Last week, the Ohio Chamber joined our Metro Chamber Coalition in supporting Senate Bill 105; legislation that would require local political subdivisions to recognize state certifications for minority business enterprises (MBE).

This bill would allow MBEs to rely on their state MBE certification in order to be eligible to participate in local MBE programs. It would also allow MBEs to utilize their certification from the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) for local government certifications throughout the state. This would greatly simplify the local MBE certification process, saving time, paperwork and fees for minority-owned businesses. It would also allow MBEs to apply more easily for contracts around the state.

This legislation removes significant barriers for MBEs ultimately increasing their access to more opportunities. In doing so, Ohio makes doing business for MBEs more seamless and efficient, while improving our state’s overall business climate for minority-owned businesses.

We want to thank Senators Vernon Sykes and Kirk Schuring for bringing forth this important bill, and we also want to thank each member of the Metro Chamber Coalition for lending their support to SB 105. We are hopeful that this bill will move quickly through the legislative process and ultimately, be signed into law in order to provide some much-needed relief and streamlining to the MBE certification process.