Entrepreneurs: Help! Where do I go??

If you are like myself and most entrepreneurs you have probably realized that starting your own business is HARD WORK even when you are doing what you love. It takes passion, dedication and most off all reliable resources to really make it work. But where are these resources, organizations, and people that are suppose to help us?

Well, I've found more than a few places to go for help and networking opportunities. You see last week, I made it one of my top priorities to research all the different small business organizations, chambers of commerce, and business development centers in Cincinnati, Ohio. I made sure to call each one and see what low-cost (if not free) services they provided.

Tuesday, I met with Brenda Collins at Hamilton County Business Center (HCBC). Our meeting was wonderful. Brenda's kind and open manner instantly put me at ease. After telling her about my business, Officient, she immediately was able to give me a wide range of ideas and suggestions for networking my business. Although she normally only works with entrepreneurs in the technology, science, and manufacturing industries, she still took the time to provide me with a list of resources and contacts here in Cincinnati.

I was impressed with how helpful Brenda was. As new business owners, we can easily get lost in our own bubble and forget that there are people out there to help us. We do not have to do everything alone. Sometimes all you have to do is search and ask and doors you never knew existed will be open to you. I would definitely recommend any entrepreneur working in the technology sector to check out HCBC and see how they can help prepare your company for growth.

In my networking research, I've also come across other resources and organizations as listed below. As I check them out, I will continue to post comments about how they worked with me. Most of the links are for the Cincinnati Tri-State, however, check your local area for similar agencies and centers.

• Cincinnati Business Incubator - A local business incubator that focuses on the needs of small and women-owned businesses.
• Cincinnati Economic Empowerment Center - The Urban League of Greater Cincinnati.
  
• Entrepreneurial Training Academy - 12 week program starts in July @ the Greater Cincinnati Microenterprise Initiative (GCMI)
• Hamilton County Business Center - Assists technology-oriented entrepreneurs in the early stages of development to grow their business with the assistance of a dedicated business coach.
  
• Over-the-Rhine Leads Exchange Lunch - Every 2nd Thursday @ the Over the Rhine Chamber of Commerce
• SBA Ohio - Small Business Administrative (SBA). They also have a resource bank of online publications that may be helpful - Small Business Management Series.
  
• SCORE Ohio - Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE). Check out my last post about Score: The Organizer had to Organize Herself
  

Now its your turn. What organizations and networking groups have worked for you?