Employment Services

Economic Development

A Vision that the Lorain County Urban League has always had is to see a dramatic increase in minority owned businesses within Lorain County. In its 2005-2010 Strategic Plan, LCUL identified some objectives and action steps that were designed to position the organization as a major contributor and partner in economic development initiatives within the county. As a direct result of those efforts, LCUL has developed key strategic partnerships that are now providing increased access to business development resources for minorities.

Key among these partnerships is the relationship with the Ohio Minority Business Assistance Centers (MBAC). LCUL is a founding member of the Minority Business Assistance Council of Lorain County (MBACLC). Through this affiliation, the Regional MBAC will provide LCUL with the following services:

  • Partner with the LCUL Satellite MBAC office to train, mentor and coach staff to perform management and technical assistance targeted toward socially or economically disadvantaged persons seeking financial assistance and/or other business development services.
  • Provide a link to the LCUL Satellite MBAC office from the Regional MBAC website (http://www.akronurbanleague.org).
  • Participate in and/or support and help to promote the LCUL Satellite MBAC office programs and activities.
  • Encourage Regional MBAC clients to take advantage of the LCUL programs and services.
  • Provide referrals to LCUL and networking opportunities to its clients.
  • Collaborate when working with businesses that are served by both Centers.

The LCUL Affiliate MBAC office is currently offering monthly workshops on topics that include:

  • Business planning, marketing and certification
  • Contract procurement
  • Networking and much, much more.

There is a Statewide MBE/DBE Taskforce that is helping to coordinate the work of several Minority Business Enterprises throughout the State of Ohio; LaTanunya V. Conley is the Taskforce President. You can reach Ms. Conley at: 440-326-1407 or by email at: lconley@cityofelyria.org.

Another cornerstone of the Urban League strategy in Lorain County is a contractual agreement with the Regional Commission on Economic Inclusion (COEI). A consultant from COEI will provide the following services:

  • MBE Recruitment
  • Business Readiness Assessment
  • Outreach for Business Prep Program
  • Outreach for Access to Capital needs
  • MBE Growth Plan Development
  • Marketing and Advertising
Derrick Robbins, (left) LCUL MBAC Chair Addressing MBE workshop Participants and Don Graham, from the Greater Cleveland Urban League Business Development Center
     Cathy Armstrong, EEO Contract Officer for the State of Ohio, a presenting at a recent LCUL MBAC Business Certification Workshop

The Lorain County Urban is also leading by setting an example. In 2008, LCUL participated in a National Business Plan Competition sponsored by Prudential Financial Services; NEO Diversity Solutions, LLC, the business idea that LCUL submitted for the competition was selected as a finalist in the competition. LCUL finished in 4th place in the overall competition. LCUL is positioned to contribute to creating a positive and thriving business climate in Lorain County and the Northeast Ohio Region.

Contact Peter Ogbuji, Director of Programs and Development, to learn more about:

The Lorain County Urban League is actively recruiting both established and aspiring entrepreneurs to participate in this promising endeavor. According to the Ohio MBAC, less that 10 Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) in Lorain County are certified to bid for contracts in the County or the State of Ohio; this fact adds a sense of urgency to our mission. The Lorain County Urban League believes that we can do better.

For information on how to register your business or participate in a future workshop contact Derrick Robbins at: 440-310-0278; email: drobbins@lcul.org. or stonefllc@gmail.com