Ohio Small Business Programs
Certifications and resources for small, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses
Access set-aside contracts through Ohio Procurement
Ohio actively supports small businesses through various certification programs that provide access to set-aside contracts, preference points in bidding, and networking opportunities. These programs help level the playing field for smaller companies competing for government work.
Getting certified can significantly increase your chances of winning contracts. Many state and local agencies have goals for awarding a percentage of contracts to certified small, minority, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses. Some contracts are exclusively set aside for certified firms.
Why Get Certified?
- • Access to contracts set aside exclusively for certified businesses
- • Preference points or price advantages in competitive bidding
- • Networking and mentorship opportunities
- • Visibility in government supplier databases
- • Subcontracting opportunities on larger contracts
Ohio offers or recognizes the following small business certification programs. Requirements and benefits may vary - contact the certifying agency for specific details.
Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
General certification for businesses meeting size standards based on revenue or employee count.
Requirements
- Meet size standards (varies by industry)
- Be independently owned and operated
- Not be dominant in its field
- Principal place of business in the state (often required)
Benefits
- Access to small business set-aside contracts
- Preference points in bidding
- Inclusion in state vendor directories
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
For businesses at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by minority individuals.
Requirements
- At least 51% minority ownership
- Minority owners must control management
- Meet applicable size standards
- U.S. citizenship typically required
Benefits
- Access to MBE set-aside contracts
- Participation in supplier diversity programs
- Contract goals/preferences
- Networking and mentorship programs
Women Business Enterprise (WBE)
For businesses at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by women.
Requirements
- At least 51% women ownership
- Women must control daily operations
- Meet applicable size standards
- U.S. citizenship typically required
Benefits
- Access to WBE set-aside contracts
- Participation in supplier diversity programs
- Contract goals/preferences
- Business development resources
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
Federal program for businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
Requirements
- At least 51% ownership by disadvantaged individuals
- Meet SBA size standards
- Personal net worth under $1.32 million
- Owner must control management
Benefits
- Access to federally-funded transportation contracts
- Highway, transit, and airport project opportunities
- Federal DBE goals on DOT-funded projects
Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)
For businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by veterans.
Requirements
- At least 51% veteran ownership
- Veteran must control daily operations
- Meet applicable size standards
- Honorable discharge documentation
Benefits
- Access to veteran set-aside contracts
- Preferences in state contracting
- Networking with veteran business community
Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE)
For businesses owned by service-disabled veterans with at least 10% disability rating.
Requirements
- At least 51% service-disabled veteran ownership
- Minimum 10% disability rating (varies by state)
- Veteran must control daily operations
- Meet applicable size standards
Benefits
- Access to DVBE set-aside contracts
- Higher preferences than VOSB in many states
- SDVOSB federal contracts eligibility
HUBZone
Federal program for businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones.
Requirements
- Principal office in a HUBZone
- At least 35% of employees live in HUBZone
- At least 51% owned by U.S. citizens
- Meet SBA size standards
Benefits
- Access to HUBZone set-aside contracts
- 10% price evaluation preference
- Federal HUBZone goals
8(a) Business Development
SBA program providing business development assistance to disadvantaged businesses.
Requirements
- At least 51% unconditional ownership by disadvantaged individuals
- Personal net worth under $850,000
- Owner must control management
- Demonstrate potential for success
Benefits
- Sole-source federal contracts up to $4.5M (goods) or $7M (services)
- Business development and technical assistance
- Mentorship through mentor-protégé program
Determine Eligibility
Review the requirements for each certification program to determine which ones your business qualifies for.
- Review ownership percentage requirements
- Check size standards for your industry
- Verify personal net worth limits (for DBE/8(a))
- Confirm citizenship/residency requirements
Gather Documentation
Collect all required documents before starting the application process.
- Personal identification (drivers license, passport)
- Business formation documents (articles of incorporation, bylaws)
- Tax returns (personal and business, typically 3 years)
- Financial statements and bank statements
- Proof of ownership (stock certificates, operating agreements)
- Personal net worth statement
Register with the State
Create your vendor profile on the state procurement portal if you haven't already.
- Register on the state procurement portal
- Complete your vendor profile
- Add your NAICS codes
- Upload required business documents
Submit Certification Application
Complete and submit your application through the appropriate certifying agency.
- Access the certification application portal
- Complete all required sections
- Upload supporting documentation
- Sign and notarize affidavits as required
- Pay any applicable fees
Complete Site Visit (if required)
Some programs require an on-site visit to verify business operations.
- Schedule the site visit at your principal place of business
- Prepare to demonstrate operational control
- Have documents ready for review
- Be available for interview
Maintain Certification
Keep your certification active by meeting ongoing requirements.
- Submit annual updates or no-change affidavits
- Report changes in ownership or control
- Recertify before expiration
- Keep documentation current
What small business programs does Ohio offer?
Ohio offers several small business certification programs including Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB), and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE). These programs provide access to set-aside contracts and preferences in the bidding process.
How do I get certified as a small business in Ohio?
To get certified in Ohio, you typically need to register on Ohio Procurement first, then apply through the state's certification office. You'll need to provide business documentation including ownership records, financial statements, and personal net worth statements. The process usually takes 30-90 days.
What is the DBE program in Ohio?
The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in Ohio is a federal program for businesses that receive federal transportation funding. DBE certification opens doors to highway, transit, and airport construction contracts. To qualify, your business must be at least 51% owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
What are the benefits of MBE/WBE certification in Ohio?
MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) and WBE (Women Business Enterprise) certifications in Ohio provide access to set-aside contracts reserved for certified businesses, preference points in competitive bidding, networking opportunities, and inclusion in supplier diversity programs. Many state contracts have goals for MBE/WBE participation.
Does Ohio have veteran-owned business programs?
Yes, Ohio supports veteran-owned businesses through VOSB (Veteran-Owned Small Business) and DVBE (Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise) programs. These programs offer preferences in state contracting, access to set-aside contracts, and may provide additional points in the bid evaluation process.
What size standards apply to Ohio small business certification?
Size standards vary by program and industry. Generally, Ohio uses revenue-based limits (often $3-15 million depending on industry) or employee count limits. Federal programs like DBE use SBA size standards based on NAICS codes. Check with Ohio's certification office for specific thresholds.
Can I hold multiple small business certifications in Ohio?
Yes, if your business qualifies, you can hold multiple certifications simultaneously. For example, a business could be certified as both MBE and SBE, or WBE and DVBE. Each certification opens access to different set-aside contracts and opportunities.
How long does Ohio small business certification last?
Most Ohio small business certifications are valid for 1-3 years depending on the program. Annual updates may be required to verify continued eligibility. DBE certification typically requires annual no-change affidavits and recertification every 3-5 years.
Get Started
Register on Ohio Procurement to begin your certification journey and access small business opportunities.
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Get Matched FreeFederal certifications complement state programs and open additional opportunities.
- 1.Apply for multiple certifications if you qualify - they stack and increase your opportunities.
- 2.Start with state certification, then pursue federal programs like 8(a) or HUBZone.
- 3.Keep copies of all submitted documents - you'll need them for recertification.
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