COSE Resource Hub
Discover the ultimate hub for the local small business community with COSE. Whether you are kickstarting your entrepreneurial journey or seeking guidance from small business support partners and tapping into local funding opportunities, COSE's resource page is your go-to destination. Leverage a wealth of internal and external resources tailored to empower small business owners and fuel the growth of your venture right here in Greater Cleveland.

Access to Capital
Cleveland Neighborhood Progress - Village Capital
Provide real estate financing to catalytic community projects through wholly-owned subsidiary, Village Capital Corporation. Finances market-rate and affordable residential, commercial, retail, industrial and mixed-use projects.
Cleveland State University Small Business Development Center
The Small Business Development Center is one of 41 SBDCs throughout Ohio. SBDCs are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Services include providing no-cost, confidential, in-depth, one-on-one counseling for small businesses with under 500 employees.
Cleveland Water Alliance
The Fund will seek to invest in a total of between nine and 18 Portfolio Companies, and to make aggregate investments in each Portfolio Company that are within the range of $250,000 to $500,000 per Portfolio Company.
COSE - Cleveland Chain Reaction
The small business pitch competition connects entrepreneurs to capital and mentors and places new businesses in Cleveland neighborhoods to create jobs and build prosperity. The first-place winner receives a $40K grant, second-place wins a $20K grant and third-place wins $10K.
Ohio Department of Development
Developed by the Ohio SBDC in partnership with the SBA, this guide gives a high level overview of how to legally register your business in Ohio, along with other regulatory agencies that your business may need to contact upon becoming established.
ECDI (Economic Community Development Institution)
Whether you're just turning an idea into a business plan – or you're an established business looking to open a new location, ECDI gives you access to responsible, affordable capital, with the support and training you need to build your dream. We go the extra mile by providing comprehensive training and valuable resources.
Growth Capital Corporation - SBA 504 Loan Program
SBA 504 Loan Program. Growth Capital Corp. is a Certified Development Company (CDC), which is a private nonprofit corporation, certified by the SBA to process 504 loans and contribute to the economic development of the community.
Growth Capital Corporation - Community Advantage Loan Program
The purpose of the Community Advantage Loan Program is to increase the access to credit for small business, working business owners and Community Advantage Associates to administer the program.
Hebrew Free Loan Association (HFLA) of Northeast Ohio
HFLA’s 0% interest loans enable businesses to meet demand and grow their company. Qualifications: Live and do business in Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, Geauga, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Summit, or Trumbull counties, Have an income with the ability to repay the loan on a monthly basis. Lack the ability to obtain the needed funds from a conventional lender like a bank or credit union.
Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development - Ohio SBDC
The Hispanic Business Center is home to Northeast Ohio’s only Latino Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Our business advisors specialize in Business Advising, Capital Source Identification, Business Plan Development, Marketing strategies, Strategic Planning, Business Certifications, Financial Projections, Business Assessment Valuation, Loan Packaging and Accounting.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Cleveland District Office
The SBA Cleveland District Office provides help with SBA services including funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery. We can also connect you to our partner organizations, lenders, and other groups that help small businesses succeed.
SCORE
SCORE Cleveland offers seasoned business professionals who provide you with useful, timely, and realistic guidance at no cost. Browse mentor profiles to find your ideal expert or ask a question and let us pair you with the right expert.
The Urban League of Greater Cleveland - UBIZ Venture Capital
UBIZ Venture Capital (UBIZ) is an emerging Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) incorporated in 2020 to provide much needed, low cost capital to underserved small businesses in the Greater Cleveland area. Provides intense pre-loan counseling, technical training & Accelerator Programs that are aligned with access to capital.
Cybersecurity
Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls
A framework that small businesses can follow to enhance security by implementing industry-standard cybersecurity best practices. CIS also offers a self-assessment tool to help businesses measure their cybersecurity posture.
CIS Implementation Group 1 (IG1)
A foundational set of cybersecurity controls specifically designed for small and medium-sized businesses to protect against common cyber threats.
CIS Self-Assessment Tool
A free online tool that helps small businesses assess their cybersecurity maturity and identify areas for improvement.
CISA Cybersecurity Services
Provides a range of free cybersecurity tools, assessments, and vulnerability scanning services for small businesses.
CISA Shields Up
Provides real-time threat alerts, mitigation strategies, and cybersecurity guidance for small businesses to enhance resilience against cyber threats.
CISA Vulnerability Scanning Program
A free service that helps small businesses detect security flaws in their networks and systems. This tool assists in mitigating potential cyber risks before they can be exploited.
Cyber Readiness Institute
Provides resources and tools to help small and medium-sized businesses improve their cybersecurity posture. It offers practical guidance, best practices, and training materials designed to enhance cyber readiness and resilience.
Cybersecurity Basics for Small Businesses
A guide that offers essential tips on password security, multi-factor authentication, data protection, and phishing prevention. It includes risk assessment tools, employee training recommendations, and links to government resources to help small businesses strengthen their cybersecurity.
FTC Small Business Cybersecurity Guide
A practical guide covering key cybersecurity best practices for small businesses, including phishing prevention, password management, and network security.
Global Cyber Alliance (GCA)
A nonprofit organization offering free cybersecurity toolkits designed specifically for small businesses. The GCA toolkit includes resources for email security, DNS protection, and multi-factor authentication.
Google Web Security Scanner
A tool that helps businesses identify vulnerabilities in their web applications and cloud environments, ensuring proactive security measures are in place.
Microsoft Zero Trust Program
A security approach that helps businesses mitigate risks by verifying all users and devices before granting access, reducing the risk of insider threats and credential-based attacks.
NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 Small Business Quick Start Guide
A guide, developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is specifically tailored for small businesses to help them implement the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. It provides a concise overview of the framework and practical steps that small businesses can take to improve their cybersecurity posture effectively.
NIST Small Business Cybersecurity
Offers guidelines tailored for small businesses to improve their cybersecurity resilience. NIST provides frameworks that businesses can follow to establish security controls.
NSA Cybersecurity Collaboration Center
A resource that offers cybersecurity guidelines, best practices, and collaboration opportunities for businesses to strengthen their security defenses.
Ohio Attorney General Data Breach Prevention
Provides guidance on preventing and responding to data breaches for small businesses. Includes legal frameworks and best practices for compliance with Ohio’s cybersecurity laws.
Ohio Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program
A program designed to help small businesses in Ohio implement essential cybersecurity practices and improve their security posture. It provides tools, training, and assessments tailored for small enterprises.
PCII Homeland
This refers to the Protected Critical Infrastructure Information (PCII) handled by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to safeguard sensitive information related to critical infrastructure.
StaySafeOnline
An initiative by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) aimed at providing individuals, businesses, and communities with resources and tools to stay safe and secure online. It offers tips, educational materials, and resources for enhancing cybersecurity awareness and practices.
Mentoring and Coaching
Mentoring and Coaching
Bounce Innovation Hub (Akron) Technology Incubator
The Technology Incubator is our signature program for growing startups developing a proprietary technology product or service, that also need space, support, and access to expertise and mentors.
Cleveland State University - SBDC
The SBDC provides low to no-cost one-on-one counseling that is, confidential and in-depth for businesses that will or currently employee under 500 employees.
COSE - Cleveland Chain Reaction
Cleveland Chain Reaction is on a mission to create jobs, investment and prosperity in Greater Cleveland while providing education and information for entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners to benefit our community. The first-place winner receives a $40K grant, second-place wins a $20K grant and third-place wins $10K.
Global Cleveland - Global Entrepreneur In Residence (GEIR)
GEIR provides a unique opportunity for international entrepreneurs to start and grow their business in Northeast Ohio, all while receiving access to valuable resources and a cap-exempt H1-B visa.
Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development - SBDC
Taking businesses from the initial ideation stage through a comprehensive business assessment while providing one-on-one counseling, this process involves crafting a clear roadmap to ensure sustainable growth and long-term success.
SCORE
SCORE Cleveland offers seasoned business professionals who provide you with useful, timely, and realistic guidance at no cost. Browse mentor profiles to find your ideal expert or ask a question and let us pair you with the right expert.
The Urban League of Greater Cleveland - SBDC
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the Urban League of Greater Cleveland provides no-cost business counseling and assistance to individuals who are either starting or growing a business.
ECDI (Economic & Community Development Institute)
"Free support for all entrepreneurs (mentoring, training, and more) Paid membership options with additional services for varying sizes of businesses and budgets.