The government of Ohio has always been very encouraging towards the small business development through its small business grants and also providing consulting services on various aspects of small business including funding. This is done through the Office of Small Business which acts as an agency which provides assistance to business owners. The government of Ohio also encourages service providers such as The 1st Stop Business Connection, Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) which provide entrepreneurs with the information required to start a business and for the existing small business owners throughout the state. A special program is run by Small Business Development Centers for in-depth counseling services to small business owners by forming a network of local service providers. The consulting in these SBDC centers is provided free and kept confidential. There are more than 30 SBDC centers which also serve as a clearinghouse of federal, state and local regulation information affecting small businesses. These centers also give information regarding the Ohio Small Business Grants and how to avail them.