The CEP Business Playbook

Starting a Business? Start Here!
​Starting, sustaining and growing a business takes significant time, effort and attention to detail. The Champaign Economic Partnership is here to guide you each step of the way – to help make your journey successful and as smooth as possible.
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Click on the links of the CEP Business Playbook below to explore key elements in starting a business.

​Then contact us at the Champaign Economic Partnership. We’re ready to listen and work with you to achieve your specific goals. And we’ll give you the advantage of our partnerships with local, regional and state resources – to bring your plans to reality. We’re here to help you succeed in Champaign County! 

​Call us today. Or shoot us an email.   
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Write a Business Plan

You business plan needs to include:
  • Executive summary
  • Market Analysis
  • Organization and Management
  • Service or Product Line
  • Marketing and Sales
  • Funding Request
  • Appendix 
Who can assist in writing a business plan?
 

Choose a Business Structure

Business structures to choose from:
  • Sole proprietorship - You alone own the company and are responsible for its assets and liabilities
  • Limited Liability Company - Provides limited liability to its owners
  • Cooperative - Collective need from a group of people
  • Corporation - Complex and usually for larger established companies
  • Partnership - Several different types, depending on arrangement and partner responsible for the business
Who can help you with this?
  • Choose a business name
    • There are many factors that go into choosing a name such as, checking for Trademarks, uniqueness, how it will look, etc.
  • Register your business name
    • To comply with the law you have to register the name of your business
  • Register with state agencies
    • Some businesses have to register their business with local agencies
Who can help you with this?
 

Choose Your Location and Equipment

CEP Ohio logo
  • The location you choose determines the taxes, zoning laws, and regulations that your business may be subject to.
  • Consider costs and your target audience.
  • Also consider the zoning of the area you are looking for.
    Who can help you with this?
Champaign Economic Partnership
Marcia Bailey & Hannah Kilbride:  937-653-7200
We are able to find locations as well as assist with tax and zoning information.

Champaign County Health Department
(Food Service & Vending)
937-484-1605
Health Commissioner: 937-484-1547
  • There are laws that need to be followed that differentiates with every business type.
  • Meet up with a local lawyer so they are able to help you understand them better.

Who to contact in Champaign County?
Need help setting up your financials or budget for your business?
  • Diane Kremer, CPA
    1472 E. US Hwy 36, Urbana, OH  43078
    937-653-4674
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  • Phillip Edwards, CFP
    1 Monument Square, Urbana, OH  43078
    937-652-3385
Need a Business Loan? Consider these local lendors:
Security Bank: Dave Snyder
937-653-1290
https://securitynationalbank.com/
Wright-Patt Credit Union:
https://www.wpcu.coop/

​Civista Bank: Autumn Albright
937-653-1100
https://www.civistabank.com/
People’s Savings Bank: Bill Evans
  937-653-1600
thepeoplessavingsbank.com/
Ohio Development Service Agency
(Grants, Loans, Tax Credits)
77 South High Street
29th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215
800-848-1300
Ohio Treasurer’s Office
(Small Business – Low Interest Loans)
30 E. Broad Street - 9th Floor    
Columbus, Ohio 43215
800-228-1102
Need help with marketing your new business locally or online? Contact these local organizations for assistance!
Click on the logos for more information.
CEP Office Location:
3 Monument Square
Urbana, Ohio 43078
937-653-7200
Unless otherwise noted, all photography courtesy of
​Dave Millner of the Champaign Camera Group
Website by Berry Digital Solutions, LLC
​West Liberty, Ohio