Driving regional growth: How the Greater Akron Chamber supports small business success
May is recognized nationally as Small Business Month, a time to celebrate the entrepreneurs, independent service providers, and family-run enterprises that play an essential role in our economy. Across the Greater Akron region footprint of Summit, Portage, and Medina counties, small businesses are building the future — one storefront, one service, and one innovative idea at a time.
Small businesses are a core pillar of the Ohio economy with over 99 percent of all businesses in Ohio classified as small businesses, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. These businesses employ 2.2 million individuals, representing more than 44 percent of the state’s workforce. The Ohio Department of Development, Minority Business Development Division reports that growth in women- and minority-owned enterprises continues to fuel job creation, innovation, and inclusive economic development across the Greater Akron region. In our region specifically, Greater Akron has seen a continued growth in women- and minority-owned enterprises continues to fuel job creation, innovation, and inclusive economic development. The economic impact of small businesses is vast and long-lasting, which is exactly why the Greater Akron Chamber supports their growth and success each and every day.
Small Business Support from the Greater Akron Chamber (GAC)
At the Greater Akron Chamber, we are committed to creating an environment where small businesses not only survive, but thrive. Our role is to serve as a strategic partner by connecting the dots to the tools, resources, networks, and advocacy efforts that enable small business growth across the region.
Whether operating a new startup in Kent, a specialty retailer in Cuyahoga Falls, or a professional services firm in downtown Akron, Chamber members benefit from a full spectrum of services and support designed to help their business grow and connect.
Top Benefits of Chamber Membership for Small Businesses
The GAC understands what keeps small businesses up at night. From getting the word out about their business and finding/retaining top talent, to accessing capital and finding the right resource to solve the next challenge. With GAC membership, small businesses have access to a suite of service offerings that meets them where they are, reading to help them focus on the growth and success of their business.
Here’s a snapshot of the ways the GAC can help:
- Boost Your Visibility. Keeping the right target audience aware of and engaged of in your business is always top of mind. Let the Chamber extend your reach by getting featured in our digital directory, joining in promotions for event sponsorship opportunities and use of additional communications vehicles depending on membership level. We also offer Media Days access for members to state-of-the-art video and podcast production facilities to help you generate the content needed to engage with your customers.
- Grow Your Network & Knowledge. Whether you are looking to find your next customer, learn something new to advance your business, or meet other business owners to build your network and gain advice, the GAC offers over 75 events a year designed to connect you with the people and information you need. Also included in membership is easy access to over 200 community resources to get you where you need to be. Cd your next customer or learn something new.
- Attract Top Talent with Turnkey, Competitive Employee Benefits. Just because you’re a small business doesn’t mean your benefits have to feel small. Through Chamber membership, businesses have access to health insurance, 401k benefits, and other HR resources that make finding and keeping top talent a breeze. Through the Chamber we can offer you the advantage of our scale, workable to your business’s size and needs from major regional partners like SummaCare for healthcare, TransAmerica and CAPTRUST for 401(k) plans, Sedgewick for workers compensation and CHC for urine drug screening, breath alcohol testing, background checks, and drug-free workplace training to help reduce liability and make informed hiring decisions.
- Have a Voice in Local Policy. In today’s rapidly shifting economic and regulatory landscape, small businesses can’t afford to be left out of the conversation. Chamber membership ensures you’re represented on local issues like taxes, zoning, development, and funding. It gives you a collective voice that helps shape a business-friendly environment and protects your interests.
Let’s Build What’s Next—Together
If you are a small business owner in the region, the Greater Akron Chamber is here to serve as your partner in progress. Visit our website at greaterakronchamber.org or contact our team to explore membership and discover the value of joining a network committed to your success.
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