NWO Minority Business Assistance Center

06/08/2026

Are you ready to take your brand, marketing, and content strategy to the next level?

Join us for the free Turn Your Brand Into Growth: AI-Powered Branding & Marketing workshop for Modern Businesses, an exciting, hands-on event that helps small business owners learn from industry experts, connect with other entrepreneurs, and walk away with practical strategies they can use.

Whether you are just starting your business, expanding your customer base, improving your marketing, or seeking smarter ways to create content with AI tools, this workshop is designed for small businesses at every stage.
free workshop, Turn Your Brand Into Growth: AI-Powered Branding & Marketing
At this event, you’ll learn how to:
• Clarify your brand message and voice
• Create content more efficiently with AI tools
• Stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed
• Simplify your marketing with practical, real-world strategies

When: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: TolHouse - 1447 N Summit St, Toledo, OH 43604

This event will feature a panel discussion, breakout sessions, and expert-led guidance to help you turn your brand into real business growth.

Space is limited, so register today!
Scan the QR code on the flyer or click the link below to register.

https://web.toledochamber.com/atlas/events/turn-your-brand-into-growth-ai-powered-branding-and-marketing-workshop-for-modern-businesses--3154/details

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

05/15/2026

Small Business Opportunity Alert

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready is offering the Small Business Super Pitch, giving eligible small business owners the opportunity to compete for a chance to win up to $20,000 and an exclusive trip to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final.

To participate, business owners must register for Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, complete at least one course or event in the “Winning Customers” category, post a short video explaining how Digital Ready helps position their business to win, and submit the official entry form.

Deadline to enter: May 18, 2026

This is a great opportunity for small businesses looking to strengthen their pitch, gain exposure, and compete for national recognition.

Learn more and apply here:
https://digitalready.verizonwireless.com/?utm_source=nwo-minority-business-center&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=digital-ready_local-partner_toledo

05/07/2026

We are proud to spotlight Mr. Jessie Pope with the Potts Entrepreneur Center. Jessie Pope is the Executive Director of the Walter C. Potts Entrepreneur Center, where he is dedicated to helping startups, small businesses, and minority-owned businesses throughout Lima and Allen County.

A Vietnam veteran, U.S. Army, and retired U.S. Air Force Reservist. Jessie brings decades of leadership and management experience spanning NASA’s George C. Marshall Space Center procurement and government contracting; the Westinghouse Aerospace Division; product cost estimating and methods improvement; and Cooper Tire and Rubber Company, where he served in management for 20 years before retiring in 2009.

After retirement, Jessie joined the Walter C. Potts Entrepreneur Center as a part-time coordinator, collaborating with the Lima Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Development Center at Rhodes State College, and the Minority Business Assistant Center (Toledo MBAC) partnership.

Holding a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Business and Industrial Management, Jessie remains deeply committed to economic growth and community success. He has served on the boards of numerous professional and charitable organizations. Please join us in celebrating Mr. Potts on all that he has done for his community.

05/04/2026

Exciting Grant Opportunity for Small Business Owners! 🚀

Ready to take your business to the next level? LISC, a trusted nonprofit with decades of grant experience, has teamed up with Verizon to offer over 145 grants in 2026—each worth $10,000!

Here’s how you can apply:
✅ For-profit small business owners in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or U.S. Virgin Islands (18+)
✅ Register and complete any two eligible courses or events in 2026 to unlock your application
✅ Apply once and stay eligible for monthly grant awards all year

Applications are reviewed monthly from June–December. If you’re not selected right away, your application stays in the running! Final decisions by January 12, 2027.

Don’t miss your chance—view grant details and start your journey today!

Learn more here: https://ow.ly/FbL350YReYO

04/28/2026

We are proud to spotlight Dr. Patrice McClellan, an Ohio-based leadership strategist and founder of The Ronald Group, a leadership development and change management firm focused on strengthening leaders and transforming organizational culture.

Through her work, Dr. P The Leadership Coach, helps nonprofit institutions, corporations, and growing businesses navigate change, prevent burnout, and build high-performing teams. The Ronald Group supports leaders through culture transformation, executive advisory partnerships, organizational strategy, growth mapping, and strategic leadership development systems.

At the center of this work is the Resilient Leadership Blueprint, a practical framework designed to help leaders lead confidently under pressure, strengthen emotional regulation, build accountable teams, and sustain performance without burnout.

Dr. P’s message is clear: when leaders are equipped with clarity, courage, and confidence, organizations become stronger from the inside out.

Stronger Leaders. Stronger Teams. Stronger Businesses.

04/27/2026

We are excited to launch our MBAC Advisory Board Member Spotlight series!

Our advisory board is made up of dedicated professionals, community partners, and business advocates who help strengthen the MBAC's work and support the growth of small businesses across our region.

In this spotlight series, we will highlight our Advisory Board Members, the organizations they represent, and the services, resources, and leadership they provide throughout the community.

Their insight, partnership, and commitment help us better serve entrepreneurs, expand access to business support, and create stronger connections for the businesses we work with every day.

Stay tuned as we introduce our Advisory Board Members and celebrate the important role they play in advancing small business success in our community.

04/24/2026

Find all the resources you need to start and grow your business!