 12

Receive hands-on guidance completing certification applications with experts available to answer questions throughout the process.

Procurement Connections & Opportunities

NOVEMBER 12 | 4 - 7 PM | AKRON

Ready to explore new contracting opportunities? Connect with government agencies, institutions, and procurement professionals at this networking event hosted by the Akron Urban League’s Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC). Discover potential contracting opportunities, build valuable business relationships, and learn how to position your business for future procurement opportunities.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Joyful Interactions, located in Akron, OH., is more than a greeting card and gift shop—it’s a welcoming space where culture, representation, and community come together. Since opening in October 2024, the business has helped customers celebrate life’s special moments through inclusive products while supporting local entrepreneurs and helping people feel seen and valued.

Congratulations to Joyful Interactions on earning second place in the MORTAR Winter 2026 Pitch Competition! MBAC-Akron and the Akron Urban League are proud to celebrate this growing Black-owned business and its positive impact on the community.

Discover Joyful Interactions

PROCUREMENT & CONTRACTS

Procurement Opportunity: AMHA Exterior Restoration Project

Construction and restoration businesses across the region may want to explore this opportunity from the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA). The agency is accepting sealed bids for Exterior Restorations and Related Work at Saferstein I, located at 525 Diagonal Road in Akron.

Bid deadline: November 10, 2026, at 2 p.m. Eastern

Solicitation number: B26019

Interested businesses should review the project specifications to determine whether the work fits their experience and capacity. Smaller contractors may also consider partnering with a larger bidder as a subcontractor.

AMHA’s online procurement marketplace is free to use for accessing bid documents and submitting responses. Be sure to review the solicitation for complete submission requirements.

Explore the opportunity:

Questions? Contact Carla Horton, AMHA Contracting Officer

P: 330-376-7128 | E: chorton@akronhousing.org

ACCESS TO CAPITAL

October is National Women’s Small Business Month—a time to celebrate women entrepreneurs and highlight resources that help their businesses grow.

Financing may support eligible equipment purchases, real estate, improvements, and certain business debt refinancing. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Preparing to apply? Organize your financial statements, tax returns, cash-flow projections, and project costs. MBAC can help you explore financing resources and prepare for conversations with lenders.

This October, take the next step toward your business’s future by exploring your financing options.

WBE LOAN AT A GLANCE

LOAN AMOUNT

$45-500k

INTEREST RATE

UP TO 3%

Explore the WBE Loan Program → Ohio Women’s Business Enterprise Loan Program

Need help preparing? Contact MBAC-Akron at info@akronul.org to explore available business assistance resources.

Meet Your MBAC Team

Meet Candace "Candy" Love,

MBAC Business Advisor

For Candace Love, helping people succeed is more than a profession—it’s a passion. As a Business Advisor with the Akron Urban League’s Minority Business Assistance Center, Candace works with entrepreneurs and small business owners to navigate challenges, access resources, and build stronger businesses.

Her work focuses on business planning, certifications, access to capital, operational improvement, and strategic growth. With a collaborative, solutions-focused approach, Candace helps business owners turn challenges into actionable steps toward success. She believes that thriving businesses are essential to thriving communities.

When she’s not working or volunteering, Candace enjoys spending time with her family and three dogs, tackling ambitious DIY projects inspired by Pinterest, and indulging in her favorite foods: dinner rolls and sweet potatoes. And if you’re wondering about her favorite color, she’ll tell you it’s glitter!

Through her work and community involvement, Candace brings her passion for people to everything she does—helping entrepreneurs move forward with greater confidence, practical tools, and a clear path toward their goals.

Connect With Candy Today!

T: 234-542-4157 | E: clove@akronul.org