Ronda Barber

The Feb. 9 OhioMBE Bid Board is live

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The February 9 OhioMBE Bid Board is LIVE! 🚨
This week’s issue includes active contracting opportunities, bids that are closing soon, upcoming events across Ohio, and the latest business news impacting small and minority-owned businesses. If you’re serious about securing contracts, staying informed, and positioning your business for growth, this is your weekly must-read.

👉 Read the full Bid Board now at OhioMBE.com
📣 And please share it with another business owner who needs to see these opportunities.

Upcoming OBDC Classes – Free Training for Members

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The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) is offering a series of online business training classes designed to help small businesses strengthen operations, navigate certification, and prepare for contracting opportunities.

These sessions are FREE for OBDC and Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce members and open to others for a low cost.

Certification 101: Understanding the Basics

📅 Tuesday, February 10, 2026
⏰ Multiple dates & times available
📍 Online | Zoom

An introductory class covering what business certification is, why it matters, and the different certification programs available to help businesses access public and private contracting opportunities.

Building Financial Power That Lasts

📅 Wednesday, February 25, 2026
⏰ 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
📍 Online | Zoom

A practical session focused on strengthening financial foundations, improving cash flow habits, and building long-term financial sustainability for your business.

Preparing Your ODOT Personal Narrative

📅 Tuesday, March 10, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
📍 Online | Zoom

This workshop provides step-by-step guidance on preparing the ODOT Personal Narrative, a required component for DBE certification and recertification under current federal requirements.

✅ FREE for OBDC & Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce Members
💻 All classes are held online via Zoom
🎟️ Advance registration required

🔗 Register at: OHBDC.org

Not a member? Annual membership is just $25 and includes access to free classes, business resources, and year-round support.

ODOT DBE Personal Narrative Workshop (Online)

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March 10 | 1:00 PM | Online

Recent federal changes have reshaped the DBE certification process in Ohio. This focused workshop will help businesses understand what’s required and how to prepare—with emphasis on the Personal Narrative.

Ohio Department of Transportation guidance will cover:

  • Mandatory DBE firm reevaluation
  • Personal Narrative requirements documenting disadvantage
  • Personal Net Worth Statements and supporting documentation
  • Suspension of DBE contract goals under the Interim Final Rule

Who Should Attend

DBE-certified firms, businesses preparing new applications, minority-, women-, and disadvantaged-owned businesses, prime contractors, and purchasing professionals.

Cost & Registration

✅ FREE for OBDC and OWCC Members
💵 $25 for Non-Members

Not a member? Annual OBDC membership is just $25 — attend this workshop free and get year-round access to classes, resources, and support.

📍 Register at: OHBDC.org

The Feb. 2 OhioMBE Bid Board is live

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OhioMBE Bid Board Preview
February 2, 2026
OhioMBE Logo
A publication of The 912 Group
Ronda Watson Barber, Publisher
Connecting small and minority businesses to cash, contracts, and connections across Ohio. Review bid notices at OhioMBE.com.
Bid Opportunities
NEW New this issue CLOSING SOON Bid date within 14 days
  • Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) – Lawn Care Maintenance Services
    Locations: Colonial Hills, 795 Patterson Ave, Martin P. Lauer, Valley View
    Bid Date: February 18, 2026 • View bid notice
  • Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) – Lawn Care Maintenance, Landscape Enhancements & Related Work
    Locations: William E. Fowler, 681 Payne Ave, Bon Sue Apartments, Saferstein Towers 1 & 2
    Bid Date: February 18, 2026 • View bid notice
  • Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) – Lawn Care Maintenance, Landscape Enhancements & Related Work
    Locations: Edgewood Village (Phases I, II/III, IV, V)
    Bid Date: February 18, 2026 • View bid notice
  • Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) – RFP: Snack & Beverage Vending Machines at Senior Hi-Rise Buildings NEW
    Bid Date: February 19, 2026 • View RFP
  • Columbus City Schools – Accessibility Upgrades at Ridgeview MS (Pkg 1) CLOSING SOON
    Bid Date: February 3, 2026 • View bid details
  • Columbus City Schools – Accessibility Upgrades at Ridgeview MS (Pkg 2: Safety Glazing Replacement) CLOSING SOON
    Bid Date: February 3, 2026 • View bid details
  • Columbus City Schools – Building Envelope at Multiple Sites NEW
    Bid Date: February 11, 2026 • View bid details
  • Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) – RFP: Income Verification Software Platform CLOSING SOON
    Bid Date: February 6, 2026 • View RFP
OhioDiversityNetworks.com – Upcoming Events

Find and share business, cultural, and community events across Ohio. Visit OhioDiversityNetworks.com for full details and to submit your event.

  • Court Watch – Lima
    🗓️ February 3 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
    📍 Lima Public Library – Memorial Room
    First Tuesday of every month. Visit Facebook or email courtwatchlima@gmail.com
  • Celebrating Black Arts Marketplace – Hosted by Franklin County Office of EECD
    🗓️ February 3 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    📍 COED, 1890 E. Main Street, Columbus
    Interested participants and vendors may sign up here: Registration link
    Free
  • Free Black History Month Programs
    🗓️ February 3 – February 24 | Various times
    📍 Ohio Statehouse Atrium, Columbus
    Featuring performances and programs including *A Century of Black History Commemoration* by the Thiossane Institute.
    Free
  • Cleveland SBA – Small Business Orientation
    🗓️ February 3 | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
    📍 Online (Zoom)
    An introductory session for aspiring entrepreneurs covering planning, legal considerations, and resources.
    Free
  • Cleveland SBA – Business Basics Part 1
    🗓️ February 4 | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
    📍 Bounce Innovation Hub, Akron
    Covers business setup fundamentals including ownership structure, projections, and market research.
    Free
  • Introduction to Selling to the Federal Government
    🗓️ February 13 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
    📍 Online
    Learn how your business can pursue federal contracting opportunities as a prime or subcontractor.
    Free
  • CAA Black History Tribute
    🗓️ February 17, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
    📍 Karamu House, 2355 E. 89th St., Cleveland, OH 44106
    Contractors Assistance Association (CAA) will host its annual Black History Tribute recognizing champions advancing equity and inclusion in Northeast Ohio’s construction industry.
    🎟️ Tickets: Members $25 | Non‑Members $65
    🔗 Visit contractorsassistance.org for details
  • Community Clean-Up & Green-Up Day
    🗓️ February 21 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    📍 St. Paul AME Church, 1103 W. Spring Street, Lima
    Litter clean-up, conservation demos, fellowship, and community resources.
    Free
Business News
  • BWC Board considers 1% rate cut, aiming to deliver $10 million in savings for Ohio employers
    Read more
  • Small Regional Business Enterprise (SRBE) Certification Now Open
    Read more
  • Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece Releases 2025 “Report to the People”
    Read more
Business Spotlight

Each week, we highlight Ohio businesses doing the work and building momentum in their industries.

Publisher’s Notes

Big Business Backs Chapman. Local Vendors Are Still Waiting
Read the full column

When the Excuses Arrive: Why “Good Faith” Without Proof Isn’t Good Enough
Read the full column

Reflecting on Dr. King’s Legacy: What Does Accountability Look Like When Power Is Ours?
Read the full column

Classifieds

merry&Black is live!

Celebrate Black history, culture, and everyday excellence with the Making Black History Everyday lined journal . Designed for reflection, planning, and daily intention, these journals create space to document ideas, goals, and moments that matter. They center our stories and affirm that Black history isn’t limited to a single month—it’s lived, built, and created every day.

📘 Purchase on Amazon

Promote your business, event, or service in the OhioMBE Bid Board Classifieds.

For rates and deadlines, email rbarber@ohiombe.com.

Know another business owner who could benefit from these opportunities? Please share the OhioMBE Bid Board.

The January 27 OhioMBE Bid Board is live

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OhioMBE Bid Board Preview
January 27, 2026
OhioMBE Logo
A publication of The 912 Group
Ronda Watson Barber, Publisher
Connecting small and minority businesses to cash, contracts, and connections across Ohio. Review bid notices at OhioMBE.com.
Bid Opportunities
NEW New this issue CLOSING SOON Bid date within 14 days
  • Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) – Lawn Care Maintenance Services
    Locations: Colonial Hills, 795 Patterson Ave, Martin P. Lauer, Valley View
    Bid Date: February 18, 2026 • View bid notice
  • Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) – Lawn Care Maintenance, Landscape Enhancements & Related Work
    Locations: William E. Fowler, 681 Payne Ave, Bon Sue Apartments, Saferstein Towers 1 & 2
    Bid Date: February 18, 2026 • View bid notice
  • Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) – Lawn Care Maintenance, Landscape Enhancements & Related Work
    Locations: Edgewood Village (Phases I, II/III, IV, V)
    Bid Date: February 18, 2026 • View bid notice
  • Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) – RFP: Snack & Beverage Vending Machines at Senior Hi‑Rise Buildings NEW
    Bid Date: February 19, 2026 • View RFP
  • Columbus City Schools – Accessibility Upgrades at Ridgeview MS (Pkg 1) CLOSING SOON
    Bid Date: February 3, 2026 • View bid details
  • Columbus City Schools – Accessibility Upgrades at Ridgeview MS (Pkg 2: Safety Glazing Replacement) CLOSING SOON
    Bid Date: February 3, 2026 • View bid details
  • Columbus City Schools – Building Envelope at Multiple Sites NEW
    Bid Date: February 11, 2026 • View bid details
  • Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) – RFP: Yardi Consultant & Services CLOSING SOON
    Bid Date: January 30, 2026 • View RFP
  • Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) – RFP: Income Verification Software Platform
    Bid Date: February 6, 2026 • View RFP
OhioDiversityNetworks.com – Upcoming Events

🎉 Calling All Black History Month Events!
Hosting a Black History Month event, program, panel, exhibit, or celebration? Make sure your community knows about it.

👉 Share your event on OhioDiversityNetworks.com and reach a wider audience of businesses, nonprofits, educators, and community leaders across Ohio.

✅ Free event submissions
✅ More visibility
✅ One central place to find Black History Month events statewide

Let’s celebrate our history, honor our legacy, and show up—together.

Looking for business, training, and community events across Ohio? Visit OhioDiversityNetworks.com for full details and additional listings.

SBA Cleveland – QuickBooks Essentials: Organize Your Business Finances
🗓️ January 28 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 Online (Zoom)
Learn how to navigate the fundamentals of QuickBooks to manage financial statements and make informed business decisions.
Free

SBA Cleveland – Cracking the Code: Import Tariffs Explained
🗓️ January 29 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 SBDC Lakeland Community College, Chesterland, OH
A practical, in-person workshop covering importing fundamentals, tariffs, and cost-control strategies.
Free

Cleveland SBA – ECDI’s WBC Cleveland: Boots to Business (In-Person)
🗓️ January 29 | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 ECDI VBOC, 1974 E. 66th St., Cleveland, OH
Entrepreneurial training for active-duty service members, veterans, and spouses focused on launching and growing businesses.
Free

Free Black History Month Programs – Ohio Statehouse
🗓️ February 3 – February 24 | Various times
📍 Ohio Statehouse Atrium, Columbus, OH
A series of educational and cultural programs celebrating Black history, preservation, and truth.
Free

Cleveland SBA – Small Business Orientation
🗓️ February 3 | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Online (Zoom)
An introductory session for aspiring entrepreneurs covering planning, legal considerations, and available resources.
Free

OBDC – Preserving Your Legacy: Building Financial Power That Lasts
🗓️ Tuesday, February 25 | 11:30 AM
💻 Online
As part of Black History Month, the Ohio Business Development Center is hosting an educational session focused on how intentional banking relationships and financial structure support long-term business sustainability and generational impact. The session will be led by Jeffery Washington of Wright-Patt Credit Union and will provide practical insights for startups and established businesses.
Topics include: Choosing the right banking partner, structuring business accounts, building banking relationships, preparing for financing, and aligning decisions with long-term legacy goals.
👉 Register at OHBDC.org

Apply Now: Small Business of the Week (2026)

OhioMBE is now accepting applications for our 2026 Small Business of the Week feature.

Each week, one Ohio small business will be highlighted across the OhioMBE platform — including a feature on OhioMBE.com, placement in the OhioMBE Bid Board, and promotion across OhioMBE social media channels.

What selected businesses receive:

  • A featured spotlight on OhioMBE.com
  • Inclusion in the OhioMBE Bid Board
  • Social media promotion across OhioMBE platforms
  • Exposure to thousands of readers statewide

Investment: $150 (one business featured per week; space is limited).

👉 Apply for Small Business of the Week

Publisher’s Notes

When the Excuses Arrive: Why “Good Faith” Without Proof Isn’t Good Enough
Read the full column

Reflecting on Dr. King’s Legacy: What Does Accountability Look Like When Power Is Ours?
Read the full column

Kwanzaa and the Courage to Claim What’s Ours
Read the full column

2026: Grow Your Business. Defend Your Access.
Read the full column

Quiet Corrections Aren’t Transparency
Read the full column

Classifieds

Community Announcement

Trades of Faith – Tool Drive for Future Trades Professionals
Trades of Faith is hosting a Tool Drive to help young people launch successful careers in the skilled trades. We’re calling on our community to support the next generation of builders, makers, and problem-solvers.

🔧 Donate new or gently used tools
💵 Monetary donations are also welcome

Training areas supported: Concrete, Electrical, Plumbing, PPE & Safety, HVAC, Carpentry, Automotive

Every tool helps open a door. Every donation helps shape a future.

🔗 Learn more or support the drive at TradesOfFaith.org

merry&Black is live!

Celebrate Black history, culture, and everyday excellence with the Making Black History Everyday lined journal by Ronda Watson Barber. Designed for reflection, planning, and daily intention, this journal centers our stories and reminds us that Black history isn’t confined to a month—it’s lived, built, and made every day.

📘 Purchase on Amazon

Promote your business, event, or service in the OhioMBE Bid Board Classifieds.

For rates and deadlines, email rbarber@ohiombe.com.

Know another business owner who could benefit from these opportunities? Please share the OhioMBE Bid Board.

Columbus City Schools issues bid notice for Building Envelope at Multiple Sites

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LEGAL NOTICE BUILDING ENVELOPE AT MULTIPLE SITES

Electronic bids for the above-referenced project will be received by the BOARD OF EDUCATION, City School District of Columbus, Ohio, Office of Capital Improvements, (via Public Purchase), until Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. More information can be found on the District’s web site at http://www.columbus.k12.oh.us/rfp. The plans and specifications are on file with Franklin Imaging.

Preserving Your Legacy: Building Financial Power That Lasts

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Black History Month Business Series

As part of Black History Month, the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) is hosting Preserving Your Legacy: Building Financial Power That Lasts—an educational online session focused on how banking relationships and financial structure support long-term business sustainability and generational impact.

Too often, businesses are launched without the banking foundation needed to grow, access capital, or prepare for the future. This session is designed to help entrepreneurs better understand how intentional banking strategies strengthen businesses and help preserve what they are building.

The session will be led by Jeffery Washington of Wright-Patt Credit Union, and will provide practical insights for both startups and established businesses.

Event Details

📅 Tuesday, February 25
🕦 11:30 AM
💻 Online

Session Topics Include

  • Choosing the right banking partner for your business
  • Structuring business accounts for credibility and growth
  • Building and maintaining strong banking relationships
  • Preparing your business for financing and expansion
  • Aligning banking decisions with long-term legacy goals

Who Should Attend

  • Small business owners and entrepreneurs
  • Startups preparing for growth or access to capital
  • Established businesses seeking stronger financial structure
  • Business owners focused on sustainability and succession

This Black History Month session centers ownership, planning, and financial empowerment—because building a business is one thing, but building something that lasts requires intention.

👉 Register at OHBDC.org

AMHA issues new RFP for vending services

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The Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority at 100 West Cedar Street, Akron, Ohio 44307 will receive proposals until 4:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Provide, Maintain and Service SNACK and BEVERAGE VENDING MACHINES at AMHA SENIOR HI-RISE BUILDINGS Within Summit County, Ohio

Specifications are available at SE Blueprint, 520 South Main Street, Suite 2411, Akron, Ohio  44311.   (330) 376-1689 or at   seblue@seblueprint.com

An email link for the above mentioned specifications is available at the Subcontractors Association NEO, 637 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, Ohio; Akron Urban League, Minority Business Assistance Center, 440 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, Ohio; the Builders Exchange of Canton, 5080 Aultman Rd., North Canton, Ohio; Builders Exchange of Cleveland, 9555 Rockside Road, Suite 300, Cleveland, Ohio; and the Ohio Construction News, 7261 Engle Road, Suite 304, Cleveland, Ohio.  

A Pre-Proposal meeting will be held on Thursday February 5th, 2026 at 9AM at 1159 Exeter Road Akron, Ohio 44306. To be considered, Proposals must be received by AMHA at 1159 Exeter Road, Akron, Ohio 44306 no later than 4:00 p.m. (local time) on Thursday February 19th, 2026. Questions contact Pat Edwards, Purchasing Manager 330-253-1391.

Persons with disabilities needing assistance are asked to contact AMHA’s ADA Coordinator, 100 West Cedar Street, Akron Ohio 44307, 330-762-9631 or Ohio Relay at 800-750-0750 at least seven (7) days in advance.

Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority
Herman Hill
Executive Director

Columbus City Schools issues new bid notice for Auditorium & Gymnasium Updates at Multiple Sites

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New Bid Opportunity – Columbus City Schools 🚨

The City School District of Columbus is accepting electronic bids for Auditorium & Gymnasium Upgrades at Multiple Sites.

🗓 Bid Deadline: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Submission: Via Public Purchase
📄 Plans & specs available through Franklin Imaging

🔗 Full details available at the district RFP page.

#OhioBids #PublicSectorContracts #ConstructionBids #OhioContractors #SchoolConstruction #BidOpportunity #ColumbusOhio #SupplierDiversity #PrimeAndSub #OhioMBE

AMHA issues bid notice for Lawn Care Maintenance Services, Landscape Enhancements and Related Work at William E. Fowler, 681 Payne Ave, Bon Sue Apartments, Saferstein Towers 1, Saferstein Towers 2,

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INVITATION TO BID B26002 

The Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority at 100 West Cedar Street, Akron, Ohio 44307 will receive sealed bids until 2:00 p.m. local time on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at which time and place bids will be publicly opened and read aloud for:

Lawn Care Maintenance Services, Landscape Enhancements and Related Work at William E. Fowler, 681 Payne Ave, Bon Sue Apartments, Saferstein Towers 1, Saferstein Towers 2,

PRE-BID will be held on Wednesday, February 4th 2:00PM Located at AMHA, 100 West Cedar Street, Akron, Ohio 44307

Specifications can be purchased at SE Blueprint, 520 South Main Street, Suite 2411, Akron, Ohio 44311. (330) 376-1689 or at seblue@seblueprint.com

An email link for the above mentioned specifications is available at the Subcontractors Association NEO, 637 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, Ohio; Akron Urban League, Minority Business Assistance Center, 440 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, Ohio; the Builders Exchange of Canton, 5080 Aultman Rd., North Canton, Ohio; Builders Exchange of Cleveland, 9555 Rockside Road, Suite 300, Cleveland, Ohio; and the Ohio Construction News, 7261 Engle Road, Suite 304, Cleveland, Ohio.

To be considered Bids must be received by AMHA no later than 2:00 p.m. (local time) on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Questions contact Michele Kindler, Assistant Contracting Officer at 330-376-7792.

Persons with disabilities needing assistance are asked to contact AMHA’S ADA Coordinator, 100 West Cedar Street, Akron Ohio 44307, 330-762-9631 or Ohio Relay at 800-750-0750 at least seven (7) days in advance.

Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority 
Herman Hill
Executive Director