For more information about the following resources, please contact Melinda Kapalko, Vice President of Development & Partnership Relations at melinda@cantonchamber.org or 440-855-9097. 

Workforce Development

Hiring: Finding the right people is one of the biggest challenges for any organization. We’re here to help you strengthen your team with resources and support, including:

• Hiring interns to build your future talent pipeline
• Exploring international sales opportunities through specialized hires
• Connecting with veterans ready to bring valuable skills to your workforce
• Accessing relocation grants to attract the right candidates
• Finding qualified talent to meet your business needs
• Access partnerships with local schools, colleges and training providers to connect with emerging talent. 

Employee Development: Investing in your employees not only helps them grow, it strengthens your entire organization. We can connect you with tools and resources to:

• Apply for Ohio TechCred to upskill your team
• Identify training solutions tailored to your workforce
• Young professional development programs
• Discover professional development opportunities for career growth
• Provide access to reliable childcare resources so your employees can thrive at work and at home
• Learn about available grants, training programs and workshops to upskill your team.

Manufacturing Resources

Grants & Loans - If you are a growing business who is hiring and investing in capital equipment, then you may be eligible for low-interest loans or grants. We can put you in touch with the partners that facilitate these resources.

Smart Manufacturing – Need help with learning about technologies such as Industry 4.0 and additive manufacturing? We have partners that we work with that can help make technology adoption easier.

Advocacy

With the responsibility to represent the needs of our members, the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance works to grow the business community’s participation in the advocacy process and create a united front from members in the Akron-Canton region on key policy issues. Click HERE to view our public policy agenda for manufacturing.

Manufacturing Partnerships

MAGNET – The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network is the only nonprofit business and engineering consulting organization serving our region’s manufacturers of all sizes.  For over 30 years, hundreds of manufacturers have trusted MAGNET to help them address challenges and take advantage of new opportunities to grow. Through their mission to drive innovation and growth, MAGNET collaborates with clients to:

• Develop effective, data driven business strategies
• Develop, engineer, design, and launch profitable new products
• Attract, train and retain talented employees
• Implement lean and continuous improvement initiatives
• Develop innovation strategies
• Research market opportunities & develop marketing & sales strategies

 Ohio Export Assistance Network - The Ohio SBDC Export Assistance Network (EAN) helps companies plan, compete, and succeed in today’s business world with Export and International Trade Consulting. Key resources include:

• International Market Research
• Compliance and Exporting Best Practices
• Export Assistance Grants
• Export Training and Networking Events
• Classification and Licensing Process (EAR & ITAR)
• Documentation Assistance
• Government & Private Export Resources