Cuyahoga County seeking to give women-, minority-owned businesses a boost [Video]

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Following the launch of the new Office of Small Business, Cuyahoga County is taking extra steps to support women- and minority-owned shops.

Executive Chris Ronayne has proposed spending up to $3.4 million dollars over the next two years to create a Small Business Program focusing on helping more women or minority entrepreneurs start or grow their businesses. The money would go to one of six providers that would then either provide participants with technical assistance or loans.

The county has been placing more importance on small businesses as “a key driver of innovation, job creation, wealth creation and economic opportunity,” with the creation of the new Office of Small Business, according to documents presented to county council.

The office is meant to be a one-stop shop for the county’s 30,000 small businesses, where they can receive personalized assistance, guidance, funding, education, succession planning – whatever they need. It can also help owners explore contracts with the county.

But the county …