Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Toledo announces the launch of the Community Navigator Pilot Program (CNPP) under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Through a $100 million competitive grant program, LISC received $5 million to strengthen outreach to businesses in underserved communities in seven markets, including Toledo, throughout the country.
The more than $600,000 earmarked for the Toledo metro area will bolster the capacity of local “spokes” to provide one-to-one direct support, including technical assistance, to more than 700 local small business owners over the two-year grant period.
The support is intended to help reduce barriers small businesses often face in accessing critical resources available through existing SBA programs and the local business development ecosystem.
Entrepreneurs in Lucas County seeking assistance can reach out to any of the following five spokes to be connected to the network:
•ASSETS Toledo, 419-251-9870
•ECDI, 419-574-9476, awelch@ecdi.org
•Mercy Health Innovation, 419-251-2114, mlre ichert@mercy.com
•SBDC at Toledo Chamber, 419-243-8191, Sabrina. D’Onofrio@toledochamber.com
•Women of Toledo, 567-970-7172, info@womenoftoledo.org
“I am proud that the SBA Northern Ohio District Office is collaborating with LISC Toledo on the CNPP,” said Gil Goldberg, SBA district director. “Not only will the program bring jobs and lasting wealth to underserved members of Toledo’s small business community, it will ultimately spark new economic growth for the entire region. The Toledo CNPP is a shining example of SBA’s new Equity Action Plan, through which the agency is reducing barriers and improving access to SBA resources for disadvantaged communities across the nation.”
The funding bolsters local public-private partnerships already supporting the local small business ecosystem.
“Small businesses are the heart of our community and bring jobs, opportunity and hope to Toledo’s neighborhoods,“ said James Hoffman, KeyBank Northwest Ohio Market president. “LISC has a long history of providing small businesses in Toledo with the support they need to succeed and grow. The Community Navigator Pilot Program is another step forward in advancing our community’s small business ecosystem.”
The anticipated program impact over two years includes more than 700 small businesses receiving assistance and more than $1.5 million in grants and loans approved for Toledo small businesses. “CNPP is increasing the capacity of organizations with deep roots in underserved communities already doing critical work supporting small business in Toledo,” said Kim Cutcher, executive director of LISC Toledo. “It’s that combination of local relationships plus public and private resources that can make a dramatic difference for local businesses.”
“Business development organizations are those of us on the ground, walking side-byside with businesses to help them succeed,” said Olivia Holden, ASSETS Toledo executive director. “ASSETS worked with LaVonda Johnson, owner of LaVonda Josett Photography, in our entrepreneur training class and through one-on-one technical assistance. ASSETS helped LaVonda put together her first business plan, which she credits as being her roadmap for attracting new customers, growing her business, and supporting her family. The SBA Community Navigator grant will increase the capacity of organizations like ASSETS to assist more businesses like hers.”
