Build Your Business. Protect Your Profit.

The Ohio Business Development Center is launching a new online training series designed to help contractors and small business owners strengthen the business side of construction.

The OBDC Construction Growth Series features practical, real-world sessions focused on contracts, estimating, project management, pricing, and business growth.

If you’re tired of losing money on projects, underpricing your work, dealing with job site chaos, or trying to grow without systems — this series is for you.

🗓️ Sessions Meet Every Wednesday at Noon

📅 Starting June 10
💻 Online Sessions

Upcoming Sessions Include:

🔨 Reading Construction Contracts Like a Pro
Learn how to identify costly contract terms, scope traps, payment clauses, and red flags before signing agreements.

💸 Estimating Mistakes That Kill Profit
Discover the estimating mistakes that cost contractors money and how to build estimates that protect profit.

🚧 Project Management for Small Contractors
Learn practical strategies for staying on schedule, managing subcontractors, and avoiding delays and penalties.

🚀 From Side Hustle to Real Business
Perfect for entrepreneurs ready to move from hustle mode to systems, structure, and growth.

💰 Pricing for Profit
Stop underpricing your work and learn how to build pricing strategies that support sustainability and growth.

🎟️ Pricing

• $39 per session for non-members
• OBDC Members attend FREE
• Replay access available

Become an OBDC member and access online classes, resources, and more.

Register and learn more here.

#ohiombe

Need funding for your business?
Then you need to understand CASH FLOW.

Join Michael Towns with Adelphi Bank for a real conversation about how lenders evaluate your business before approving funding.

Too many business owners focus only on revenue. Banks are looking deeper.

Learn:
• What lenders want to see
• Why cash flow matters more than profit
• Common mistakes that hurt approvals
• How to better position your business for funding

🗓 Tuesday, May 19, 2026
🕚 11:30 AM
💻 Online via Zoom
💲 FREE

Log in at 11:30 with this link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/wBaXITz7ReGsOa3MbVwoYw

#ohiombe #businessfunding #cashflow #smallbusiness #entrepreneur #obdc

The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) is now accepting proposals for RFP 2026-004: OnSpring Consultant Support & Service Provider.

This opportunity is for firms interested in providing consulting support and related services for CMHA’s OnSpring platform and operational needs.

Important Dates

📅 Proposal Deadline:
Friday, June 1, 2026 at 11:00 AM

📅 Pre-Proposal Conference:
Monday, June 12, 2026 at 2:00 PM via Zoom

The Zoom Meeting ID may be obtained by visiting CMHA Procurement Opportunities or by contacting CMHA’s Purchasing Department.

Contact Information

📍 Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
880 E. 11th Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43211

📞 614-421-4433
🕗 Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

The Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce (OWCC) is proud to announce that entrepreneur and community leader Tia Johnson will serve as the featured keynote speaker for the upcoming Funding HER Future: A Brunch Experience for Women Entrepreneurs on June 4, 2026, at Quest Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio.

Tia Johnson is a trailblazing entrepreneur based in Columbus and the founder of Fresh Environmental Services and Compost Clubhouse. She is widely recognized for her work in financial empowerment, sustainability, youth mentorship, leadership, and environmental advocacy.

Through Fresh Environmental Services, Tia has created innovative, community-focused waste management solutions that promote public health, environmental responsibility, and economic opportunity. Under her leadership, the company has created jobs, improved sanitation efforts, and increased awareness about environmental issues impacting underserved communities.

She expanded her mission through Compost Clubhouse, an initiative designed to engage young people and communities in environmental stewardship and sustainability education.

Known for her authentic and dynamic speaking style, Tia inspires audiences with real conversations about entrepreneurship, leadership, financial literacy, and creating impact through business ownership. Her message encourages others to take bold steps, build relationships, and position themselves for long-term success.

Funding HER Future will bring together women entrepreneurs, lenders, financial institutions, and business resource partners for an afternoon focused on access to capital, funding strategies, and business growth opportunities.

The event will feature:

• Networking brunch
• Funding and capital access panel discussion
• One-on-one funding connections
• SBA participation
• Meetings with Wright-Patt Credit Union, Adelphi Bank, and additional funding partners
• Introduction of the OWCC Women’s Business Certification

Tickets are available now at WomeninOhio.com.

Today at 11:30 AM, the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) will host a FREE online Banker’s Hour session focused on one of the most important financial tools for entrepreneurs — understanding your personal financial statement and how banks evaluate it during the lending process.

The session, titled “Banker’s Hour: Understanding Your Personal Financial Statement & How Banks View It,” will help business owners better understand what lenders are looking for when reviewing funding applications and why personal financial information plays a critical role in accessing capital.

Attendees will gain insight into:

• How banks review personal financial statements
• Common mistakes business owners make
• What lenders look for during financing decisions
• How to better position yourself for funding opportunities

This session is designed for entrepreneurs, contractors, startups, and small business owners seeking to strengthen their financial knowledge and improve their ability to access capital.

🗓️ Date: Today
⏰ Time: 11:30 AM
📍 Location: Online via Zoom
💲 Cost: FREE

Register here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/FdO-CWcGSLuCi1QCmcrvzA

For additional programs and business resources, visit:
OHBDC.org

Get real banking insight from professionals who review funding applications every day.

Join us for two FREE online Banker’s Hour sessions designed to help business owners better understand what banks are looking for when it comes to lending and funding approval.

🗓 May 12, 2026
Understanding Your Personal Financial Statement & How the Bank Views It
Featuring Jonathan Gummel with Fortuna Bank

🗓 May 19, 2026
Understanding Cash Flow for Funding Approval
Featuring Michael Towns with Adelphi Bank

Both sessions begin at 11:30 AM and will be held online via Zoom.

These are practical, real-world conversations to help you become more funding ready, better understand your numbers, and position your business for growth.

Register today here!

#ohiombe #smallbusiness #businessfunding #cashflow #entrepreneur #obdc #banking #fundingready

The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) is seeking proposals from qualified vendors for the procurement of Plank Vinyl Tile under RFP 2026-006.

This opportunity provides contractors and suppliers the chance to work with one of Central Ohio’s leading housing authorities on a materials procurement project.

Important Dates:

• Pre-Proposal Conference (Zoom): Monday, May 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM
• Proposal Deadline: Friday, May 29, 2026 at 11:00 AM

The pre-proposal conference will be held virtually via Zoom. The Meeting ID can be obtained by visiting CMHA’s website or contacting their Purchasing Department.

How to Obtain Details:

Interested vendors may access additional information and submission requirements by visiting www.cmhanet.com or by contacting:

Purchasing Department
Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
880 E. 11th Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43211
Phone: 614-421-4433
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Building Crafts seeks bids for City of Oxford Membrane Softening Improvements Project.

Building Crafts, Inc., an equal opportunity employer, is actively soliciting bids from EDGE, ODOT-certified DBE, MBE, and WBE subcontractors and suppliers for an upcoming City of Oxford construction project.

This project includes the construction of a new brick and block membrane building, along with the installation of associated equipment, piping, and electrical systems. The scope also features a Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB) that will include office and locker room facilities.

Scopes of Work Include (but are not limited to):

• Seeding and mulching
• Reinforcing steel (supply and erection)
• Concrete
• Block and brick masonry
• Precast roof planks
• Roofing
• Caulking and sealants
• Miscellaneous metals
• Doors and windows
• Painting
• HVAC
• Electrical
• Trucking

Important Dates:

• Bid Due to Building Crafts, Inc.:April 30, 2026 by 8:00 AM
• Project Bid Date:May 1, 2026

How to Access Bid Documents:

Bid documents are available for review at:
Building Crafts, Inc.
2 Rosewood Dr.
Wilder, KY 41076

To view documents electronically, contact:
Madison Paul
📞 (859) 781-9500

Submission Details:

Submit quotes by 8:00 AM on April 30, 2026 via:
📧 Email: estimating@buildingcrafts.com
📠 Fax: (859) 781-9505

Note: All DBE, MBE, and WBE bids must include a completed Form 6100-3 DBE Subcontractor Performance Form.

What Estimators & Purchasing Professionals Are Looking For

📅 Tuesday, April 21 | 11:30 AM (Virtual)

What separates the businesses that get called… from the ones that get overlooked?

Join the Ohio Business Development Center for a real-world session focused on what it actually takes to stand out as a subcontractor or vendor.

This is where you learn how decisions are really made.

You’ll hear directly from estimators and purchasing professionals about what they look for when reviewing vendors, evaluating bids, and building their go-to list of subcontractors.

What You’ll Learn
✔️ What makes a business stand out immediately
✔️ The common mistakes that cost you opportunities
✔️ How to present your business the right way
✔️ What estimators and buyers expect before they ever call you
✔️ How to position your company for repeat work

Who Should Attend
Contractors and subcontractors
Service-based businesses
Suppliers and vendors
Certified and non-certified businesses
Anyone serious about getting selected for projects

Why This Matters

Getting certified or submitting a bid isn’t enough. If you want consistent opportunities, you need to understand how buyers think—and what makes them choose one business over another.

This session will give you that insight.

Cost

Free for OBDC members
Not a member? Join today for just $25 and attend this session at no cost.

Register Today
Visit OHBDC.org to reserve your spot.

Connecting small businesses to cash, contracts, and connections across Ohio. Review bid notices at OhioMBE.com .

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🔨 Bid Opportunities

• NEW: CMHA Unit Restoration Project
  View Details
  Bid Date: May 12, 2026

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🗓️ OhioDiversityNetworks.com – Upcoming Events

April 18 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
FREE Community Shred Day
Community Bank – Downtown Zanesville Office
113 North Fifth Street, Zanesville, Ohio
Secure document destruction available.
Free

April 18 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Youth Symposium
Hartwell Recreation Center (CRC)
Cincinnati, Ohio
Careers • Finance • Education • Entrepreneurship

April 19 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
18th Annual JUMP 25 OH
St. Charles Prep (Gym)
Columbus, Ohio
Hall of Fame • All-Star Classic featuring Ohio’s top high school seniors
$6.00

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📰 Business News

Net Auto Glass Named “Best of 2026” in Columbus
Read the full article

Have news to share? Let Ohio know what your business is doing.

Free submission for a limited time

Share Your Business News

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💼 Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC)

📘 Certification 101: Get Certified & Contract Ready
📅 April 14 or 28

Learn how MBE, WBE, DBE, and EDGE certifications work and how to apply. This session covers eligibility, required documents, common mistakes, and how certification connects to real contracting opportunities.

Register Now

🔨 How to Become a Preferred Subcontractor
📅 April 21 | 11:30 AM (Virtual)

Hear directly from estimators and purchasing professionals on how subcontractors actually get selected. Learn what makes you stand out, how to approach buyers, and how to position your business for real work. Includes live Q&A.

Reserve Your Spot

OBDC Membership – Just $25/Year
Membership provides free access to training, mentoring, certification assistance, and business support services.
Join today at OHBDC.org

📸 Give Back Snaps
A nonprofit photo booth experience supporting small business programming and community events.
Book your booth

🎓 OBDC Construction Academy • Replay Library
On-demand training led by industry experts covering estimating, project management, compliance, and more. Members receive free access to the full training library.
Access the Replay Library

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📰 Publisher’s Notes

Ask Better Questions Before You Cast Your Vote
Read the full column

$80.9 Million in Contracts—Where Was the Outreach?
Read the full column

Where Is the $80.9 Million Going?
Read the full column

When the Community Pays but Can’t Participate
Read the full column

A 25-Year Program Doesn’t Need Rebuilding. It Needs Leadership
Read the full column

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