Ohio raises spending with minority-run businesses
State increases amount to $165M for fiscal year
8/14/2014The state of Ohio spent $165 million with minority-owned businesses across the state in its 2014 fiscal year, which ended June 30. That’s up from $106 million in fiscal year 2013, according to figures released by the state Wednesday.
“We are pleased with this growth, but there is still more work to be done,” said Jackie Williams, chief of the Minority Business Development Division within the Ohio Development Services Agency. “Every year we want to see new entrepreneurs and minority-owned businesses doing business with the state.”
Ms. Williams and other officials were in Toledo Wednesday to encourage minority-owned businesses to become state certified. Certification makes companies eligible for large contracts with state agencies.
“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 Todd McGonigle, the department of administrative services’ equal employment opportunity manager.
The state has minority business assistance centers in the state’s seven largest cities. David Wood directs the center in Toledo. He can be reached at 419-243-8191 or david.wood@toledochamber.com.
“We can help businesses in our area get certified as an Ohio Minority Business Enterprise faster than ever,” Mr. Wood said. “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.”