Here you can find answers to the most common questions people have for MCBI. Just click on the question that you are interested in, to find more information regarding that topic.

Contact Carol Humphreys at 740-453-3649 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This is an important decision and we recommend that you consult with the Small Business Development Center, an accountant or an attorney.

In Ohio, registration requirements vary depending on the type of business. Visit the Ohio Department of Development First Stop Business Connection Website at

www.odod.state.oh.us/Onestop/">www.odod.state;">oh.us/Onestop/

to create a customized business information kit detailing the requirements your business will need to meet.

The Small Business Development Center, located in the incubator office at 2725 Pinkerton Lane Zanesville, Ohio offers free consultations to anyone seeking business assistance. The incubator also offers several services and programs at varying costs.

Visit our resources tab for a link to a tutorial on the first steps in starting a small business and more links to additional information resources. In addition, MCBI and the Small Business Development Center offer assistance at no cost.

Each company will have an individual reason for not receiving funding. Consult the Small Business Development Center, located in the incubator office at 2725 Pinkerton Lane, Zanesville, Ohio 43701 for assistance.

Banks will want to see:

• Your business plan
• A personal financial statement
• Your tax returns for the last three years
• Amount of equity of cash injection, and collateral available
• A credit report that the bank will obtain from a credit reporting agency

• You will need an IEN Number, which you can obtain online at
  www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98350,00.html
• You must register with the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation at
  www.ohiobwc.com/employer/forms/coverage/default.asp
• You will also need to register with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services at
  www.jfs.ohio.gov/ouc/uctax/registering_as_an_emplioyer.stm
• Finally, you will have to fill out the Ohio New Hire Report at
  www.newhirereporting.com/OH-Newhire/default.aspx

A business incubator is a place that nurtures startup businesses until they are able to move into the community as a vibrant contributor to the local economy. An incubator offers services such as mentoring, assistance in finding capital, flexible space and shared services such a meeting space, computer network, and receptionist.

The business plan is a document that explains who you are, where you are going and how you intend to get there.

EIN stands for Employer Identification Number. This is the Federal Tax Identification Number used by the Internal Revenue Service to identify your business for tax purposes. Visit the Internal Revenue Service at

www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/O .. id=98350.OO.html

to apply for an EIN online.

Workers' compensation is mandatory if you hire anyone, even a part-time employee. However, you are not required to pay into workers' compensation for yourself as the owner.

You can view a business information kit, complete with state registration information customized to your business, from the Ohio Department of Development First Stop Business Connection Website at www.odod.state.oh.us/Onestop

In Ohio, regulations vary depending on the type of business. Visit the Ohio Department of Development First Stop Business Connection Website at

 www.odod.state.oh.us/Onestop/

to create a customized business information kit detailing the regulations your business will need to follow.

You can find information for obtaining a contractor's license at this link

http://www.contractors-license.org/oh/Ohio.html

You can get a vendor's license from your county's auditor's office or from the Ohio

Department of Taxation website at www.tax.ohio.gov/divisions/sales_and_usellicense.stm.

Contrary to what you may have seen or heard, there are a very limited number of grants. They often are available only for targeted industries or non-profit agencies. Governmental grants are listed online at www.grants.gov. You can also contact the Small Business Development Center for further information.

• A business plan explains your business as a whole rether than focusing on one individual aspect.
• A business plan helps you evaluate the feasibility of your new business idea or the expansion of an existing business.
• A business plan clarifies your financial needs
• A business plan identifies a management pathway so you can better manage your business operations.
• A business plan moves you from being reactive to proactive and guides everyone involved in the same direction.
• A business plan helps identify other opportunities.
• A business plan helps you communicate with financiers and others outside your business.