NW Ohio Disadvantaged & Minority Business Certifications, Register for SAM

In Northwest Ohio, in collaboration with ASSETS Toledo, is sponsoring an in-person event for business owners to learn how to receive a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), Division of Opportunity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Office of Outreach. APEX Accelerators (formerly PTAC) will be presenting how to register in The System for Award Management (SAM) Program. The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce will present how to receive a Minority Business Enterprise Certification with the State of Ohio, Department of Development.

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) is a program to level the playing field by providing DBEs a fair opportunity to compete for federally-funded transportation contracts.

A disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) meansa for-profit small business that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged or, in the case of a corporation, in which 51 percent of the stock is owned by one or more such individuals; and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it.

What are the benefits of becoming DBE certified?

• Prime contractors and prime consultants rely on DBEs to fulfill the DBE subcontracting goals on U.S. Department of Transportation-assisted contracts.
• DBEs may participate in a variety of supportive services such as training and technical assistance.
• DBEs are listed in the Ohio Unified DBE Directory

The System for Award Management (SAM) is the portal in which businesses register to qualify for procuring federal government contracts.

• Should I make it part of my business plan?
• How do I register?
• Does it cost to register?
• These and other questions will be addressed during this presentation.

The Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) offer assistance to entrepreneurs in all stages of the business lifecycle. The MBAC serves the needs of our region’s small, minority, and socially and economically disadvantaged businesses to cultivate their growth and sustainability.

Services include technical assistance, professional consulting, access to capital and assistance obtaining contract opportunities.

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