As its name suggests, the State of Ohio's Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity (EDGE) program provides an EDGE to small businesses by Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity in public contracting. EDGE is an assistance program for economically and socially disadvantaged business enterprises.  

Operated through the Ohio Department of Development's Equal Opportunity Division, EDGE establishes goals for state agencies in awarding contracts to certified businesses for the procurement of supplies, professional services, information technology services, construction and professional design services. The goal for state agencies is 5 percent. It is up to the discretion of the agency to determine how best to meet the 5 percent goal.

Certified EDGE program participants are eligible for:

• Contract Assistance
• Financial and Bonding Assistance
• Management and Technical Assistance
• Protégé Opportunities with Industry Mentors 

Additional Resources

• Understanding EDGE
• Business Tool Kit
• Ohio Business Gateway Website
• Ohio Department of Development Minority's Business Development Division - Reporting Website (to search and locate certified businesses and download certificates)
• 123:2-14-06 Commercially Useful Function
• EDGE Compliance Complaint
• EDGE Requirement Checklist 
• Commitment to Participate
• EDGE Affidavit
• EDGE Participation/Demonstration of Good Faith Effort
• Payment Release Affidavit (Satisfies Certified Statement of EDGE Participation)

Professional Services Proposers (A/E or CM)

• EDGE Requirement Checklist
• Commitment to Participate
• EDGE Participation/Intent to Perform
• EDGE Participation/Demonstration of Good Faith Effort
• Payment Release Affidavit (Satisfies Certified Statement of EDGE Participation)