Expand Small Business Boost Support

Description

Manage the Small Business Boost grant program to help Akron entrepreneurs and small business owners grow their businesses and improve their personal finances.

Why is This Important

Small businesses are the backbone of Akron's neighborhood economies. Financial counseling and targeted support help owners build the personal financial foundation they need to run and grow their businesses successfully.

Initiative Wins

Created the Small Business Boost program at the Akron Financial Empowerment Center (a financial counseling service provided by United Way of Summit and Medina Counties) with $90,000 in grant funding.
Delivered 244 financial counseling sessions to 106 small business owners, producing measurable improvements including reduced delinquent accounts and higher credit scores.

Impact Spotlight

What We’ve Done This Quarter

Continued providing financial counseling sessions, with 244 sessions delivered to 106 business owners as of March 2026.

What We’re Working on Next Quarter

Striving to provide 325 financial counseling sessions through this program by August 2026 via the Financial Empowerment Center.
Conducting targeted outreach about this free program through partnerships with Progressive Alliance, Summit Artspace and The Well CDC.