The Regional Entrepreneurial Assistance Channel (REACH) of the Mahoning Valley is a service of the Regional Chamber but is not limited to Chamber members. REACH provides entrepreneurs in Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, Mercer and Lawrence counties with assistance as they pursue ideas for starting or expanding a business. This program follows clients as they move through each step of establishing or overhauling a business or product.

How REACH Helps Start-ups

The process begins with an idea for a business or product. REACH assists people interested in establishing home-based, internet, manufacturing, retail, service and franchise businesses, purchasing existing businesses or developing a product by using a variety of resources and research to help the client determine the feasibility of turning an idea into a viable, marketable business or product. Once certain of an idea’s feasibility, REACH staff will write the business plan and source applicable financing.

How REACH Helps Existing Businesses

REACH also works with existing businesses in the community to help them with a variety of business, financial and operational issues. Once contacted by the company, REACH will meet with the company leaders, learn about the company’s product or service and help develop a strategy to take the company from where it is to where the business owner wants it to be.

Due to budget constraints, the REACH program has been reconstructed.  All meetings, calls and initial consultations are free of charge, whether held in the client's place of business or offsite.  Business plan preparation and extensive onsite consulting engagements will have a fee that will be mutually determined and contracted with the client.