Small Business Development Center Resources

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) offer invaluable support to entrepreneurs and small business owners at every stage of their journey. Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Ohio’s SBDCs provide free, confidential consulting and low- or no-cost training on topics such as business planning, market research, financial projections, marketing strategy, and accessing capital.

Whether you’re launching a startup or growing an existing business, SBDCs connect you to expert guidance, local market insights, and tools to help your business thrive.

Rhodes State College, Lima | Northwest State, Van Wert

Community-Driven Revitalization: How Van Wert Voices Are Shaping the Future of Downtown

At the heart of Van Wert Forward’s mission is the belief that successful revitalization begins with community. Engaging residents, business owners, and local stakeholders is essential to creating a downtown that reflects shared values, priorities, and aspirations.

The planning process for downtown Van Wert has been intentionally rooted in community input, using local perspectives to guide decision-making and shape a vision for what downtown can become. Preliminary concepts for the Downtown Redevelopment Master Plan and the Downtown Van Wert Parking Study reflect this collaborative approach. These plans are not static—they are living frameworks designed to guide future projects, design strategies, feasibility studies, and ongoing conversations with the community.

These insights are helping shape not only the physical infrastructure of downtown Van Wert but also the overall experience it offers. As Van Wert Forward continues to invest in buildings, support businesses, and improve livability, community feedback remains central, ensuring a vibrant, inclusive downtown for all.

Download: Downtown Redevelopment Master Plan

Download: Downtown Van Wert Parking Study

Van Wert Live

Van Wert Live events are presented by The Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation at venues throughout the city. The crown jewel venue is the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio. Since 2007, the Niswonger stage has hosted hundreds of professional performers, Broadway productions, national and international speakers, dance recitals, school concerts and productions, and numerous rentals. Over 300,000 entertainment seekers from over 40 different states and Canada have attended performances, lectures, and meetings at the Niswonger. Thanks to the sustaining support of The Van Wert County Foundation, the VWAPAF seeks to create a well-resourced and thriving community by living out the vision to make Van Wert an entertainment destination.

Wassenberg Art Center

The Wassenberg Art Center (WAC) is a not for profit community art center which presents an average of 10 admission-free exhibits annually. WAC offers art classes, workshops, unique events and activities for adults and children throughout the year. The Wassenberg Art Center and its mission continue today because of The Wassenberg Art Fund administered by The Van Wert County Foundation, community support, donations, and memberships.