Welcome to SupportSmallOH.com — where Ohioans connect, shop local, and build community, one small business at a time.
Our Community Mission
This site isn’t just a business directory – our vision is to create a trusted gathering place for Ohioans who want to connect with each other and uplift their communities. Whether you’re browsing for your next favorite donut spot, a boutique workshop, looking for volunteers, hosting a cooking class, or other community happenings – we’ve got you covered. We’re also planning some exciting competitions, highlighting the talent and creativity of our community members – stay tuned and use our Contact Page to send us your suggestions!
Why Small Businesses Matter
Small businesses aren’t just shops and services – they’re the heartbeat of Ohio’s communities. Here in Ohio, small businesses are massive contributors to our economy:
- Ohio has 1.05 million small businesses (99.6% of all businesses in the state).
- They employ around 2.1 million people (43.3% of Ohio’s workforce).
- Small businesses created a net gain of 75,391 new jobs between March 2022–2023.
Source: [U.S. Small Business Administration, 2024]
That’s nearly half of our statewide workforce- and it’s growing. When you support local, you’re investing in your community’s future.
Shopping locally isn’t just about convenience – it’s about fostering relationships, helping teachers, firefighters, and parks flourish, and keeping Ohio unique. Plus, the businesses here are usually run by neighbors and friends – so the value goes way beyond a transaction.
Celebrate Ohio’s Diverse Business Owners
Every business has its own story, and we’re proud to highlight Ohio’s entrepreneurs in four key categories:
- Veteran-owned – Honoring service and entrepreneurship.
- Woman-owned – Showcasing the innovation and leadership of Ohio’s women in business.
- Minority-owned – Elevating diverse voices and contributions in our communities.
- All Other Small Business – Because every small business matters and deserves support.
Why List Your Small Business with Us
If you’re a small business owner wondering if this could help – here’s why listing with SupportSmallOH.com is a smart move:
- Affordable – A low monthly fee that won’t break the bank. We will never charge referral fees.
- Diversity – Whether you provide a Service, have an Online Store, or a traditional Brick-and-Mortar Store, you are all welcome here.
- Quick & Easy – Just follow this step-by-step guide to get listed in minutes. [Download guide]
- Personal Dashboard – See and manage your profile, listing and messages all in one place.
- Direct Connection – Customers can reach out to you right away through the platform.
- Focused on Ohio – You’ll reach locals actively looking to support businesses in our state.
Ready to join?
Why You Should Support Small Businesses
- Investing local means reinvesting in schools, public services, and your own community.
- Local entrepreneurs bring unique products, services, and character you won’t find in chains.
- Online store owners are often not supported by their local communities, because it is difficult to find them. We make it easy to connect online store owners with customers who want to support them.
- Support isn’t just shopping – it’s building relationships that foster trust, creativity, and resilience.
Events in Your Community
- Discover local events happening across Ohio.
- Support pop-up markets, workshops, and community gatherings.
- Submit an event request through our Contact Page – we’ll post it for you.
- Coming soon: The ability for businesses and community members to post events directly!
What’s Next
We’re building more than a directory – we’re building a community. Coming soon: A Blog to share Ohio small business stories.
Join the Movement
Whether you’re a business owner looking to grow, or a neighbor eager to shop local, SupportSmallOH.com is here for you. Together, we can keep Ohio’s communities thriving!