State programs help small- and minority-owned businesses

YOUNGSTOWN — There are opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses to be created and grow with the help of state programs.

The challenge is making those business owners aware of the programs, said Philip G. Shotwell, director of the Ohio Department of Development’s minority business enterprise division.

To help get the word out, officials with various state agencies are traveling primarily to urban cities in July and August for what they’re calling Ohio Urban Outreach Seminars. The officials held a two-plus-hour seminar today in Youngstown City Council chambers in city hall with about 75 people in attendance.

The focus was on federal stimulus package and state stimulus opportunities, capital and bonding access, minority business certification, and work-force assistance for small and minority-owned businesses.

For the complete story, read Saturday’s Vindicator or Vindy.com