On Friday, October 9th, the Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS) announced the start of the Women-owned Business Enterprise program (WBE). By the end of the first day of the WBE program, the State certified more than 800 women-owned businesses. 

The Director of the Ohio DAS, stated that the mass-certification was a proactive step in launching the program. Companies who have not yet become recognized by theWBE program and would like to apply, must provide documentation proving that the organization is led by women. 

“Women business owners play a vital role in growing Ohio’s economy… We sincerely hope that this new certification program further strengthens Ohio’s women-owned businesses by helping them to compete for more contracts in Ohio and across the country” said Damschroder. 

The state’s effort to strengthen Ohio’s women-owned businesses continues to grow. The state is also establishing a reciprocity program between Ohio firms and business in other states which will create more opportunities for entrepreneurs in the state.

For full press release see: 

https://das.ohio.gov/Divisions/Equal-Opportunity/Business-Certification/women-business-enterprise-WBE-program 

https://das.ohio.gov/Portals/0/DASDivisions/DirectorsOffice/PressReleases/2020 press releases/10-26-20 WBE initial certifications.pdf?ver=vjEw-0ldUFIr1a1CP7bcuA==