DBE Certifications in Ohio

Diverse Business Enterprise Certification is a denotation that is awarded to businesses in Ohio that are at least 51% owned by a ‘disadvantaged’ member of the population.  Businesses that are owned and operated by minorities, veterans or other minority segments of the Ohio Population. Diverse Business Enterprise (DBE) is a term that refers to a wide array of business certifications available to businesses that are owned and operated by a “disadvantaged” member of the population.  In Ohio, there are certification programs for minorities, women owned businesses and many other minority segments.  There are also numerous local and regional programs available throughout Ohio.  Statewide Certification Programs allow businesses in Ohio to enhance participation and inclusion for disadvantaged business in both the public and government sectors.

Statewide Certification Programs

Ohio MBE

MBE Certification is available through the Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS).  This status is awarded to businesses that provide the State of Ohio with documentation showing they are majority-owned and operated by a member of a disadvantaged class. To apply online for MBE Certification in Ohio fill out the Unified Application (Here).

Ohio Edge

Edge Certification is available through the Ohio DAS (Department of Administrative Services) to businesses that are ‘for-profit’ and are also owned and controlled by a person of social or economic disadvantage. The Edge procurement program allows companies to bid on contracts in both the private and government sector.  To apply online for EDGE Certification in Ohio fill out the Unified Application (Here).

Ohio DOT

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) offers DBE and SBE Certification that is reciprocal with the National DOT DBE Certification. The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program offered by ODOT helps to ensure that nondiscriminatory practices are used on the Ohio Department of Transportations various highway, transit and airport projects.  Entities that are owned and operated by a member of a disadvantaged class within Ohio are eligible to apply for DBE and SBE Certification through the Ohio Department of Transportation. To apply for Ohio Department of Transportation DBE and SBE Certification in Ohio fill out the Unified Certification Application (Here).  

    Local and Regional Programs

    Columbus DBE Programs

    The City of Columbus is dedicated to increasing diversity through inclusive contracting.  There are several programs that are available for DBEs within the City of Columbus.  The City of Columbus Office of Diversity and Inclusion is the department within the city which offers this free gender and race based certification. To apply click on the links below.

    Certifications offered in Columbus
    Cincinnati DBE Programs

    The City of Cincinnati’s Department of Economic Inclusion has established several certifications for women and minority-owned businesses who do contract based work with the City of Cincinnati. There are 6 certification types that are available to DBEs in Cincinnati.The city of Cincinnati is dedicated to creating opportunities for both minorities and women who own businesses or do business within the Greater Cincinnati Area. To apply click on the links below.

    Certifications offered in Cincinnati
    Dayton DBE Programs

    The City of Dayton, Ohio is committed to practicing diversity and inclusion in all of their procurement efforts. The Dayton Human Relations Council has created the PEP (procurement enhancement program) to help them meet aspirational and annual diversity and inclusion goals for minority, women and other small disadvantaged classes within the City of Dayton. To apply click on the links below.

    Certifications offered in Dayton
    Toledo DBE Programs

    The City of Toledo, Office of Diversity and Inclusion has created a comprehensive MBE and WBE certification process to help grow and strengthen local businesses that are owned and controlled by disadvantaged segments within the local population. This denotation is given to business owners that are at least a majority controlling partner (51%+)  in their business and belong to one of the following disadvantaged groups Latino, Hispanic, Black, Asian, Pacific Islander, American Indian or Alaska Natives.  To apply click on the links below.

    Certifications offered in Toledo
    Akron, Warren & Youngstown DBE Programs

    The Cities of Akron, Warren and Youngstown, Ohio have pioneered a DBE certification program to help disadvantaged businesses grow and strengthen the local economy.  These certifications are available to companies that are at least 51% owned by members of a protected or disadvantaged class.   To apply click on the links below.

    Certifications offered in Akron, Warren and Youngstown
    How to get started

    Diversity certification is a big step for businesses of all sizes operating within the State of Ohio.  Fill out the Unified Application and create an account on the Ohio Business Gateway to begin your journey to becoming a certified DBE in Ohio.