Ohio businesses.
Extraordinary impact.
Meet the 2026 OhioMBE Awards nominees—businesses and organizations creating opportunity, serving their communities and contributing to Ohio’s economy.
38 nominated businesses. Explore the nominees by award category. Businesses nominated in more than one category appear in each applicable section.
Top Minority Business Enterprise
17 nomineesAlley Burger & Fries
Alley Burger & Fries serves premium Wagyu burgers and comfort food from its downtown Columbus location in Lynn Alley. The restaurant pairs its menu with a lively, music-filled atmosphere.
Buzz Bros LLC
Buzz Bros LLC provides lawn care and landscaping services in the Youngstown area. Led by Dajwan Stubbs and Alexandros Psaras, the business maintains local properties and contributes its time and services to community members in need.
Eleven 11 Behavioral Solutions
Eleven 11 Behavioral Solutions supports children with autism and their families in the Columbus area. Led by Markita Cumberlander, the organization provides therapy, resources and a supportive environment while participating in community initiatives.
Futurety, LLC
Futurety, LLC is a Columbus data analytics and marketing firm founded by Bill Balderaz in 2014. The company combines data engineering, analytics, artificial intelligence and marketing expertise to help healthcare systems, government agencies, nonprofits and businesses make informed decisions.
Gladegy Consulting, LLC
Gladegy Consulting, LLC helps organizations strengthen their strategy, systems and people. Led by Stacy Sufka, the Euclid firm offers consulting, executive coaching, training, strategic planning, organizational development, accreditation support and assessments for mission-driven organizations.
Gradu8 Inc
Gradu8 Inc creates products that celebrate academic achievement and encourage pride in the educational journey. Led by Corie Blount, the Cincinnati business uses its brand to recognize learning and inspire students and graduates.
Island Girl Bahamian Cuisine
Island Girl Bahamian Cuisine brings the food and culture of the Bahamas to Central Ohio. Led by Felisha Bowe, the business serves customers through catering, events and cook-to-order meals.
Just in the Nick of Time LLC
Just in the Nick of Time LLC provides renovation services in Columbus. Founded in 2009 and led by Charles Fly, the company has created work opportunities for contractors and employees while helping families, seniors and community organizations improve their spaces.
Ju’Ellz Designz LLC
Ju’Ellz Designz LLC is led by J. Julye Brown and focuses on healthy hair, scalp wellness and beauty education. The business also promotes entrepreneurship and community learning, sharing practical knowledge with young people and customers.
LC Media+
LC Media+ is a media and marketing agency led by Myra Rosario. The WBE-, MBE- and EDGE-certified firm specializes in media strategy, advertising, production and multicultural storytelling, connecting businesses with diverse communities and amplifying Latino voices.
Murrey’s Movers
Murrey’s Movers is a minority- and family-owned moving company led by Shawn Murrey in Bowling Green. Built from the ground up, the business has expanded its operations while maintaining a connection to the community it serves.
Precise Mobility Solutions, Inc.
Precise Mobility Solutions, Inc. provides non-emergency medical transportation for seniors, Medicaid members and others who need access to healthcare and essential services. Founded in 2015 and led by Kojo Asamoah, the Columbus company works with community programs and transportation partners across Ohio.
Simplee Cleaning LLC
Simplee Cleaning LLC serves families, property managers and businesses in the Toledo area. Led by Shalon Carr, the company offers residential and commercial cleaning, apartment turnovers, floor care, heavy-duty cleaning and chore services for Medicaid members.
Soul Yoga
Soul Yoga is a Black woman-owned Cleveland studio founded by Ylonda Rosenthal Greene in 2023. It welcomes people across backgrounds and experience levels and develops local instructors through yoga teacher training. Its founder also created Elevate Together to bring yoga to young people.
The C&P Sentinel Initiative
The C&P Sentinel Initiative is a Columbus newspaper publication led by Ron Bryant. It is developing a student journalism program that engages young writers and supports African American culture and community in Central Ohio.
To Go For Your Soul
To Go For Your Soul is a catering business led by Chef Stephen Miller. The company creates customized menus for weddings, corporate events and milestone celebrations, offering buffet service, passed hors d’oeuvres and plated dinners.
Z Promotions
Z Promotions is a creative branding company led by K. Zulene Adams. The Columbus MBE-certified business helps organizations connect with employees, customers and communities through promotional products, branded apparel and tailored marketing solutions.
Top Female Business Enterprise
14 nomineesAqua Pure Central Ohio LLC
Aqua Pure Central Ohio delivers premium bottled water to homes, businesses and organizations throughout Central Ohio. Led by Dierdre Owens, the woman-owned company emphasizes personal service and supports community events through donations and sponsorships.
Be Whole Financial Enterprise
Be Whole Financial Enterprise helps individuals strengthen their financial knowledge and prepare for future opportunities. Led by Kelly Armstrong, the company offers financial education, credit guidance and a Borrow Readiness Program with individualized next steps.
CMI HR Facility Solutions
CMI HR Facility Solutions is a Latina woman-owned company led by Evelin Johnson. The WBE- and MBE-certified business provides payroll and workforce solutions that help employers support their teams and grow their operations.
+Detail
+Detail is a Cleveland architecture firm led by Grace Jones. The woman-owned firm creates thoughtful spaces that address complex design challenges while emphasizing beauty, dignity and a sense of belonging.
Eleven 11 Behavioral Solutions
Eleven 11 Behavioral Solutions supports children with autism and their families in the Columbus area. Led by Markita Cumberlander, the organization provides therapy, resources and a supportive environment while participating in community initiatives.
G. Warren Wealth Enterprise, LLC
G. Warren Wealth Enterprise, LLC is led by Gayle R. Warren, whose background includes banking, business consultation and wealth and insurance strategy. The Westerville company emphasizes client education and helps individuals and businesses understand access to legal protection through its LegalShield partnership.
Ju’Ellz Designz LLC
Ju’Ellz Designz LLC is led by J. Julye Brown and focuses on healthy hair, scalp wellness and beauty education. The business also promotes entrepreneurship and community learning, sharing practical knowledge with young people and customers.
MAC Construction
MAC Construction is a family-owned company with a history dating to 1974. The Worthington business provides construction management, general contracting, design-build and preconstruction services, combining its project work with community involvement.
Mayfield Smiles
Mayfield Smiles is a woman-owned dental practice in Mayfield Village. Since the practice was purchased in 2015, its leadership has invested in the team and dental technology while emphasizing patient comfort, attentive service and quality care.
OneLove Cafe & Bikes, LLC
OneLove Cafe & Bikes, LLC brings Turkish and Middle Eastern food, coffee and hospitality to Granville. The women-owned business celebrates cultural connection and community through its offerings and activities, including a Juneteenth ride and celebration.
Palmer and Palmer Residential Cleaning and Consultants LLC
Palmer and Palmer Residential Cleaning and Consultants LLC is a Columbus business led by Shawna Palmer. The company’s nomination recognizes her dedication to clients, strong work ethic and commitment to serving her community.
Purdie Cleaning, LLC
Purdie Cleaning, LLC is a minority- and woman-owned company led by Marlene Purdie. Founded in 2013, it serves commercial, healthcare, educational, warehouse, construction and public-sector cleaning markets, with recent work connected to major regional construction projects.
Smiles Cuisine LLC
Smiles Cuisine LLC is a Columbus catering business led by Erica Copeland. The company pairs event cuisine and presentation with community service, including efforts to feed young people and people experiencing homelessness.
The Vitrolite
The Vitrolite is a restored mixed-use building in Cleveland’s Hingetown neighborhood developed by Anne Hartnett. It houses locally owned businesses and The Matriarchy, a women-focused business incubator offering workspace, professional development and community programming.
Top Family Business
6 nomineesBuzz Bros LLC
Buzz Bros LLC provides lawn care and landscaping services in the Youngstown area. Led by Dajwan Stubbs and Alexandros Psaras, the business maintains local properties and contributes its time and services to community members in need.
Cox and Cox Construction Corp
Cox and Cox Construction Corp is a Black-owned family business serving Northeast Ohio for more than 25 years. Led by Rico Cox, the company has served the Cleveland VA, healthcare institutions and local colleges.
DLX Contracting Inc
DLX Contracting Inc provides home remodeling, renovation and restoration services in the Youngstown area. Led by Dajwan Stubbs and Lex Psaras, the family business helps homeowners and works with insurance companies on homes affected by natural disasters.
LuJax Catering LLC
LuJax Catering LLC is a Cleveland family business led by Frank and Lucy Jackson. The company prepares and serves food with an emphasis on hospitality, personal care and bringing families and communities together.
Next Step Recovery Center LLC
Next Step Recovery Center LLC is a Black-owned, family-operated behavioral health organization in Columbus. Owner Kimberly Shepherd and family members Michael Saunders and Ron Edwards built the organization to provide compassionate, person-centered support for people and families affected by addiction.
Off Track Gym
Off Track Gym is a health and fitness business in Montpelier led by Austin Grubb. The facility brings fitness and wellness options together under one roof, with a focus on creating an inclusive environment for the Northwest Ohio community.
Top Nonprofit
3 nomineesFemergy®
Founded in 2014, Femergy® serves girls, women and families across Central Ohio. The nonprofit provides education, leadership development, mentoring, wellness and career programs that help participants build skills and advance economic opportunity.
Trades of Faith Inc
Trades of Faith Inc connects Columbus youth with skilled trades through hands-on learning, mentorship and career exploration. Led by Jovonni Campbell, the nonprofit offers a paid summer internship and a Skilled Trades Expo connecting students with industry professionals.
Village Capital Corporation
Village Capital Corporation is a minority, women-led nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution in Cleveland. Led by Dione Alexander, it provides capital and business support to under-resourced companies, including contractors, through programs such as Contractors on the Rise and GrowU.
Top Veteran-Owned Enterprise
1 nomineeAnchor Dental
Anchor Dental is led by Dr. David Hudec, a Cleveland native and U.S. Navy veteran. After serving as a Navy dentist, including a Persian Gulf deployment, he returned to Northeast Ohio to continue serving his community through dentistry.
Celebrate Ohio’s business community.
Join us at the 2026 OhioMBE Awards on October 22 at Huntington Park.
Get tickets Return to home pageCompany profiles are adapted from the submitted nominations. These listings recognize nominees; award recipients will be announced separately.