Story at a glance
- Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) signed a bill into law on March 2 that would make it easier for businesses owned by some marginalized groups to receive contracts.
- The law requires all political subdivisions to recognize state-issued women-owned, minority-owned or veteran-friendly enterprise certifications.
- The state has taken a few recent steps to help level the field for women and minority-owned businesses in the state, including launching two new loan programs.
A new Ohio state law will make it easier for businesses owned by marginalized groups to access contracts and resources.
Businesses in Ohio can apply to be certified as a minority-owned, women-owned or veteran friendly business enterprise for free through the state’s Department of Development, according to The Columbia Dispatch, but have to do so in every part of the state they intend to do business.
A new bill recently signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine (R) would free those businesses from extra layers of bureaucracy by requiring all political subdivisions to recognize those state certifications.
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The new law makes it easier for businesses to benefit from local women-owned, minority-owned and veteran-friendly businesses programs which typically get fewer contracts.
“Small businesses in Ohio have shown an incredible resiliency during the Covid-19 pandemic, and it’s crucial that we do all we can to support them and promote their success,” said Ohio State Senator Vernon Sykes in a statement.
“This legislation will make it easier for minority-owned businesses to access more opportunities, make doing business more efficient and boost the overall business climate in Ohio.”
The new law comes roughly six months after Gov. DeWine launched two new loan programs aimed at helping women and minority-owned businesses.
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