AOL
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Ohio Business? Get Certified.
Ohio Business?
Get Certified.
State of Ohio Certifications
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Financial Literacy ProgramFinancial Literacy Program
Assets Over Liabilities (AOL) Financial Literacy Program ™
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The focus of the AOL program is to provide business owners an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the operational aspects of their business by providing an overview of the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. The AOL program will demonstrate through a hands-on approach how the three financial statements are used to assist in making financial business decisions.
Program Begins:
February 18, 2026
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Grow Your Business
Doing Business With the State of Ohio
Certifications
The State of Ohio recognizes the need to encourage, nurture and support the growth of underutilized businesses.
Bid Opportunities
We are here to assist in the location of current contracts, which include MBE and EDGE suppliers, and more.
Access to Capital
One major obstacle to entry or expansion of small businesses is the availability of sufficient working capital.
Getting Started With The Ohio Business Gateway.
This video, created by The Ohio Department of Development, gives business owners step-by-step instructions how to navigate their way through the Ohio Business Gateway.
Top Resources
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10 Grants for Women-Led Businesses10 Grants for Women-Led Businesses
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Federal Funding OpportunitiesFederal Funding Opportunities
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Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) loan program provides residential developers with various financing options.Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) loan program provides residential developers with various financing options.
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Intel is planning to invest more than $20 billion in the construction of two new leading chip factories in Ohio.Intel is planning to invest more than $20 billion in the construction of two new leading chip factories in Ohio.
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WPCU has dedicated $10 million for new local programWPCU has dedicated $10 million for new local program
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Grant writing AssistanceGrant writing Assistance
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Getting Certified Just Got EasierGetting Certified Just Got Easier
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Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Business OpportunitiesBrent Spence Bridge Corridor Business Opportunities
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Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Career OpportunitiesBrent Spence Bridge Corridor Career Opportunities
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MBAC Success StoryWatch Video
Move Your Business Forward
Financial Advisor
Our Financial Advisor is responsible for providing direct, in-depth financial counseling to clients.
Outreach & Certification Specialist
Clients can get educated about the certification process, certifications offered, and the benefits associated with being certified.
Doing Business With the State of Ohio
Resources for Bidders & Suppliers, training materials, solicitations, funding & program information, and more.
Common Questions
These services are available without cost to businesses located throughout Ohio.
MBEs are defined as businesses that are at least 51 percent owned and controlled for more than a year by an Ohio resident and U.S. citizen who belongs to one of the following ethnic groups: African American or Black, Asian, Latino, and Native American.
EDGE certified businesses are defined as enterprises that are owned by economically and socially disadvantaged entrepreneurs.
WBEs are defined as businesses that are 51 percent owned and controlled by a woman who is a U.S. citizen and has an established residency in the state of Ohio or a reciprocal state.
VFBEs must meet one of the these criteria: at least 10% of its employees are veterans or on active service; at least 51% of the applicant business is owned by veterans or persons on active service; if the applicant business is a corporation 51% of which is not owned by veterans or persons on active service, at least 51% of the board of directors must be veterans or persons on active service; the business is certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business or a Veteran-Owned Small Business and the owner(s) of the business meets the definition of veteran as defined in Ohio Administrative Code.
Yes, we have a satellite office at the Ohio State University Endeavor Center located in Piketon, Ohio. The primary focus of this office is in providing MBAC services to business in the Appalachian counties we serve across Southern Ohio.
You will need to complete the client intake form HERE. Once you have completed the client intake form you will receive a welcome letter from the MBAC Program Administrator informing you of the next steps in the process. You will be instructed to complete a Business Assessment Form and assigned a business counselor who will work with you on your journey of becoming state certified.
- You can visit the ABOUT US page of our website.
- You can call us at 513-751-9900 and speak with a Counselor who will be able to provide additional information to you.
- You can visit our:
Cincinnati office at 2303 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45206; or our
Piketon Office at 1862 Shyville Road, Piketon, OH 45661 513-475-7145