Cooper Named as Manager of Small Business Development
Iris Cooper has been named as the Manager of the Office of Small Business Development in the State of Ohio's Department of Development. In this position, Ms. Cooper has been charged with leading the efforts to address the needs and desires of small business owners in order to enhance economic stability in local communities. The Office of Small Business works closely with the Division of Minority Affairs in supporting all programs for minority businesses as well as women, the disabled and veterans.
Within the Office of Small Business Development is the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), which is a system of small business counseling centers throughout the state of Ohio. The SBDCs are a collaboration with the Small Business Administration and other host agencies and universities. Small businesses can contact any of these centers for a variety of supportive services for little or no cost.
New programs under Ms. Cooper's leadership include a small business television show, a new and improved Small Business Advisory Council, entrepreneurial training for the baby boom generation and women on home-based businesses, expansion of the incubator concept, and a web portal for all small business services within the state. A focus on faith-based programming will also emerge over the next year to assist entrepreneurial efforts in this particular market.
In November, the office will sponsor the Governor's Keys to Success Luncheon for female entrepreneurs. Iris Cooper may be contacted at 614-466-2718 or visit the department.s website at www.odod.state.oh.us.