Located between Cleveland and Canton, Akron was founded in 1825 by Simon Perkins and Paul Williams along the Little Cuyahoga River. It was once seen as the center of aircraft development and the rubber capital of the world. Today, it is a multicultural and racially diverse city that has continued to prosper both economically and socially. Akron provides a wealth of resources to the female population of the community.
Akron is for Entrepreneurs – Resource Guide
This service is available to all women-owned businesses, whether it is a high-tech startup or growing a small company. To visit their official website, go to https://www.akronisforentrepreneurs.org/
Akron-Summit County Public Library Microbusiness Center
A center that provides business training, multifarious educational resources, and customized direction to accomplished female business owners, entrepreneurs, and students. Those who are interested in participating must fill in an application form and complete an orientation. Through the orientation, business-related resources available within and outside of the library are outlined for future users. To download the Microbusiness Center application, click on https://www.akronlibrary.org/images/Divisions/TechZone/microbusiness_center_application.pdf
Akron Global Business Accelerator
An incentive of the City of Akron which provides women-owned technology businesses with the necessary support in order to take their business to the next level. To visit their official website, proceed to https://bouncehub.org/
- Aspiring Entrepreneur Program
This is a 10-week program for women through which they are offered guidance and approval of their business ideas, an action plan, and build a leadership mindset. It includes assistance and lessons on strategic planning, certification support, mentoring, and various networking events. Upon completion of this course, participants will have acquired an understanding of business models and types of businesses. They will be educated on how to develop business ideas, identify opportunities based on real customer needs, compose a company strategy, create a promotion or marketing campaign in order to attract customers, and manage successful companies. To register, go to https://bouncehub.org/aspiring-entrepreneur-program/
- MAGNET: Iterator
In partnership with Bounce, they assist women-owned companies that provide physical products through their Itegator program. Through the Iterator program, entrepreneurs are assisted with turning their physical product ideas into successful businesses. With over 30 years of experience in refined lean start-up methodologies, they have the necessary skills to test and build a product that the market truly desires. For more information, visit http://magnetiterator.org/
- Software Accelerator
A three-month program aimed towards assisting young start-ups by providing them with the opportunity to progress and expand their potential. It provides in-depth entrepreneurial lessons that prepare women to advance and succeed in the market. Accelerator teams are also given access to coworking space and conference rooms as part of the program, and three months upon its completion. More information can be found on https://bouncehub.org/accelerator/
Financial Counseling
Through this service, women can access the assistance of certified financial coaches at zero cost. Counselors are invested in improving an individual’s credit score, pay off debt, increase savings, or reach other economic goals. There are no income eligibility restrictions. Appointments are set by visiting https://www.uwsummit.org/FEC.
Active Adults
Organizes a number of cultural, educational, and social events and classes for the adult population of Akron, Ohio. Community members over 21 years of age can participate in group hiking activities, fitness classes, and get-togethers at various community establishments. For more information on this program, visit https://www.akronohio.gov/cms/activeadults/index.html
- Let’s Do
A monthly program through which community members explore various areas of the Recreation and Parks department, as well as various areas within Akron. Detailed information about current events can be found through the department’s monthly newsletter, Recreation Matters. A copy of the newsletter can be bought at any of the City of Akron Community Centers, or by signing up to the Recreation Matters email list, through lboring@akronohio.gov.
Victim Assistance Program
This program aspires to provide assistance to victims through crisis intervention, advocacy, and education. Abused women are worked with carefully, and encouraged to regain self-confidence, take control of themselves, and restore hope. To access their 24-hour crisis intervention hotline, call or text (330) 376-0040. The link to their official website can be accessed through https://victimassistanceprogram.org/
- Crisis Response
The Summit Crisis Response Team is comprised of professionals who have undergone extensive education and training. Staff members provide constant emotional care to victims of crime and trauma at no cost whatsoever. They can be contacted through the 24-hour call and text hotline, and website chat. In the case of an emergency, the Summit Crisis Response Team organizes on-scene responses with first responders. Their hotline and messaging services are available to all community members who are in need of emergency service, general information, or even just someone to talk to. Language assistance is also available.
- Advocacy Services
Licensed advocates are extensively trained in their fields of expertise, and invested in assisting victims by providing criminal justice system support, court accompaniment, community resource referrals, and victims’ rights education.
Children of Single Mothers – Child Care Services
Through The Summit County Department of Job and Family Services, single mothers can access trusted child care services whilst they are at work or school. Eligible parents will be assisted in finding appropriate services, whether it is a daycare center, home care provider, or care from a relative. Part of the cost is paid on behalf of the department. To see if you are eligible to apply, visit: https://www.summitdjfs.org/services/child-care-services.html