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The state exceeded its goal of 15 percent by purchasing
23.63 percent of all goods and services from certified
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) businesses for the second
year in a row. The most recent report shows nearly $298
million was spent with minority-owned businesses across the
state, up from $228.5 million in 2015.
“We are excited about the increased spending with Ohio
minority-owned businesses,” said Jeffrey L. Johnson, chief
of the Minority Development Division at the Ohio Development
Services Agency. “Our momentum is strong and we will
continue to help develop and grow Ohio small, minority-owned
and disadvantaged businesses.”
“Under the leadership of Governor John Kasich, Ohio remains
committed to expanding its base of suppliers by encouraging
qualified minority businesses to work with the state to
supply the goods and services we need to operate,” said
Gregory L. Williams, state equal employment opportunity
coordinator and deputy director of the Equal Opportunity
Division at the Ohio Department of Administrative Services,
which certifies businesses into the MBE program. “As
entrepreneurs utilize this program to grow their businesses,
we are continually looking at ways to enhance the program to
ensure that it better supports business development.”
Minority-owned businesses are encouraged to utilize
additional resources at the Ohio Development Services Agency
to develop and grow their business. From improving
manufacturing processes to exporting goods and services into
international markets, Ohio minority business owners and
entrepreneurs can work with their local Minority Business
Assistance Center (MBAC) access resources in every stage of
business development.
MBACs are strategically placed across the state to help
business owners with certification and assistance needed to
start or grow a business.
“We look forward to continuing our work to assist small,
disadvantaged and minority-owned businesses develop and
grow,” said Jay Black, director of the Minority Business
Assistance Center at the University of Toledo. “We are
especially excited about the development of our strategic
partnerships throughout Northwest Ohio to help more
businesses increase their revenues and create more jobs.”
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