YSU Center for small businesses to remain

Small businesses can still get assistance through YSU.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Youngstown State University officials said today that a Small Business Development Center will continue to operate at YSU despite the closing of the Cushwa Center for Business Development.
YSU announced earlier this week that the center, established in 1978, would be discontinued and that endowment resources used to fund it would be redirected to create a graduate student scholarship and fellowship fund.
The news was a disappointment to some, including a female business owner who had used the center to expand her services.
But Dr. Ronald Chordas, assistant provost for academic administration, said services for small businesses will not disappear.
"She said she wouldn't know where to go," Chordas said. "But she still has a place to go."
Consulting
Consulting for new and expanding businesses will continue through the Small Business Development Center, which serves business owners in Northeast Ohio.
The development center is one of several across the state. It is funded by $123,500 in Ohio Department of Development funds with a $25,000 contribution from the Cushwa endowment and $12,000 from YSU.
The development center will continue to fall under the auspices of YSU's Public Service Institute, of which Chordas serves as interim executive director. The Cushwa Center was also under the institute.
Chordas said the Small Business Development Center will not provide services to large manufacturing firms, but will cater to small businesses.
"That aspect of it, in many ways the most vital aspect, is still open," added Ron Cole, YSU's manager on news and information services.
Assistance it offers
Business consultants at the development center provide assistance in several areas, including: risk assessment, plan development, strategic planning, financial analysis, market research, advertising, distribution advice, management perspectives, e-business and business education seminars.
YSU announced earlier this week that the Cushwa Center, supported by a $1.5 million endowment from the Cushwa family and Commercial Shearing Inc., would be discontinued to create the Charles B. Cushwa Jr./Commercial Shearing Inc. Graduate Student Scholarship/Fellowship Fund at YSU.
Officials said students receiving fellowship funds would be working with industry to help improve the economy in the Mahoning Valley.
As many as five two-year fellowships in engineering, math, science or technology will be awarded annually, each including full tuition and a stipend. Students will complete the fellowship, which also will be supported by funds from YSU and the YSU Foundation, as part of their academic work to receive a master of science or other graduate degree.