Strengthening Stark

09/28/2026

Skyrocketing construction costs represent one key element in Stark County’s middle-income housing affordability gap, something the Stark Economic Development Board and Strengthening Stark are battling. This article from the National Association of Realtors provides excellent insight into some of the hidden costs of new home construction. Learn more:

Long before the first wall goes up, builders are paying for land, permits, regulations and infrastructure—costs that can add thousands to the final price. Yet today’s market is creating an unexpected twist: Rising construction costs are pushing builders to find new ways to make homes more afford...

09/28/2026

Stark State gets $2.5 million grant to incorporate AI into teaching - from Canton Repository

Stark State College has received federal grant to launch a project to integrate career-specific AI skills into programs.

Check out this story on: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/education/2026/09/28/stark-state-gets-2-5-million-grant-to-incorporate-ai-into-teaching/91924026007/

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Stark State College has received federal grant to launch a project to integrate career-specific AI skills into programs.

09/25/2026

Jackson, Carrollton students win scholarships | Education roundup - from Canton Repository

Jackson, Carrollton students win scholarships; Junior League offers grants

Check out this story on: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/lifestyle/2026/09/20/jackson-carrollton-students-win-scholarships-education-roundup/91779836007/

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09/21/2026

Homeownership is out of reach for many middle-income Stark County families and individuals. Tackling our middle-income housing affordability gap will take widespread community buy-in and support. We’ve set an aggressive goal of eliminating our housing imbalance by 2030. Our latest blog explains how. Read more → https://www.starkcoohio.com/index.php?src=blog&category=Housing&submenu=Blog&srctype=detail&blogid=1

09/15/2026

Massillon is mulling a tax incentive for new 78-home development - from Canton Repository

Massillon City Council is mulling a 10-year property tax break for Frontier Land group, which is planning a 78-home subdivision on the west side.

Check out this story on: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/massillon/2026/09/14/massillon-mulls-tax-break-for-developer-planning-78-west-side-homes/91755539007/

(Note: Subscription may be required to read full article.)

Massillon City Council is mulling a 10-year property tax break for Frontier Land group, which is planning a 78-home subdivision on the west side.

09/14/2026

'Need the right mix of housing.' Stark County seeks reform to spur growth - from Canton Repository

Stark County officials are working with local governments on policy decisions that could encourage housing developments, including regulatory reform.

Check out this story on: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2026/09/10/builders-officials-join-to-address-stark-county-housing-shortage/91487350007/

(Note: Subscription may be required to read full article.)

Stark County officials are working with local governments on policy decisions that could encourage housing developments, including regulatory reform.

09/11/2026

Sep 16 | 11 AM | FREE | Online
In partnership with
PNC Bank

Access to Capital for Small Businesses

Learn how to evaluate financing options, understand SBA loans, bank lending, crowdfunding, and other capital sources to confidently fund and grow your small business successfully. Click here for more information and to register: https://score.tfaforms.net/112?EventID=a10Vt00000Vu0uj

09/10/2026

FREE EVENT
Sep 15 | 11 AM ET | Online
SCORE Essentials
How to Create a Simple Business Plan
Learn how to craft a simple business plan that drives growth and attracts funding. Explore key components, financial forecasting and market research. Click here to register: https://score.tfaforms.net/112?EventID=a10Vt00000VKIq9

09/06/2026

TODAY'S THE DAY. Applications for Stark Impact Cohort 6 close tonight.
Inc. is choosing five Stark County businesses ready to grow revenue, raise money, and expand their team. If your business is ready for more, don't wait.
Apply now: https://jumpstartinc.org/smallbiz/stark

Tools To Grow & Thrive JumpStart’s Stark County Small Business Impact Program is an intensive 12-week group-based educational program that provides promising entrepreneurs with: Focused business advising Education on various essential business topics Impactful tools and resources to help business ...

09/05/2026

⏰ Applications for Stark Impact Cohort 6 close Sept. 6.
Inc. is still looking for five Stark County businesses ready to grow revenue, raise money, and expand their team. If you've been meaning to apply, this is your reminder.
Apply now: https://jumpstartinc.org/smallbiz/stark

Tools To Grow & Thrive JumpStart’s Stark County Small Business Impact Program is an intensive 12-week group-based educational program that provides promising entrepreneurs with: Focused business advising Education on various essential business topics Impactful tools and resources to help business ...