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HostThe State of Ohio’s Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program is designed to assist minority businesses in obtaining state government contracts through a set aside procurement program for goods and services.
For MBE fast track certification information, review the content under the “Steps for MBE Certification” section by going here.
The State of Ohio recognizes the need to encourage, nurture and support the growth of economically and socially underutilized businesses to foster their development. The EDGE Program provides an “EDGE” to small businesses by Encouraging Diversity Growth and Equity in public contracting. EDGE is an assistance program for economically and socially disadvantaged business enterprises.
For EDGE fast track certification information, review the content under the “Steps for EDGE Certification” section by going here.
The State of Ohio’s Veteran-Friendly Business Enterprise (VFBE) Procurement program provides preference or bonus points to certified companies that compete to contract with the state to supply the goods or services it needs, including eligible construction services.
For VFBE fast track certification information, review the content under the “Steps for VFBE Certification” section by going here.
The State of Ohio’s Women Business Enterprise (WBE) program is designed to assist women-owned businesses in obtaining contracts for goods and services, construction, architecture, engineering, information technology, and professional services. The WBE program does not apply a procurement goal or set-aside target for state government contracts. The State of Ohio developed the program because it recognized the need to encourage, nurture and support the growth of women businesses to foster their development and increase the number of qualified competitors in the marketplace.
For WBE fast track certification information, review the content under the “Steps for WBE Certification” section by going here.
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.
Doing Buisness With the State of Ohio.
Bidders & Suppliers
Bidders & Suppliers can review information on navigating the state procurement processes.
Training Materials & Videos
Solicitations
View all open solicitations.
Helping Businesses Succeed
We support the growth and sustainability of small, minority, and disadvantaged businesses in Ohio.
Assistance With Available Funding Services
Shaundretta Boykins, Manager of Business Development & Entrepreneurship, is the finance subject matter expert. She can assist you with all of the available funding sources.
Shaundretta Boykins can be reached by email.
Business Counseling Services
Contact your Local MBAC for business counseling assistance.
Financial Assistance
The Financial Advisor will meet with the business owner(s) on a 1-to-1 basis. Assistance with a profitability analysis, and/or a breakeven analysis, to determine how a product contributes to the overall profit of the company – can be provided.
Book with Ricky Pleasant, our Financial Advisor.
Assistance Preparing Bids
For assistance preparing bids for potential local, state and federal contacts you may contact our APEX Accelerators (Department of Development). This program offers help to Ohio Businesses so they can compete for and win federal, state and local government contracts. Go to website page.
Joseph Scott is the program manager and can be reached by email.
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