A New Door to Opportunity for Ohio's Small Businesses.
Introducing OhioBGA Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Certification.
Small businesses are essential to Ohio's economy. They create jobs, strengthen communities, and help expand the markets we all depend on.
Yet gaining visibility, building relationships with larger buyers, and navigating certification requirements can be challenging.
That's why OhioBGA is introducing Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Certification in 2027 — a new credential designed to help eligible small businesses demonstrate their status and connect with a broader network of business opportunities.
Be among the first to know when applications open and receive an exclusive waitlist discount when we launch.
What Is SBE Certification?
Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Certification is a credential that verifies a company's status as an eligible small business.
Using recognized industry size standards, OhioBGA will provide independent verification that a company meets the requirements for small-business certification.
Unlike Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Certification, SBE certification is not based on the demographic background of the business owner.
It is designed to serve a broader community of small businesses, including those that may not qualify for MBE certification or already hold other local or regional certifications.
One more way to demonstrate your business credentials. One more way to open the door.
Why Does It Matter?
Procurement opportunities are not all structured the same way. While some buyers have specific minority-business sourcing goals, others are looking to identify and engage qualified small businesses more broadly.
SBE Certification gives companies another way to demonstrate their business status and helps buyers identify small-business suppliers.
Verified Small-Business Status
Demonstrate that your business meets established eligibility and industry size requirements.
Greater Visibility
Become part of a growing network connecting small businesses with corporate, public-sector, and community partners.
More Ways to Connect
Build relationships with an organization dedicated to helping businesses develop capacity, strengthen their operations, and pursue new opportunities.
A Pathway to Growth
Explore OhioBGA's business development resources, programs, events, and growing network of partners.
Built for Small Businesses. Designed for Opportunity.
Whether you're an established small business looking to expand your customer base, a company seeking additional certification credentials, or an entrepreneur beginning to pursue larger contracts, OhioBGA's SBE Certification is being developed with your needs in mind.
And if you're already MBE certified?
SBE can provide an additional credential for opportunities where buyers are seeking verified small businesses more broadly.
Get Ready for SBE Certification in 2027.
Be among the first to hear when OhioBGA launches its new Small Business Enterprise Certification.
Join our waitlist today to receive an exclusive launch discount and updates as we prepare to open applications.
You're on the list.
We'll email when applications open, along with details on your waitlist discount.
We Grow Businesses to Grow Markets.