State seeks partners to grow minority biz

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COLUMBUS — The Ohio Development Services Agency (DSA) is seeking partners to help develop and grow Ohio small, minority-owned and socially and economically disadvantaged businesses through the Minority Business Assistance Centers (MBAC) Program.

This program supports minority-owned businesses by offering no-cost counseling, state certification support and trainings focused on creating jobs and increasing sales.

“We want to partner with business leaders who can provide the best resources to Ohio minority-owned businesses,” said Jeffrey L. Johnson, chief of the Minority Business Development Division at the Ohio Development Services Agency. “By supporting these businesses with resources needed to grow, they will be better able to create jobs and improve their communities.”

In order to maintain the highest quality services for Ohio minority-owned businesses, DSA will be conducting an open competition to select MBAC regional partners across the state. Nonprofit organizations, economic development organizations and educational institutions with strong experience in business and economic development will be eligible for the program.

Service areas by city include Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo and Youngstown.

The request for proposals is now open until April 21, with award notifications planned for May. To apply and download the MBAC RFP, visit www.minority.ohio.gov, under “Minority Business Assistance Center.”

The MBAC program is managed by DSA’s Minority Business Development Division and is a state initiative to develop and grow Ohio’s small, minority-owned and socially and economically disadvantaged businesses.

Staff report

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