National Veterans Small Business Week highlights resources for veteran-owned businesses
The Ohio Department of Development (Development) commemorates National Veterans Small Business Week (Oct. 30-Nov.3) by highlighting the small business resources available to support Ohio’s entrepreneurs who are service members or own a veteran-friendly business.
Recognized for a decade by Development’s partner, the Small Business Administration (SBA), National Veterans Small Business Week celebrates the contributions and innovation of America's military veterans to small businesses. Veterans own almost two million businesses and employ more than five million Americans, according to SBA’s Office of Advocacy.
Ohio’s veteran-owned businesses accessed $23.2 million in capital with the help of Development’s Ohio’s Small Business Development Centers. Ohio APEX Accelerators, hosted by Development and under the management of the Department of Defense (DOD) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), awarded $1.1 billion to 887 veteran-owned businesses in Ohio.
“Development’s programs lend vital support to Ohio’s veteran-owned and veteran-friendly businesses, creating much-needed growth and sustainability in local communities,” said Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik. “By doing so, we honor their service while investing in their prosperity and business legacy.”
The Department of Development’s Small Business Resources for Veterans and veteran-friendly businesses include:
Assistance Centers
In the last two years, Ohio’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provided 1,278 veteran-owned businesses and entrepreneurs support through advising and training services, and more than 8,000 hours of no-cost, expert advising.
SBDCs provide business counseling and assistance to individuals starting or growing their business. Each center is staffed with highly trained Certified Business Advisors® (CBAs) to help small businesses and entrepreneurs with development and growth to increase sales and create jobs in their local communities, including U.S. Army Veteran Anthony "Tony" Meley.
Anthony “Tony Meley, owner of Meley Light Excavation LLC (Summit County) received mentoring services, technical support, and advice on how to overcome obstacles like obtaining the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification from Summit-Medina Business Alliance (SMBA) SBDC staff in Akron. That assistance landed Meley two contracts totaling more than $200,000 and made several new business connections.
“With the help and resources from the Summit-Medina Business Alliance SBDC, we have been able to launch and expand confidently,” said Meley. “I recommend that anyone thinking about starting a business in Ohio to contact their local SBDC as a great resource for help.”
Development’s Minority Business Development Division (MBDD), in partnership with Ohio’s network of 10 regional Minority Business Assistance Centers (MBACs), provides state certification assistance, technical professional assistance, access to capital and bonding. In the last two years, nearly $20 million in loans were approved to support more than 200 minority- and women-owned businesses.
Certification
MBACs also help businesses become state-certified in the Minority Business Enterprise Program (MBE), Encouraging Diversity Growth and Equity Program (EDGE), Women Business Enterprise Program (WBE), and Veteran-Friendly Business Enterprise Procurement Program (VFBE) programs that help increase the number of qualified competitors in the marketplace. Currently, the program has approved 4,000 essential business certifications that include more than 200 veteran-owned businesses.
Sharonda Armour, founder and CEO of Wildflower-HWG LLC, (Summit County) obtained the State of Ohio MBE, VFBE), and WBE Certifications with the assistance of her local MBAC. The U.S. Air Force veteran credits Akron MBAC counselor Edward Smith for his commitment in helping her navigate various obstacles.
“Whether it is clarifying the various complexity of all of the codes businesses use, providing honest feedback about my ideas, or just a listening ear, Edward is there with expert advice and unwavering support,” said Armour.
Procurement Opportunities
Ohio APEX Accelerators Program: This program provides education and training all businesses need to participate to be eligible for participating in DOD and other government contracts and entering and participating in the defense supply chain. More than 500 Ohio veteran-owned businesses received counseling services in the 2022-2023 program year.
Veteran-Friendly Business Enterprise (VFBE) Procurement Program: Development’s VFBE Procurement program provides preference or bonus points to certified companies that compete to contract with the State to supply the goods or services it needs, including eligible construction services. In fiscal year 2023, of the more than $1 million the State spent toward VFBE, $455,570 went to MBAC clients, including Adam Dental Assisting Academy in Columbus, Armcorp Construction Inc. in Dayton, and New Concepts II Inc. in Cincinnati.
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.