Entrepreneurs in Franklin, Trumbull, Ross, Hamilton, Athens, Cuyahoga, and Lucas Counties Are Making Their Mark on Ohio's Economy

In honor of February being Black History Month, today Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose highlighted eight Black-Owned businesses in Ohio that have shown what hard work looks like, continue to make their communities better, and inspire others to chase their entrepreneurial dreams. While there are countless minority-owned businesses in Ohio that have equally impressive and inspiring stories, the eight businesses highlighted below represent just a sampling of some of the courageous and creative efforts African American business creators have taken to launch successful operations in our state.

“Our office works hard to help entrepreneurs take the leap and start a business,” said Secretary LaRose. “We are proud of our minority business owners for the work they do across Ohio, and for the inspiration they provide to others. Entrepreneurship can lift families, communities, and provide for intergenerational wealth, and good government requires that access to success is available to every Ohioan. I applaud every risk-taker who seeks to make their mark in Ohio’s growing economy, and during the month of February, we should all honor those Ohio job creators who are helping ensure that Ohio remains the ideal state to live, work, and succeed.”

Since taking office, Secretary LaRose has convened more than a dozen minority business roundtables across the state with minority business leaders to better understand their successes and challenges, and to share information about potential programs and resources that may be helpful to them. Just last week, the Secretary achieved a significant win on one of his top legislative priorities with the bipartisan passage of SB 105, legislation to reduce burdensome, unnecessary red tape requirements facing minority-owned businesses seeking Minority Business Enterprise certification. Read more here.

To learn more about how to start your own business, please go to OhioSoS.Gov/Business.

Businesses in the Spotlight:

1. The Stack – Chillicothe, Ross County 2. Hutch Baby – Cincinnati, Hamilton County 3. E.E. Ward Storage and Moving – Grove City, Franklin County 4. Bam & Bros Barbershop – Athens, Athens County 5. Zanzibar – Cleveland, Cuyahoga County 6. Onyx Café – Toledo, Lucas County 7. Salt Me! – Trumbull County 8. ARK Restoration and Construction – Toledo, Lucas County

Click here to read this month’s business spotlight!

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