YOUNGSTOWN - Minority, women, veteran and socially/economically disadvantaged business owners have a new way to get their businesses certified in Ohio.

The Minority Business Center (MBAC) at the Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI) has launched a four-week certification program called the MBAC Certification. 

Owners, who have been in business for more than a year, will get the chance to participate in a hands-on workshop that will walk them through the process of getting their business certified in Ohio.

Certifications give existing and growth-stage business owners access to contracting opportunities and capital, according to a news release from the YBI.

Classes will be every Tuesday in August, starting August 6 between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. It will end with a competition on Aug. 27 at the YBI.

The deadline to apply is Friday, July 19.

A monetary reward will be offered to the first business that applies for the program, according to the YBI.

This is the first year the program is being offered at the Youngstown Business Incubator.