The State of Ohio (State) is committed to supporting the growth and sustainability of all businesses by working with entrepreneurs and emerging business enterprises to connect them with resources that will help them not only achieve success, but contribute to job creation, and economic growth.

The State is conducting a comprehensive Disparity Study (Study), led by MGT Consulting Group (MGT) to better understand how race, ethnicity, and gender impact businesses’ opportunities to succeed in Ohio’s public and private sectors. This includes studying how businesses acquire capital and secure contracts.

House Bill (H.B.) No. 33, Section 259.20, Minority Business Development establishes funding to contract with a research and consulting firm to conduct a study to assess whether minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses face any barriers to contracting with the state for goods and services. The study shall focus on contracts awarded by the state and state supported educational institutions between July 1, 2017, and June 30, 2022.  

As part of that process, the State will gather data on the participation of minority-owned, women-owned, and Veteran Friendly businesses in the marketplace.  The Study will also include opportunities for business owners, professional organizations, and other business stakeholders to share their personal experiences regarding any barriers or discrimination they’ve faced (to the extent that it exists).

ALL businesses, certified or non-certified, are invited to share their individual stories and insights on whether they’ve faced obstacles in doing business with the State or other entities. The voice of Ohio’s business owners is vital, and we hope that they will consider joining this important effort.

For ways to get involved, please see the “Business Owner Engagement” page below.