DOWNTOWN AKRON — Kaeth Shaughnessy Gauthier and Frank Gauthier have announced the launch of Akron Means Business, a subdivision of PML Publishing. Akron Means Business includes a free magazine, Web site and coordinated monthly meetings at the old No. 3 firehouse at 60 S. Maple St.

On Dec. 10, Akron Means Business hosted an open house event at No Minimum Printing (located on the first floor of the firehouse). All future monthly meetings will take place at this location.

The goal of Akron Means Business is to tell Akron area business stories, explain why they need their customers, what inspired them to sell their product or service and how long they have been in business. Some of the features that will be available to businesses include: Around the Corner, a spotlight on local business; Made in Akron; My Brother’s Phonebook, personal recommendations for goods and services; and a community events calendar.

Businesses interested in membership must meet the following requirements: They should sell a product or service in the Greater Akron area, display the Akron Means Business Magazine at their place of business and link to the Web site on their company’s site.

For more information, visit www.akronmeansbusiness.com or call (330) 294-0234.

FirstMerit offers mortgage assistance

GREATER AKRON — FirstMerit Bank is offering assistance during this challenging housing market.

“It’s such a difficult time, and it’s important for homeowners to know that there are community-based, professional lenders, like FirstMerit, that can be trusted to give solid, free advice,” stated Tom Finnegan, president and chief executive officer of FirstMerit Mortgage Corp., in a press release. “Anyone with concerns about their mortgage is welcome to call us. We will analyze the situation and recommend a course of action, whether it is seeking credit counseling or working with their current lender to modify or refinance their loan.”

FirstMerit also works with local community development corporations to reach out to struggling homeowners and also to finance affordable housing for low- to moderate-income families.

“Strengthening the communities we serve is part of the FirstMerit mission, and that begins with strengthening individual families,” Finnegan said. “If we can provide advice that will help individuals overcome issues with their mortgage loans, we welcome the opportunity.”

Individuals who would like to speak with a FirstMerit mortgage consultant may call (800) 562-6694.

New business accelerator aids minority businesses

NORTHEAST OHIO — The Akron Urban League, Akron SCORE and Kent State University have formed a collaboration to propel minority business growth.

The Partnership for the Minority Business Accelerator (PMBA), a consortium of these three organizations, will provide the education, training, mentoring, intensive support, networking and cultural understanding required to increase the success and growth of minority-owned businesses, according to PMBA officials.

The accelerator is a two-year program that provides intensive support to African-American and Hispanic owners of small- to medium-sized businesses with growth potential in Summit, Medina and Portage counties.

Businesses must be for-profit and at least one year old with gross revenue from $50,000 to $2.5 million. They must have majority African-American and/or Hispanic ownership, and they must be located in Summit, Medina or Portage counties.

“Individualized business assistance services are long overdue,” said Bernett Williams, president and chief executive officer of the Akron Urban League. “Both Kent State and SCORE have excellent reputations in small-business development. The business accelerator partnership will further enhance minority business assistance offered by the Akron Urban League.”

Each business owner’s specific needs and goals will be identified through evaluations, counseling, mentoring and workshops. Services provided will include business development strategies, management assistance, business education/training and assistance in securing business loans.

Funding of $345,580 for two years of operation has been awarded by the GAR Foundation.