Cleveland Reporter

The Ohio State Senate voted unanimously to pass a bill that will help minority businesses, women-owned businesses and veteran-friendly businesses.

Sponsored by Ohio State Senators Vernon Sykes (D-Akron) and Kirk Schuring (R-Canton), House-Senate Bill 105 removes red tape and unnecessary paperwork when minority, women and veteran entrepreneurs seek Minority Business Enterprise (MBEs) certification in Ohio, according to a press release. 

“Yesterday, the Senate concurred on House changes to SB 105, my bill to create certification reciprocity for Minority Business Enterprise, Women-owned Business Enterprise and Veteran-friendly Business Enterprise programs. It will be referred to the Governor to be signed into law,” Sykes wrote in a Feb. 10 Twitter post.

Through this bill, these Enterprises can apply more easily for contracts around the state, according to the Ohio Senate.

“We were encouraged by the overwhelming support Senate Bill 105 has received, as this legislation removes significant and unnecessary barriers for MBEs, WBEs and VBEs, and ultimately increases their access to more opportunities,” Sykes said. “In doing so, Ohio makes doing business for MBEs, WBEs and VBEs more seamless and efficient, while improving our state’s overall business climate for minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-based businesses.”

The legislation will also allow MBEs to become certified to participate in local MBE programs and use their certification for local government certifications statewide.

“I want to commend my longtime friend and colleague, Senator Sykes, for the leadership role he played in moving this bill forward,” Schuring said. “It is a good government bill that cuts bureaucratic red tape. Accordingly, it will improve the opportunities for minority-owned businesses, including those owned by women and veterans.”