To commemorate National Black Business Month, the Ohio Department of Development is highlighting the many state resources available to support Ohio’s small, minority and disadvantaged entrepreneurs.
Recognized every August since 2004, Black Business Month celebrates the success and innovation of America’s African American entrepreneurs.
“The DeWine-Husted Administration is committed to removing any barriers preventing Ohio’s entrepreneurs and emerging business enterprises from accessing the vital resources needed for long-term success,” said Development Director Lydia Mihalik. “The Minority Business Development Division has simplified the certification and loan processes, expanded outreach efforts and increased engagement with local partners who support small business growth and sustainability.”
Ohio’s network of Minority Business Assistance Centers (MBAC) offers technical and professional assistance, access to capital and bonding and connection to business opportunities to empower entrepreneurs to succeed.
Jeanna Hondel, owner of the Ascension Construction Solutions LLC (Franklin County), was approved for $1,063,193 from the Minority Business Direct Loan Program. This is the largest single transaction approved under this administration. The construction planning, management and inspection firm provides management, administration and inspections, and offers design review, project scheduling, cost estimating, document controls and quality assurance. The funds will allow for the purchase of an office building and create 30 new jobs and retain 18 full-time employees. The U.S. Small Business Administration named Hondel Ohio’s 2023 Small Businessperson of the Year.
During the last biennium, regional MBAC partners added more than 4,000 new clients and more than 11,000 of Ohio’s minority-, women-owned and underresourced businesses received counseling. Additionally, more than 150 minority- and women-owned businesses received more than $16 million in loans through their loan programs, and more funding remains.
Development’s Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE), Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity (EDGE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Veteran-Friendly Business Enterprise (VFBE) certification programs have over 4,000 businesses certified across all four programs.
Crystal Kendrick, owner of The Voice of Your Customer (Hamilton County), is MBE/EDGE/WBE certified in addition to being certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) through the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), and HUBZone from the Small Business Administration (SBA).
Kendrick also received a $45,000 Microloan, and a $81,317 WBE loan. These certifications and funding allow her minority- and woman-owned marketing firm to assist clients in engaging audiences using survey research, focus groups, secret shopping, business training and media campaigns.
“With the assistance of the Ohio Micro-Loan and the WBE loan, I was able to improve our working space and daily operations, which allowed me to hire additional staff,” said Kendrick.
Barry Couts, owner of True Inspection Services (Franklin and Champaign Counties), is MBE/EDGE certified in addition to having DBE and SBE certifications through ODOT. These certifications allow the firm to provide inspection of asphalt and concrete roadways, bridge construction and rehabilitation and coating inspection services. True Inspection Services has locations in Columbus and Urbana, as well as Baltimore, Md.
“Maintaining these certifications has helped us obtain work on various state and locally funded projects,” said Couts.
More information about loans and other capital assistance programs can be found online at Minority.Ohio.Gov. Minority business owners can start the loan application process at https://development.force.com/ODSA/s/minority-business-loan-form.
The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places and businesses. Learn more at development.ohio.gov.