FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2008

Columbus, OH -- The Ohio Department of Development's Entrepreneurship and Small Business Division has launched its "Not-So-Small Business" television series, which examines the best practices of small businesses throughout the State of Ohio.

"Entrepreneurship plays a vital role for Ohio's economy and the "Not-So-Small Business" show provides guidance and shares tips on becoming a small business owner," said Lieutenant Governor Fisher, who also serves as the Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "Small business operations represent 98 percent of all businesses currently operating in Ohio and contribute more than $24.5 billion to our State's economy."

The program, hosted by Iris Cooper, Director of the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Division, will focus on child care centers during the month of July. Experts will provide viewers with guidelines to follow if they are considering a career as a small business owner in child care. The show will feature Melissa Lane, The Children's Center; MarLita Bartlett, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services; Brad Shimp, Community Capital Development Corp.; and Sandra Moody, Dehan Enterprises.

"The series is an excellent training tool for people interested in starting up their own business," said Cooper. "We are very pleased that "Not-So-Small Business" will air on Ohio's public broadcasting stations."

"Not-So-Small Business" can be viewed at www.ohiochannel.org and will also air on the Ohio Channel on Friday, July 25 at 3:30 p.m. Upcoming shows will provide viewers with tips for entering the restaurant business.

The Entrepreneurship and Small Business Division manages a variety of programs and initiatives that assist small businesses in growing and finding success in Ohio. The Division also hosts the Small Business Development Centers of Ohio program, which provides consulting and training assistance to small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs to promote growth, expansion, innovation, increased productivity, and improved management. The Centers are supported through a partnership among the Ohio Department of Development, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and several of Ohio's chambers of commerce, colleges and universities, and economic development agencies.

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Media contacts: Eileen Turner at 614.728.6674 or Kelly Schlissberg at 614.466.4133