FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2008

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced that the Ohio Department of Development's Division of Minority Business Affairs is accepting proposals from qualified minority organizations to establish Minority Business Development Organizations. The Organizations will facilitate training, strategic management, networking, and mentoring opportunities with major corporations, and will work to ensure minority businesses in Ohio have access to the assistance they need to be productive and profitable.

"This request is seeking the expertise and business acumen of organizations that will partner with our Department to support Ohio's minority-owned businesses by providing the tools and support they need to grow and thrive," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as the Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "We look forward to establishing long-time partnerships with quality organizations that are passionate about the success of minority businesses and entrepreneurs in Ohio."

The Division of Minority Business Affairs will be making four grants totaling $600,000 over the next two years. In this funding round the Department will award two grants, each totaling $150,000.

The grant funding will provide for activities related to networking with all levels of government and private businesses; aiding in the economic growth and development of minority and disadvantaged businesses; and increasing awareness of local, state and federal business assistance resources.

The Division of Minority Business Affairs will provide oversight and staff assistance, and the Organizations will also work closely with the Department to market the products and services of the Division of Minority Business Affairs to its constituency and the community.

The Request for Proposal opened today and responses will be accepted through March 28 with award announcements expected in April. To view the request for proposal, visit www.odod.state.oh.us/dmba. Contact the Division of Minority Business Affairs at (614) 466-5700 with questions about the request.

The Ohio Department of Development's Division of Minority Business Affairs works to create a business environment in Ohio that assists in the growth and development of minority-owned firms, which are defined as being at least 51 percent owned and controlled by one of the following ethnicities: African-American, Hispanic, Native American and Asian.

# # #

Media contacts: Kelly Schlissberg at (614) 466-4133 or Kimber Perfect at (614) 466-2609