YOUNGSTOWN — Among the organizations selected by the Ohio Department of Development to join the Minority Business Assistance Center Network Program are Valley Economic Development Partners and Youngstown Business Incubator.

They, and the other selections, will serve the needs of the state’s minority-, women- and veteran-owned, as well as, disadvantaged businesses in the Youngstown region.

Valley Economic Development Partners is a Tier 1 MBAC, meaning it will help business in the idea and startup phase. As a Tier 2 MBAC, YBI will work with existing and growth stage businesses to assist with certifications, procurement, and access to capital.

In 2022, MBACs across Ohio added nearly 3,100 new clients and provided more than 7,600 counseling hours to minority, women, veteran and other disadvantaged business owners. More than $9.34 million in loans were dispersed to more than 100 minority- and women-owned businesses.

The centers “are critical to the growth and sustainability of small businesses across Ohio,” Lydia Mihalik, director, Ohio Department of Development, said.

“We are excited for our new partners as they take the helm to connect entrepreneurs and emerging business owners to the resources, opportunities and information they need to be successful,” she said.