Welcome to the
Lorain County
Multicultural Business Center

Expanding a business is expensive and full of new experiences for an entrepreneur. Since 2006, the Multicultural Business Center (MBC), a 501 (c) (3), non-profit incubator, has helped guide new business and assisted in the growth of minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses through a comprehensive incubator program.

MBC promotes, encourages and supports the successful establishment and operation of growing business through incubation to stimulate economic wealth in Lorain County.

MBC provides a professional working environment where small businesses can receive training, technical assistance, office space, shared services and access to financing and other professional services for one low cost.

MBC continuously strives to improve and invest in our facilities, services and recruit high quality start-up companies. We eliminate as much of the overhead cost as possible for our tenant companies, provided that we can be assured that the resultant savings are being applied to each company’s respective growth strategy.

Mission
The Multicultural Business Center is designed to ease the difficulties of launching a new business enterprise in the shortest amount of time. MBC was established in January, 2006 to provide incubation services to start-up and existing businesses in Lorain County, Ohio. Drawing on our own experience, the resources at our disposal and the expertise of others, we strive to provide our clients with the best incubation process, the greatest attention to the details that support their success and satisfaction with our service.

Incubator Business Model

The Multicultural Business Center has three specific programs to accelerate businesses in Lorain County, Ohio, they are the

• Internal Client Program
  
• External Client Program
  
• Mentor/Protégée Program
  

Internal Client Program

The program includes the following for businesses (members) locating in the Center:

• Large furnished office space(s) (various office sizes available)
  
• Paid utilities (except telephone service)
  
• High-speed Internet access(low co-operative rate)
  
• Wireless computer access
  
• Shared waiting area
  
• Shared conference rooms
  
• Access to large copier and common fax machine
  
• Reduced copier costs
  
• Low-cost computer equipment rental
  
• Resource room and computer lab (through Lorain County Community College)
  
• Receptionist/Office Manager
  
• Mail room
  
• Cafeteria
  
• Auditorium
  
• Security
  
• Cleaning service
  
• Maintenance
  
• Administrative Assistant and reception service (low fee)
  
• Reduced office supply costs

Value-Added Services also include:

• Loan assistance
  
• Workshops on certification, business planning
  
• Marketing, insurance and bookkeeping (through associated companies)
  
• Access to low cost services including bid-matching
  
• Business programs and training seminars
  
• Established networks for access to clients
  
• Technical services
  
• Research and analysis services
  
• Graphic design and website development (some fee based)
  
• Accounting and legal services (fee based)

External Client Program.

The off-site or external program is designed for companies that are already in operation, have their own offices, and would not benefit from being housed at the Center. These companies would benefit from the business acceleration expertise of the Center. The Center offers off-site or external companies the following services:

• Business success assessment
  
• Financial management
  
• Business plan preparation
  
• Marketing & Advertising (fee based)
  
• Basic operating infrastructure support
  
• Business coaching
  
• Mentoring programs
  
• Professional networking
  
• Access to a professional advisory board
  
• Bid package preparation support
  
• Copier, fax and DSL use
  
• Word processing and other Microsoft Office support (fee based)
  
• Workshops and seminars
  
• Exit assistance

Mentor/Protégé Program

The Mentor/Protégé program assists start-up businesses by matching the business with a majority business with similar interests. The minority business works with the majority business as a subcontractor on specific, defined projects. This method of assistance provides the minority business with the knowledge and skill of the majority business to manage the business operations and the ability to deliver services or products.

The program follows these steps:

• The mentor identifies the requirements for a protégé company.
  
• The protégé submits their letter of interest to participate in the program.
  
• The Center Executive Director provides the mentor with the business plan of the perspective protégés.
  
• The protégé meets with the mentor and presents their services and products, including personnel experience.
  
• The Mentor reviews applicants and selects the protégé businesses to work with.
  
• Mentor and protégé establish guidelines as to type of support the mentor will provide.
  
• The relationship is agreed to and a copy of the agreement is kept on file at the MBC.