The state of Ohio is committed to finding and certifying minority-owned businesses. When a business gets certified, it becomes eligible for large contracts with state agencies and other incentives to grow the business.
Today, minority-owned businesses in the Toledo area met with Jackie Williams, Chief of the Minority Business Development Division within the Ohio Development Services Agency, Todd McGonigle, EEO Program Manager, Department of Administrative Services and David Wood, Director, Toledo Minority Business Assistance Center, at the invitation of the Minority Business Assistance Center at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The most recent report shows $165 million was spent with minority-owned businesses across the state, up from $106 million in 2013.
“We are pleased with this growth, but there is still more work to be done,” said Williams. “Every year we want to see new entrepreneurs and minority-owned businesses doing business with the state.”
Every state agency has put together its spending plan for 2015. From IT services to auto dealers to medical service providers, the state needs it all and is now looking for minority-owned businesses to provide these goods and services. To do business with the state, you must be certified.
“We encourage minority-owned businesses to apply for certification into the Minority Business Enterprise program to increase their opportunities of doing business with the state,” said McGonigle.
Minority Business Assistance Centers are strategically placed across the state to help business owners with certification and any other assistance needed to start or grow a business. For a list of centers, click here.
“We can help businesses in our area get certified as an Ohio Minority Business Enterprise faster than ever,” said Wood. “The state spends millions of dollars every year and we want to make sure that minority businesses in our region have Ohio as a customer.”
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