Growing Business From Within!

THIS PROGRAM IS SPONSORED BY:

Program Overview

The HOMEGROWN program nurtures local businesses and gives them the tools they need to grow. The program is centered around providing market research and high-level tech assistance toward industry trends, search engine optimization, and marketing. When provided with the kind of timely and relevant information that market research can provide about competitors, customers, markets, and industry trends...companies & start-ups can make strategic decisions, which ultimately set them on a course of tremendous growth.

Apply for the “Homegrown” – Small Business Grant

Our board is looking for passion, as well as business smarts. You are eligible if you are a small business based in Defiance County, Ohio and has a revenue no larger than $250,000 annually. The goal of this application should be to can explain your business and needs appropriately below.

Tell Us about YOU and Your Business and please provide a description of the good or service you are providing for the greater community. We have $10,000 budgeted annually, but once those funds are allocated our next round will begin the following calendar year. Award amounts are $500. Awards will be allocated quarterly after review of the Homegrown Board.

Allocations rounds will happen accordingly:

March 1, 2024
June 1, 2024
September 1, 2024
December 1, 2024

Please also provide your most recent Balance Sheet & Profit & Loss Financial Documents.
Email to Erika@DefianceCountyED.Com, along with filling out the submission below.
If you are a start-up, please note that below in your submission. Please review the below requirements:

- Applicants must have their business registered with the State of Ohio, to be eligible.
- Once awarded, if the business owner hasn't met with Northwest State's Small Business Development Center, this will be a requirement, with the goal of developing a business plan or growth plan. This is a service with no cost and great benefits to make sure you are prepared to start your business or scale up your existing business. Feel free to reach out ahead of applying to Lisa Becher Nwohiosbdc@gmail.com

- Awardees will be required to provide receipts or invoices for the funds allocated.
- This award can only be applied for once per year.

Thanks for your interest in this program. If you have any questions, please email: Erika@DefianceCountyED.com

First Name

Last Name

Company

Phone

Please provide us with all your website and social media URLs:

Tells us about your business and what you plan to use the funds for, if awarded:

Please provide any media – graphics we can use for promotion of your company

Upload File

Thanks for Submitting. We'll get back with you soon.

More About Our Homegrown Program

Recruitment & Retainment

Individual Workforce Recruitment Strategy Plans
Customized Candidate Searches
Sharing of Internal Recruitment Techniques
Creation of Countywide Housing Taskforce
Other Unique Workforce Development Needs

Existing & Start -Up Resources

Business Plan Writing
Market Research: This would include competition reports, new products, industry trends, along with government regulations for local companies.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS): GIS specialists use computerized data mapping to spot the densities of current customers and competitors, identify potential new clients and geographic markets, and produce qualified sales leads.

E-Commerce Development

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Web Consultation, including E-Commerce:
Analyze the company website looking for any problem areas that might be deterring traffic.
Conduct keywords and content optimization to raise visibility in search engine rankings.
Track social interactions on other websites, blogs, and online communities to see who is talking about your products and services.
Determine key influencers in your market and help you connect better with customers.

Education & Experiences

Creating School-to-Work Programs
Youth Camps – includes Manufacturing, Food, Construction, & Auto
Regular Roundtables
Lunch & Learns for Adult Professionals & Youth*
Promotion of Partner Education Initiatives – ex. Ohio Means Jobs, Northwest State, Defiance College, Library, and more
Bus Tours of Local Companies

Want to learn more? Reach out today!

Growing Business From Within!

Contact Us