It is the mission of the Equal Opportunity Division to serve, support, and find solutions for Ohioans by ensuring equal opportunity to and fair treatment in government contracting and state employment. The Division strives to achieve its mission by enforcing affirmative action and equal employment opportunity policies, and implementing and monitoring the state’s procurement preference programs for minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and socially and economically disadvantaged businesses.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, our office staff is working remotely to continue to serve your needs. Customers needing to submit documents may continue to do so through email, U.S. mail, or delivery services. Additionally, our phone line is open (614-466-8380) and we are also responding to inquiries via email (das-eod@das.ohio.gov). Please be aware that while we are able to receive mail deliveries, those materials are routing for processing every few days. To reduce processing delay, submission via email whenever possible is encouraged at das-eod.bccu@das.ohio.gov.
Administrative Unit Eric M. Seabrook, Deputy Director and State EEO Coordinator Business Certification and Compliance Unit Todd McGonigle, EEO Program Manager Research, Reporting and Recruitment Unit
The below referenced updates have been reviewed and approved by the Joint Commission for Agency Rule Review (JCARR) and scheduled to go into effect on October 9, 2020.
Ohio is strongest when as many Ohioans as possible have an opportunity to share in our state’s growing economic strength. One way that state government does this is through the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) program. The MBE program seeks to expand options for state purchasing by encouraging MBE-certified businesses, both small and large, to do business with the state. At the same time, state agencies are directed to source a portion of their goods and services from MBE-certified vendors. The state also provides a wide range of business development resources to help businesses grow and compete in the public and private markets. Below is a graphic representation of the dollars spent by state agencies with MBE-certified businesses from Fiscal Year 2008 to Fiscal Year 2020.
Click here to learn about the benefits, criteria and processes to certify your business with the MBE program.
We have created a hotline to receive allegations of possible fraud or abuse in the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE); Encouraging Diversity, Growth, and Equity (EDGE); Women-owned Business Enterprise (WBE); or Veteran-friendly Business Enterprise (VBE) programs. Tips about alleged violations may be reported to the toll-free hotline by calling 1-888-623-8477 (MBE-TIPS). Allegations may be reported between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday by state employees, contractors, or the general public. Callers have the option to remain anonymous. Businesses that violate certification laws or rules risk decertification and the loss of business opportunities. Click here for frequently asked questions about the hotline.
The COVID-19 Pandemic has created a great strain on the nation’s healthcare system, but it’s not come without it’s economic difficulties as well. State leaders are working to ensure resources are readily available to Ohio businesses and workers to ensure we all weather this difficult time, remembering we are all in this together.
The links provided on the Ohio Department of Health's website will connect you with local, state and federal resources and funds for the following impacted categories:
Please click here to learn more.
The following NEW programs from the Ohio Development Services Agency are designed to aid small businesses:
Ohio PPE Retooling and Reshoring Grant Program
Minority Business Grant Program
Appalachian Growth Capital Loan Program
To access program applications and additional information, please click here (see "Business and Non-Profit Support). For additional information, please direct questions to: bizgrants@development.ohio.gov.
Additionally, these reference materials were made available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) specific to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL):
4200 Surface Road Columbus, Ohio 43228 Phone: 614-466-8380 Fax: 614-728-5628
Driving Directions
Tips Hotline: 1-888-623-8477 (MBE-TIPS)
Business Certification and Compliance
Research, Reporting and Recruitment
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission
EOD HOME
File a Discrimination Complaint
Certified Businesses
Certification Checklists
Affirmative Action Program Verification
Certificate of Compliance
Submit I-29 (Work-hour Utilization)
Publications