Primary Election Updates
Following the Ohio Supreme Court decision Tuesday, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose sent a letter to the Governor and the Ohio General Assembly outlining the implications the Court's decision will have on the Ohio primary election, the status of Military and Overseas (UOCAVA) voting, and the delays and out-of-state interference that led to this situation. Read his full letter.
Additionally, Secretary LaRose sent a directive to Ohio’s 88 county boards of elections providing guidance on how to proceed with Military and Overseas (UOCAVA) voting. That directive can be found here.
Friday, the Department of Defense and Department of Justice reached an agreement with Secretary LaRose that ensures our military and overseas voters will have every opportunity to cast their vote in the upcoming primary. Read about the agreement.
New Business Growth Continues
This week, Secretary LaRose announced another strong month for new business filings for the month of February with 14,488 new businesses created.
“Each of the 14,488 new businesses is a story of grit and determination, even in the face of record-setting inflation,” said LaRose. “While the hurdles facing entrepreneurs are being ignored in Washington, we hear them loud and clear -- and we will continue to fight to ensure Ohio job creators are not stifled by bureaucracy, but supported through every step of their journey.”
Ohio helped tear down barriers to business creation recently by eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles for entrepreneurs. Streamlining certifications for minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses and modernizing how limited liability companies (LLCs) are incorporated in Ohio are just the latest reforms toward positioning Ohio as the destination state for entrepreneurship and job creation.
QUICK FACTS:
- 14,488 new businesses were created in Ohio in February 2022
- 31,059 new businesses were created in 2022 so far, averaging 15,529 per month
- Ohio entrepreneurs can visit OhioSoS.gov/BusinessResources to discover the helpful opportunities available to them that can help them start and grow their business
Establishing a new business in Ohio has become increasingly quick, easy, and inexpensive through the Ohio Secretary of State’s Ohio Business Central website, OhioBusinessCentral.gov. Ohio’s business-friendly climate and the array of resources available to Ohio entrepreneurs has helped Ohio maintain its economic momentum year after year.
Assisting Veterans in Finding Careers
On Monday, Sheet Metal Workers' Local 33 and Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' Cleveland Chapter held a job fair for local veterans interested in a career in the trades. Secretary LaRose joined Ohio Department of Veterans Services Maj. Gen. Deborah Ashenhurst as a special guest for the event and talked with his fellow veterans about the rewarding career opportunities available to them because of their unique skill sets. Secretary LaRose, as a combat veteran, knows first-hand the skill and work ethic veterans can offer. He is a strong advocate of the Helmets to Hardhats program.
Boosting Opportunities for Minority Entrepreneurs
Following successful steps toward the elimination of burdensome hurdles for entrepreneurs seeking a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification, Secretary LaRose held minority business roundtables in Cleveland and Akron. These minority business roundtables, which Secretary holds regionally throughout the year since the start of his administration, offer an opportunity for business owners to learn about resources, networking, and bring up issues facing their business directly to the Secretary. In fact, what started with frustrations shared by the minority business community, turned into the legislation that streamlined certifications for minority, women and veteran-owned businesses.
In Case You Missed It:
In recent months, the state has taken a more proactive approach to closing gaps for marginalized businesses.
And now a new Ohio law will make it easier for them to gain access to contracts and other resources.
On March 2, Gov. Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 105 into law, requiring that political subdivisions recognize state-level certifications of minority business enterprises (MBEs), women-owned business enterprises (WBEs) and veteran-friendly business enterprises (VBEs). The bill was sponsored by Sen. Vernon Sykes, D-Akron, and Sen. Kirk Schuring, R-Canton.
Businesses in Ohio can apply to be certified for free through the Ohio Department of Development. Prior to the legislation, they had to complete more time-consuming applications to get certified in other jurisdictions in the state where they planned to conduct business.
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose advocated for the bill and expressed support when it passed in the Ohio House of Representatives in January.
The Ironton Tribune: LaRose spotlights women-owned businesses in Ohio
March is Women’s History Month, and accordingly, it is the perfect time to celebrate women-owned businesses home grown in Ohio. These women entrepreneurs have set goals and embraced challenges, all while being mothers, sisters, daughters and business owners. From nail salons to accounting firms, these talented women do it all and work tirelessly to keep Ohio’s economy moving.
“These women inspire entrepreneurs across the state every day with their ingenuity, determination and perseverance,” LaRose said. “I applaud them, as I do every other business owner in Ohio, for pursuing their dreams, taking risks and starting businesses.”