By To commemorate National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Ohio Department of Development is highlighting the many state resources available to support Ohio’s small, minority, and under-resourced entrepreneurs.
Recognized every September 15–October 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month is a way to promote the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic Americans.
“Ohio’s next great economic success story can come from anywhere, so we want to make sure every home-grown entrepreneur has the resources they need to thrive,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development.
“Our Minority Business Development Division (MBDD) is breaking down barriers and making it easier for Ohioans to turn bold ideas and ambitions into growing businesses.”
Ohio’s network of 15 Minority Business Assistance Centers (MBACs) offers technical and professional assistance, access to capital, and connection to business opportunities to empower small businesses to succeed. There are two Tier 1 MBACs located in Cleveland and Cincinnati that offer bilingual services in English and Spanish.
Regional MBAC partners added more than 14,000 new clients and provided more than 16,000 counseling hours to Ohio’s minority-, women-owned, veteran-friendly, and under-resourced businesses.
One such entrepreneur that has benefitted from MBAC counseling is Jose Cruz, owner of El Kiosquito Boricua located in Cleveland, who received hands-on support from his local Tier 1 MBAC when seeking access to capital to expand his business. The MBAC assisted with developing a strong lender-ready business plan that led to an approved line of credit to help manage day-to-day operating expenses.
Nearly $22 million in loans were approved and disbursed in Fiscal Year 2025 to nearly 200 minority- and women-owned businesses through their loan programs, and more funding remains.
Development’s Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE), Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity (EDGE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), and Veteran-Friendly Business Enterprise (VFBE) certification programs certification programs have approved essential certifications for more than 4,000 businesses.
More information about loans and other capital assistance programs can be found online at Minority.Ohio.Gov.
The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.
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