The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) is pleased to offer a comprehensive lineup of free events and workshops throughout November. With a focus on certification, tax planning, legal support, and networking opportunities, these sessions are tailored to support small business owners in Central Ohio.


Certification 101

The Certification 101 sessions will guide business owners through the essentials of business registration and certification, highlighting the benefits of certification and how it can open new doors for growth. These sessions will also cover Central Ohio’s MBE, FBE, and DBE certification programs.

  • Dates & Times:
    • November 6, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
    • November 12, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    • November 21, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
  • Location: Online
  • Register: OHBDC.org

Year-End Tax Planning for Small Business Owners

This one-hour webinar, presented by Tenesha Hartgrove, CPA, of Ncrease Financial Services, LLC, is designed to help business owners organize their financial records, maximize deductions, and implement tax-saving strategies. This session is ideal for business owners preparing for the upcoming tax season.

  • Date & Time:
    • November 8, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
  • Location: Online via Zoom
  • Register: OHBDC.org

SBL Legal Power Hour: DIY Your Single-Member LLC Operating Agreement

In this free workshop, Attorney Moses will guide participants through creating their own Single-Member LLC Operating Agreement—a critical document often required for certification applications. This session is perfect for new LLC owners or anyone needing to update their Operating Agreement.

  • Date & Time:
    • November 21, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Location: Virtual via Zoom
  • Register: OHBDC.org

SBLA Virtual Business Law Clinics

For business owners seeking individualized legal support, the SBLA Virtual Business Law Clinics offer free 30-minute consultations with Attorney Moses. These sessions cover topics such as LLC formation, contract reviews, and business regulations.

  • Dates & Times:
    • November 9, 9:00 AM
    • November 16, 9:00 AM
    • November 23, 9:00 AM
  • Location: Virtual via Zoom
  • Register: OHBDC.eventbrite.com

Women in the Construction Industry Networking Tour

OBDC will host a special Women in the Construction Industry Networking Tour at Gilbane Construction. This event is designed to bring together women professionals in construction, offering networking opportunities and insights into doing business with Gilbane.

  • Date & Time:
    • November 19, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Location: Hosted by Gilbane Construction
  • Register: OHBDC.org

Business owners are encouraged to take advantage of these valuable opportunities to enhance their knowledge, connect with industry experts, and build a stronger foundation for their business. For more information and to register, please visit OHBDC.org.

BuildSmart Program Application is Open

Are you ready to take your construction business to the next level?

The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) is excited to launch BuildSmart Coaching, a unique mentorship program designed specifically for construction micro-enterprises and underutilized businesses in Central Ohio. As the region experiences a historic construction boom, this program offers the targeted support and expertise you need to grow and thrive.

About BuildSmart Coaching:
BuildSmart Coaching provides quarterly one-on-one coaching sessions with experienced industry professionals, plus group mentoring sessions to foster learning and collaboration. The program covers essential construction topics, including:

  • Project Management and Estimating
  • On-Site Skills and Safety Compliance
  • Budgeting and Client Relations

Program Benefits:

  • Direct mentorship from construction experts
  • Practical, hands-on guidance tailored to your business needs
  • Networking with other local contractors to share insights and build partnerships

How to Apply:
Space is limited! Apply today to be part of the first BuildSmart Coaching cohort. To complete your application, submit a $25 administrative fee to confirm your spot.

Apply Now: 
Questions? Contact us at planroom@ohbdc.org or call 866-721-2122

Get the tools, guidance, and connections you need to succeed in Central Ohio’s growing construction industry with BuildSmart Coaching!

The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering small businesses in Ohio. Founded by Ronda Watson Barber, OBDC offers a wide range of professional business services tailored to support the growth and success of minority and small businesses. The Center provides resources and training in the areas of certification, legal, and accounting. Additionally, OBDC operates a construction planroom that provides a contractor’s directory and offers construction-related training courses to assist contractors and construction businesses in navigating project opportunities. With a mission to foster economic development and inclusion, OBDC is a vital resource for entrepreneurs striving to achieve their business goals.

Ohio Business Development Center

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