COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 1, 2026: The Ohio Department of Development today announced four new Tier 1 Minority Business Assistance Centers that will help entrepreneurs across Ohio start businesses, access expert guidance, and build a foundation for long-term success.
The new centers will serve entrepreneurs in the Appalachian, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton regions, providing no-cost advising, training, and technical assistance to help businesses launch and grow.
“Starting a business can be one of the biggest decisions someone makes, but Ohio’s entrepreneurs shouldn’t have to do it alone,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “These new Tier 1 Minority Business Assistance Centers will connect aspiring business owners with trusted advisors, practical resources, and the guidance they need to turn their big ideas into a successful business.”
Newly selected Tier 1 MBAC Program partners for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, include:
- Appalachian Region: Appalachian Center for Economic Networks – ACEnet
- Cincinnati Region: Cincinnati Hispanic Chamber of Commerce USA HCCUSA Columbus Region: Elevate Northland
- Dayton Region: The Economic and Community Development Institute – ECDI
These MBAC additions bring the total number of Tier 1 and Tier 2 MBACs combined to a total of 15.
Tier 1 MBACs focus on helping early-stage businesses establish a strong foundation, and deliver no-cost, one-on-one advising and training to minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-friendly, and socially and economically under-resourced businesses. These services are designed to help entrepreneurs launch successfully, create jobs, and generate revenue in their communities.
Additional assistance is provided through a network of Tier 2 MBACs. These partners work with existing and growth stage businesses to assist with certifications, procurement, and access to capital.
Since 2019, MBACs across the state have served more than 13,000 clients and provided thousands of counseling hours to Ohio’s minority, women, veteran, and other disadvantaged business owners. In addition, more than $34 million in loans were approved to support nearly 400 minority- and women-owned businesses.
In FY24-25, MBAC clients received a total capital infusion of $82 million.
More information about business technical assistance, loans and other capital assistance programs can be found online 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.