By Steve Millard, President & CEO, Greater Akron Chamber
May marks National Small Business Month, and here at the Greater Akron Chamber, we’re taking time to celebrate the thousands of entrepreneurs, startups, family businesses, and independent shops that fuel the heart of our regional economy.
I’ve spent a large part of my career working specifically with small business owners and I know from experience that you are building more than a business–you’re building the future of our region.
Small businesses represent more than 99% of all employers in Ohio and account for over 2.2 million jobs — that’s 44% of our workforce statewide. These aren’t just numbers. They represent families supported, dreams realized, and neighborhoods revitalized. When small businesses succeed, our communities thrive.
In fact, the National Small Business Association (NSBA) recently released their 2025 Small Business Economic Report. This was a comprehensive survey of small businesses across the country designed to gather critical data on how the small-business community is faring. The Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance and the GAC actively works with the NSBA to address key policy priorities impacting small businesses, and as our national advocacy partner, they are a great resource for small businesses with an interest in policy.
Our Role: Helping You Grow, Connect, and Lead
At the Greater Akron Chamber, we view small business support as core to our mission. We’re not just here for ribbon cuttings, we’re here for every stage of your growth. Whether you’re navigating early startup challenges or expanding into new markets, our team is focused on providing tools, networks, and visibility that make a real difference.
Here’s a quick snapshot of how we do that:
- Visibility & Promotion – We make sure your business gets noticed through our digital directory, Chamber publications, and ongoing marketing opportunities.
- Savings & Services – From health insurance plans to discounts on business essentials, we help you save money and access trusted support.
- Navigating Support – there is a broad ecosystem of support available for your small business. Our Greater Akron Business Navigator allows you to quickly cut through the options and get to the organizations and resources that can help with your specific needs. And, our small business resource roundtables bring those providers to you live – with the ability to meet and connect with other owners like you!
- Connection & Community – With more than 90 events each year, we provide a lot of opportunities for you to connect with business and community leaders and fellow owners as well as bring you information and resources to help your business. And, our Goldmine Groups, PeerSpectives program and co-working space are designed to connect you with other owners to share ideas and drive your business.
- Advocacy – We stand with you on local and state policy and regulatory issues that impact your bottom line and future growth. Our goal is to make sure our elected officials and policy makers understand the impact of their decisions on your business.
Our Small Businesses Are Catalysts for Economic Vitality
We’ve seen firsthand how small businesses can transform communities. From the new shops opening in downtown Cuyahoga Falls and Kent to the service providers expanding in Akron and beyond, small business owners are revitalizing our main streets, bringing people together, and creating new opportunities where they’re needed most.
We’re especially inspired by the increasing number of women- and minority-owned businesses making an impact across the region. These businesses are leading innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening economic equity. It’s our responsibility and privilege to support that momentum.
A Call to Action This Small Business Month
This May, I encourage all of us, consumers, elected officials, institutional partners, and fellow business owners, to recognize the essential role small businesses play in our regional success. And if you’re one of those businesses, know that we’re here to help you grow and connect with the people and resources that can move you forward. We recommend a few resources starting with our GAC Membership Directory where you can search our robust list of member companies by industry. In addition, the Greater Akron Business Navigator, in partnership with Elevate Greater Akron, is also an excellent guided tool to help connect you with a broad range of resources that can support any business.
We’ve built programming, partnerships, and support structures with one goal in mind: helping small businesses like yours thrive.
If you’re not already engaged with us, I invite you to join our community of forward-thinking businesses. Visit GreaterAkronChamber.org or reach out to our team. Let’s talk about what’s next—and how we can help you get there.
Because when small businesses succeed, we all succeed.
Sincerely,
Steve Millard
President & CEO
Greater Akron Chamber