Published on August 26, 2025
For Immediate Release
Contact:T.R. Massey, Office of the Mayor, 614-645-6456 (office); 614-616-4825 (cell)
COLUMBUS, OH – The City of Columbus’ Office of Diversity and Inclusion today presented a proposal to Columbus City Council to update the city’s procurement processes in order to strengthen investment in designated Small Regional Business Enterprises (SRBEs). In alignment with federal law and relevant legal precedent, the City is introducing this race- and gender-neutral small business designation.
“I’m incredibly proud that we increased investment in minority- and women-owned businesses from 8.4% in 2016 to 19.1% in 2024 – a financial impact of $600 million,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “While I disagree with the federal pivot from this investment strategy, I nonetheless believe we can have a similarly transformative impact on local small businesses more broadly, and continue to enhance prosperity in our city.”
Under the proposed policy, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion will continue certifying and tracking investments in Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Women Business Enterprises (WBEs), while also establishing citywide goals for SRBE contract participation and procurement practices to award bid points to SRBE bidders seeking city contracts.
The Office also plans to enhance its support for all city-certified businesses – including MBEs, WBEs, Veteran Business Enterprises (VBEs) and LGBTQ Business Enterprises – through several new practices, including an updated anti-discrimination policy, a prime mentorship program, a sheltered market program and a strengthened dispute resolution process. These initiatives are collectively designed to create a fairer, more inclusive procurement environment that expands opportunities and ensures continued growth for local businesses.