Below is a list of local, state, and federal resources for small, and independent businesses. If you know of additional resources we should consider adding to this page, please email customercareteam-pds@case.edu, Attention: Procurement.
Ohio Department of Development
The Ohio Department of Development can help businesses become state-certified in four different programs. Click Here to Learn More
U.S. Small Business Administration
Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small businesses and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses. The Small Business Administration (SBA) certification allows small businesses access to federal contracts and other benefits based on specific programs. Click here to learn more.
Overview of the SBA's Federal Certifications Programs - Click Here
HUBZone program
The U.S. Small Business Administration HUBZone program fuels small business growth in historically underutilized business zones with a goal of awarding at least 3% of federal contract dollars to HUBZone-certified companies each year. Click here to learn more.
To qualify for the HUBZone program, your business must:
- Be a small business according to SBA size standards
- Be at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, an Alaska Native corporation, a Native Hawaiian organization, or an Indian tribe
- Have its principal office located in a HUBZone*
- Have at least 35% of its employees living in a HUBZone*
You can find the full qualification criteria in Title 13 Part 126 Subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert)
Veteran-owned small businesses can use this application to be certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to compete for federal contracts. Certified veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) will have the opportunity to pursue sole-source and set-aside contracts at the Department of Veterans Affairs under the VA's Vets First program. Certified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) will have the opportunity to compete for federal sole-source and set-aside contracts across the federal government. Click here to learn more. Certification eligibility:
- Have at least 51% veteran ownership
- Registered as a small business with SAM.gov
- Be a small business according to SBA size standards
Northeast Ohio Resources
Click the county or city name to access the information from that region.
- Cuyahoga County - Obtain certification from Cuyahoga County
- Summit Medina Small Business Alliance - Supports businesses in Summit, Portage, and Medina counties
- Lorain County Small Business Development Center - Provides a high-impact, front-line program designed to facilitate small business growth, job creation, and access to capital.
Other Resources
- Department of Veterans Affairs VETBiz - a gateway to information and services within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU)