Special to The Truth
Black-owned businesses are growing across Ohio, creating jobs, investing in communities, and contributing to the state’s economic momentum. During National Black Business Month, the Ohio Department of Development is highlighting that growth and the resources available to help Black entrepreneurs start, strengthen, and expand their businesses.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Black-owned firms in Ohio increased 82.7 percent between 2017 and 2023, from 3,068 to 5,605. During that same period, employment at Black-owned firms grew 48.2 percent to approximately 64,000 jobs, while annual payroll increased 74.1 percent, from $1.13 billion to $1.97 billion.
That growth is part of Ohio’s broader economic momentum. CNBC recently named Ohio America’s Top State for Business, recognizing the state’s strong business climate, workforce, infrastructure, and economy.
“Ohio’s recognition as America’s Top State for Business reflects the opportunities we’re creating for businesses of every size and in every corner of the state,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “Our job is to make sure entrepreneurs have the tools to keep that growth going. By connecting businesses with capital, contracts, certification, and one-on-one support, we’re helping more Ohioans turn good ideas into growing businesses.”
Development supports small, minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses through its Minority Business Development Division and a statewide network of 15 Minority Business Assistance Centers (MBACs). The centers provide entrepreneurs with free one-on-one counseling, assistance accessing capital and state contracts, help navigating certification, and other resources to start and grow their businesses.
Since 2019, MBACs have served more than 72,900 clients, provided more than 81,800 hours of business counseling, and helped thousands of businesses become state certified. Today, nearly 5,000 certified businesses are operating across Ohio.
Among the businesses benefiting from those resources is Konfetti Carts, a Columbus-based premium ice cream cart catering company founded by La‘Zendra Danforth in 2024.
Through her local MBAC, Danforth received business guidance, financial assistance, and help navigating state certification. That support helped her secure a loan, purchase a company vehicle, expand her business, and create jobs in her community.
“Using the tools and resources the MBAC has provided was a big part of my business success,” said Danforth. “My proudest moment was signing the papers for my business cargo van and then getting it wrapped with my business logo and branding. I am thrilled to drive to my events showing the excellence that my company represents.”
Development has also provided more than $34 million in direct support to minority- and women-owned businesses through programs such as the Women’s Business Enterprise Loan Program, the Minority Direct Loan Program, and the Ohio Micro-Loan Program. In addition, nearly $14 million was provided in indirect loans that helped facilitate $47 million in private financing to further fuel growth and sustainability.
Entrepreneurs can learn more about resources available to small, minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses at minority.ohio.gov.
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.