Entrepreneurship and Small Business

Small Business Advocate

The Small Business Advocate’s primary mission is to assist small businesses when they experience unreasonable or unfair state regulatory actions, such as investigations, excessive fines, penalties, threats, or other enforcement action by a state agency. 

The advocate will investigate the issue and work toward a mutually acceptable resolution after all means of direct resolution by the small business owner have been attempted.  It is also recommended that all previous documentation be available for review, including names and contact information of all interested parties and any correspondence.

If an agreement cannot be reached, please contact the advocate at:

Toll Free:
(800) 848-1300
extension 6-2718

Fax:     
(614) 466-0829

By Mail:
Small Business Advocate
Business Services Division
Ohio Department of Development
PO Box 1001
28th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43216-1001

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