Encouraging Diversity Growth & Equity (EDGE)

EDGE Program

EDGE is an assistance program for economically and socially disadvantaged business enterprises.

Socially disadvantaged criteria

(Must meet one criterion below):

Socially disadvantaged individuals are those who have at least one objective distinguishing feature that has significantly inhibited their business success, such as:

  • Race
  • Ethnic Origin
  • Gender
  • Physical/Mental Disability
  • Long-Term Residency in an environment isolated from mainstream Ohio society
  • Other objective relevant reason(s)

Economically disadvantaged criteria

(Must meet one criterion below):

Economically disadvantaged owners must meet the following thresholds:

  • Personal net worth of less than $750,000 at time of application.
  • Not exceed U.S. Small Business Administration small business size standards; and Based on NAICS Codes, could be average gross receipts or employees.
  • Adjusted gross income of $350K or less and $6 million or less in assets.

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.

Ready to join?

Become an MBAC client today.

Fast Track Certification

For certain applications, a “fast track” system reduces application time to approximately five days.

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)

For MBE fast track certification information, review the content under the “Steps for MBE Certification” section by going here.

Encouraging Diversity Growth & Equity (EDGE)

For EDGE fast track certification information, review the content under the “Steps for EDGE Certification” section by going here.

Veteran-Friendly Business Enterprise (VFBE)

For VFBE fast track certification information, review the content under the “Steps for VFBE Certification” section by going here.

Women Business Enterprise (WBE)

For WBE fast track certification information, review the content under the “Steps for WBE Certification” section by going here. 

Certification Resources

Applying for Certifications

Visit your local Cincinnati MBAC office for one-on-one guidance, document review and fast tracking or you can visit the Ohio Business Gateway electronic filing system.

Visit Website

State Tools for Business

Information about starting, managing, and growing your business in Ohio.

Visit Website

Certifications Tool Kit

Tools to help you make the most of your business certifications.

Visit Website

Are You A Client Yet?

It’s easy to start and enrollment is free.