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Minority/Diversity
Government Contacts
Ohio Commission on Hispanic Affairs
The Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs was created in 1977 with seventeen mandates proscribed in sections 121.32 and 121.33 of the Ohio Revised Code. These mandates fall into one of three categories:
- TO ADVISE the Governor, the Ohio General Assembly, and state government agencies on all matters affecting Hispanic Ohioans, by issuing reports, proposing programs, commenting on legislation, and conducting policy-related research.
- TO CONNECT the diverse Latino communities across the State of Ohio by serving as a hub of information for and about Hispanic Ohioans by hosting meetings, conducting surveys, promoting collaboration, encouraging communication, and endeavoring to assure access to decision-making bodies.
- TO BUILD the capacity of Latino community organizations, especially those of, for, and by Hispanic Ohioans, by applying for and accepting grants in partnership with organizations, subcontracting programs to local groups, and conducting education programs to enhance and strengthen community organization staff and leadership.
Phone: (614) 466-8333 -
Non-Profit/Social Services
Government Contacts
Entrepreneurship
1st Stop: Ohio Department of Development
The 1st Stop Business Connection, a program sponsored by the Ohio Department of Development's Small Business Development Centers and the U.S. Small Business Administration, provides FREE state-level information needed to get started or continue on your entrepreneurial journey.
Email: 1stStop@development.ohio.gov
Phone: (800) 248-4040 -
Government Contacts
Entrepreneurship
Small Business Administration
Since its founding on July 30, 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration has delivered millions of loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance to small businesses. SBA provides assistances primarily through its four programmatic functions:
Access to Capital (Business Financing)
Entrepreneurial Development (Education, Information, Technical Assistance & Training)
Government Contracting (Federal Procurement)
Advocacy (Voice for Small Business)
Email: answerdesk@sba.gov
Phone: (800) 827-5722 TTY: (704) 344- -
Business Advancement
Government Contacts
Government Contractor Business Resources
Government Contractor Business Resources (GCBR) exists to mentor small and medium size businesses. What we can do is give you that key insight into what you need to do now, how to do it efficiently without a mountain of bureaucracy, so that you can keep your focus on growing the business rather than running it. We also give seminars that help you quickly grasp the depth and breadth of key elements of what it takes to be a responsible government contractor.
Email: info@gcbr-sei.com -
Minority/Diversity
Government Contacts
Entrepreneurship
Office of Government Contracting-SBA
The Office of Government Contracting (GC) works to create an environment for maximum participation by small, disadvantaged, and woman-owned businesses in federal government contract awards and large prime subcontract awards. GC advocates on behalf of small business in the federal procurement world.
Email: answerdesk@sba.gov
Phone: (202) 205-6460 -
Non-Profit/Social Services
Government Contacts
Entrepreneurship
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers
The Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) help Ohio's businesses seeking to compete for federal, state, and local government contracts.
The Procurement Technical Assistance Centers provide a variety of services that include bid preparation assistance, bid-matching services, military specifications, one-on-one training, product and procurement histories, help with information resources, and trade events where Ohio firms can meet government buyers. These services are provided at no cost to Ohio businesses.
Phone: (800) 848-1300 -
Non-Profit/Social Services
Government Contacts
Entrepreneurship
City of Columbus Vendor Services
Columbus Vendor Services is an eGov initiative made possible through a collaboration of the City Auditor's Office, the Department of Finance & Management - Purchasing Office, and the Mayor's Office - Equal Business Opportunity Commission Office, and seeks to accomplish the following:
- Provides a one-stop, twenty-four hour portal for vendor services and contract information.
- Allows vendors to express interest in doing business with the City and effectively self manage W9, registration, compliance, and bid information.
- Provides open access for vendors to compete for the public’s business.
- Assists City agencies in obtaining necessary goods and services in a timely, efficient, and cost effective manner while complying with applicable laws, regulations, and mandates.
- Records the supporting documentation for financial transaction activity of the City.
- Improves operations in the form of electronic bidding, sourcing, and purchasing of goods and services.
- Conducts City business in an open environment under public scrutiny to ensure public trust in the government’s business.
Email: vendorservices@columbus.gov
Phone: (614) 645-8315 -
Business Advancement
Government Contacts
Business Partner Network
The Business Partner Network (BPN) is the single source for vendor data for the Federal Government. The BPN is a search mechanism that provides unprecedented views into several key data bases across Federal Agencies.
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Minority/Diversity
Government Contacts
Entrepreneurship
Federal Business Opportunities
Website that houses a search engine for business opportunities at the federal level (search engine can break down opportunities into specific categories and for specific business types)
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Government Contacts
Entrepreneurship
Southwest Central Ohio PTAC
SWCO PTAC has the specialized knowledge to assist you in aggressively pursuing government business at the local, state, or federal levels. Our professionals train you to find the opportunities best suited for your company and saves you the time and money you would have spent trying to learn what is required on your own.
SWCO PTAC helps local, state and federal government agencies, as well as Prime Contractors, connect with qualified companies that are serious about doing business with the government.
Email: sharris@emtec.org
Phone: (614) 220-9030 -
Government Contacts
State of Ohio's Procurement Website
The State of Ohio’s Procurement Web site provides access to bid opportunities and contract award information for supplies and services from all levels of state government.
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Government Contacts
Department of Administrative Services
Access to state printing bid opportunities
Phone: (614) 728-9143 -
Business Advancement
Government Contacts
ODOT Office of Contracts
Website that houses information about doing business with the Ohio Department of Transportation
Phone: (614) 466-7010 -
Government Contacts
Federal Procurement Data System
The Federal Procurement Data System provide Federal Procurement Reports. The Federal Procurement Report data can be used for geographical analysis, market analysis, and analysis of the impact of the congressional and presidential initiatives in soio - economic areas such as small business. The data is also a reliable basis for measuring and assessing the impact of Federal acquisition policy and management improvement.
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Government Contacts
Franklin County Purchasing Department
The Franklin County Purchasing Department help county offices, courts, boards, and agencies purchase needed supplies, services, and capital equipment. The department also accepts competitive bids for contract services necessary to operate county facilities. The department has developed more than 10 county-wide term contracts to help steamline the process.
Email: purchasing@franklincountyohio.gov
Phone: (614) 525-3750 -
Government Contacts
City of Columbus, License Section
The License Section's function is to provide, administer, and enforce all laws, and rules and regulations relating to licensingrequirements for various types of businesses, charitable solicitations and users of burglar and fire alarm systems.
Phone: (614) 645-8366 -
Business Advancement
Government Contacts
Business Filings- Ohio Secretary of State
Access to the Uniform Commercial Code, Register your Business Name, find forms and fees for the State of Ohio.
Email: info@sos.state.oh.us
Phone: (877) 767-3453 -
Government Contacts
Entrepreneurship
Small Business Development Centers of Ohio
Small Business Development Centers work in partnership with a broad network of public and private partners across Ohio to provide the information, assistance, and advocacy that facilitates small business growth and development.
Phone: (614) 466-2711 -
Export/Import Assistance
Government Contacts
Entrepreneurship
International Trade Administration
The International Trade Administration (ITA) strengthens the competitiveness of U.S. industry, promotes trade and investment, and ensures fair trade through the rigorous enforcement of our trade laws and agreements.
Promotes U.S. exports, and provides commercial diplomacy support; Helps shape industry-specific trade policy; removal of market access barriers; Enforces U.S. trade laws and agreements to prevent unfairly traded imports
Phone: (800) ISA-TRAD -
Sites + Buildings
Government Contacts
Entrepreneurship
Franklin County Auditor
Franklin County Auditor offers the best public service in fiscal, real estate and consumer protection.
Email: ClarenceMingo@FranklinCountyOhio.gov
Phone: (614) 525-3200 -
Sites + Buildings
Cost of Doing Business
Non-Profit/Social Services
Government Contacts
Entrepreneurship
Ohio Business Gateway
The Ohio Business Gateway is about making government accessible to you and your business by helping you find the information and services you need to keep your business thriving in Ohio.
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Sites + Buildings
Cost of Doing Business
Non-Profit/Social Services
Export/Import Assistance
Government Contacts
City of Columbus Department of Development
Helps plan for, stimulate, and regulate the city's growth.
Phone: (614) 645-7795 -
Non-Profit/Social Services
Government Contacts
Council on Competitiveness
A non-partisan and non-governmental organization that gathers CEOs, university presidents, and labor leaders working to ensure U.S. prosperity.
What we do:
Convene top private and public sector leaders to address America’s long-term competitiveness challenges.
Generate innovative public policy solutions, galvanizing our unique coalition to translate ideas into action.
Measure U.S. performance in the global marketplace to identify key obstacles and opportunities.
Email: communications@compete.org
Phone: (202) 682-4292 -
Shipping/ Logistics
Sites + Buildings
Non-Profit/Social Services
Export/Import Assistance
Workforce
Government Contacts
Entrepreneurship
The Columbus Region
The Columbus Region is guided by Columbus 2020, an aggressive economic development strategy.
Columbus 2020 is a bold, new, regional public-private partnership that will leverage Central Ohio´s research and academic institutions, diverse industries to position the State Capital to become the fastest growing economy in the country and one of the nation´s leaders in economic development.
Phone: (614) 225-6063 -
Shipping/ Logistics
Chamber
Government Contacts
Columbus Region Logistics Council
The Columbus Region Logistics Council, an industry-led council focused on business environment, workforce, infrastructure and technology serves as the catalyst for the growth of the Region’s logistics capability and leads the implementation of a strategic roadmap that will continue to grow this tremendous asset.
Phone: (614) 221-1321 -
Finance/Capital
Government Contacts
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) provides a full listing of all Federal programs available to State and local governments (including the District of Columbia); federally-recognized Indian tribal governments; Territories (and possessions) of the United States; domestic public, quasi- public, and private profit and nonprofit organizations and institutions; specialized groups; and individuals.
Lists grants offered by the federal government, includes information about eligibility, deadlines and the process of grant applications.
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Finance/Capital
Government Contacts
GovLoans.gov
GovLoans.gov is your gateway to government loan information. It directs you to the loan information that best meets your needs.
Phone: 1-800-333-4636 -
Finance/Capital
Government Contacts
Grants.gov
Grants.gov is a resource to help find and apply for federal grants, in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services.
Email: support@grants.gov
Phone: 1-800-518-4726 -
Sites + Buildings
Minority/Diversity
Advocacy
Non-Profit/Social Services
Finance/Capital
Export/Import Assistance
Government Contacts
Entrepreneurship
Ohio Department of Development
Provides a variety of programs and initiatives to help encourage business growth in Ohio
Phone: 800-848-1300 -
Green
Government Contacts
Get Green Columbus
Mayor Michael B. Coleman established the Get Green Columbus initiative to create a healthy environment for live, work and play.
Focus on:
Transportation; Growth and Development; Education and Engagement; Energy; Business and Green Building.
Phone: (614) 645-7671 -
Green
Government Contacts
Central Ohio Green Pact
In 2007, City of Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman joined with elected officials from 12 other local jurisdictions in developing and signing the Central Ohio Green Pact. The Pact represents a multi-jurisdictional commitment to make our region more sustainable starting with policies that enhance and protect the quality of life, environment and economic vitality. Coordinated by MORPC, the network of Pact members includes 27 local governments and other significant organizations.
The Pact outlines ten general values communities should hold to preserve natural resources, to increase green space, reduce our consumption of raw materials and increase recycling.
Phone: (614) 228-2663 -
Government Contacts
Entrepreneurship
Check Ohio First
Check Ohio First is an initiative of the Ohio Department of Development, and the Ohio Small Business Development Centers (SBDC). Their statewide network provides support, training and one-on-one business consulting to Ohio’s small businesses. Their website also connects Ohio suppliers and buyers online.
We partner with private, non-profit and other public organizations to provide Check Ohio First services and programming.
Email: support@checkohiofirst.com
Phone: (614) 466-2711 -
Finance/Capital
Government Contacts
Ag-Link
The Treasury invests in agriculture community and helps provide farmers with important financial tools to help weather the upfront costs of their farming operations.
Who can apply? Ohio Farmers
Criteria: Ag-Link provides an interest rate reduction on new or existing operating loans or lines of credit for Ohio farmers.
Contact: State Treasurer Josh Mandel at ohiotreasurer.gov, or (800) 228.1102.
Email: ohiotreasurer.gov
Phone: (800) 228.1102 -
Finance/Capital
Government Contacts
Bid Ohio
Bid Ohio is a competitive online auction of interim funds to state depository banks.
Who can apply? State depository banks
Criteria: Successful bids are those offering the greatest rate of return on six-month or three-month certificates of deposit.
Contact: State Treasurer Josh Mandel at ohiotreasurer.gov or (800) 228.1102.
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Finance/Capital
Small Business
Government Contacts
GrowNow
The Treasury is dedicated to small businesses and encouraging an environment that will increase job growth and retention.
Who can apply? Small Business
Criteria: GrowNOW provides a 3% interest rate reduction on new or existing small business loans when the small business can commit to creating or retaining jobs in the State of Ohio.
Contact: State Treasurer Josh Mandel at ohiotreasurer.gov or (800) 228.1102
Email: ohiotreasurer.gov
Phone: (800) 228.1102 -
Finance/Capital
Government Contacts
Collateral Enhancement Program
The Collateral Enhancement Program provides lending institutions with cash collateral deposits to use as additional collateral for loans made to eligible for-profit small businesses.
Who can apply? Small businesses that are creditworthy, but having difficulty getting the financing needed to expand and create jobs.
Criteria: Borrower must be small business whose principal place of business is in Ohio with revenues equal to or less than $10 million and with fewer than 250 employees.
Borrower can be either a new or existing business that is creating or retaining jobs.
Ineligible businesses include firms involved in retail, mining, agriculture, real estate investment, speculative activities, lending or leasing activities, pyramid sales, gambling activities, charitable institutions, religious institutions, consumer and marketing coops, and other nonprofits.
Borrower pays a fee equal to 2% of the cash collateral deposit and pays all other Lender application and closing costs. Maximum amount of a cash collateral deposit is 30% of the proposed loan amount for real estate, equipment, and working capital loans up to the maximum cash collateral deposit limits. The maximum cash collateral deposit limits are $500,000 for fixed-asset loans and $250,000 for working capital loans.
Review and Approval: Borrowers must complete a lending institution\'s standard loan application. The Lender submits a CEP application to the ODOD and related loan documents. The ODOD will review the application and documentation to determine eligibility and completeness and will notify the Lender of the application approval.
Contact: Ohio Department of Development at
www.SSBCI.development.ohio.gov -
Minority/Diversity
Finance/Capital
Government Contacts
Minority Business Assistance Centers
The Minority Business Assistance Centers provide a variety of business development services to new and existing business owners.
Who can apply? Certified MBEs through DAS or NMSDC Ohio
Criteria: Business must be economically sound; must not have defaulted on a previous bond issued by ODOD; maximum bonding line pre-qualification if $1 million per business. Premium for each bond requested is 2% of the face value of the bond. The collateral and/or security are the personal guarantees of the principals and persons substantially involved in business operations.
Review and Approval: Review and approval process begins when company submits a bonding application; the application and supporting documentation is review by the Office of Minority Financial Incentives; and applications are reviewed and approved by the MDFA Board. If approved, the application is submitted to State Controlling Board for approval, a pre-qualification letter is issued, and the company submits request(s) for actual bond issuance.
Contact: Ohio Department of Development at www.minority.devleopment.ohio.gov and
(800) 848.1300 or (614) 466.5700 -
Minority/Diversity
Finance/Capital
Government Contacts
Minority Business Direct Loan Program
The Ohio Minority Direct Loan Program provides direct loans for businesses locating or expanding in Ohio that demonstrate they will create new jobs for Ohio citizens.
Who can apply? Certified MBEs through DAS or NMSDC Ohio
Criteria: Minimum loan amount is $45,000; maximum loan amount of $450,000 or up to 40% of eligible costs. Private lender required and 10% owner equity. Term cannot exceed 10 years for machinery and equipment; 15 years for real estate; or 5 years for other short-term fixed assets. Rate is 3% fixed. Program has a job creation/retention ratio of $35,000 per job created or retained. Jobs must be created within 3 years of project completion.
Review and Approval: Process begins when the financial assistance application is submitted with the necessary supporting documentation. Application package will be reviewed and presented to the MDFA Board. State Controlling Board approval is required prior to project start. Commitment letter is issued to allow the project to start.
Contact: Ohio Department of Development at www.minority.devleopment.ohio.gov and (800) 848.1300 or (614) 466.5700
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Finance/Capital
Government Contacts
Ohio Capital Access Program
The Ohio Capital Access Program encourages state depository financial institutions to make loans to for-profit or nonprofit small businesses that are having difficulty obtaining business loans through conventional underwriting standards.
Who can apply? Any small business or non-profit
Criteria: Lender must enter into a Capital Access Program Participation Agreement to be eligible to enroll loans in the programs. An eligible borrower must be a small business with annual sales of less than $10 million; the borrower's principle place of business must be in Ohio; and the borrower must create or retain jobs. Maximum $250,000 for working capital; maximum $500,000 for fixed assets.
Review and Approval: CAP reserve account in the name of the Director, ODOD must be established at the participating lender.
Contributions:
- Borrower - 1.5 - 3% of the principal amount of the CAP to be enrolled. Lender determines percentage. Borrower can include contribution in the loan.
- Lender: Must match the borrower's contribution. Lender may recover all or part of its contribution.
- State: An amount equal to 10% of the principal amount of the CAP to be enrolled. An amount equal to 50% of the principal amount of the loan will be contributed on the lender's 1st through 3rd enrollment. An amount equal to 80% of the principle amount of the loan will be contributed for all state certified MBEs enrolled. Normal and customary fees may be charged by the lender; no additional fees are charged by the state. Lender must submit CAP enrollment forms to the MBE Division.
Contact: Ohio Department of Development at
www.SSBCI.development.ohio.gov -
Minority/Diversity
Finance/Capital
Government Contacts
Procurement TA Centers (PTAC)
The Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) help Ohio's businesses seeking to compete for federal, state, and local government contracts. This program is operated in partnership with the Business Services Division, the Ohio Small Business Development Centers, and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Who can apply? Ohio businesses that wish to expand product and service markets to local, state, and federal governmental agencies. Specialized assistance is provided for Veteran-Owned small businesses.
Contact: Ohio Department of Development at
www.SSBCI.development.ohio.gov -
Shipping/ Logistics
Finance/Capital
Government Contacts
Targeted Investment Program
The Ohio Department of Development has identified the need for a flexible investment program that can strategically support growth and expansion of targeted small businesses within Ohio's manufacturing, production, and logistics value chains. In response to this need the Ohio Department of Development has created the Targeted Investment Program.
Who can apply? Small businesses in manufacturing, production, and logistics value chains
Criteria: Eligible businesses include those with as few as five and no more than 250 employees, and revenues as low as $1 million and no greater than $10 million.
Ineligible businesses include firms involved in real estate investment, speculative activities, lending or leasing activities, pyramid sales, illegal activities, gambling activities, charitable institutions, religious institutions, consumer and marketing coops, and other nonprofits.
Review and Approval: Companies seeking investment will be required to submit a standardized application in addition to a business plan, financial statements, and due diligence materials.
Contact: Ohio Department of Development at
www.SSBCI.development.ohio.gov -
Minority/Diversity
Workforce
Government Contacts
Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission
Recruitment, placement and retention services, training and technical assistance for persons with disabilities
Mission:
To ensure individuals with disabilities achieve quality employment, independence and disability determination outcomes through integrated services, partnerships and innovation.
Phone: (800) 589-5811 -
Minority/Diversity
Workforce
Government Contacts
Ohio Governor's Council on People with Disabilities
Mission
To ensure individuals with disabilities achieve quality employment, independence and disability determination outcomes through integrated services, partnerships and innovation.
Objectives
Advise the Governor and General Assembly on Best Practices in Education affecting Ohioans with Disabilities.
Increase awareness and visibility of the GCPD Education Committee with the Ohio Department of Education by ensuring we are an effective resource for best practices.
Create and implement a tracking system for all YLF Delegates to ensure participants stay engaged in the Disability community.
Educate & empower parents of children with disabilities by reviewing best practices on topics such as, IEP planning, Transition, Bullying, and Employment.
Email: Pamela.D.Carter@rsc.state.oh.us
Phone: (614) 438-1392 -
Workforce
Government Contacts
Ohio Department of Job & Family Services Veteran's Program
The primary function of the veterans program is to assist eligible veterans, including disabled veterans, campaign veterans, and other veterans and eligible persons in alleviating unemployment and underemployment. Policies and programs are implemented to increase opportunities for veterans to obtain employment, job training, intensive services and assistance in employment and training programs.
The department assures veterans are treated with courtesy and respect at all offices and that veterans are given priority of service in referrals to job openings and other services.
Email: John.McClure@jfs.ohio.gov
Phone: (614) 573-4001