Ronda Barber

August 27 OhioMBE Bid Board Is Live!

New contracting opportunities are available for small, minority, and women-owned businesses across Ohio. Don’t miss your chance to compete and connect!

Featured Opportunities

• 🏢 West Opportunity Center Lease & Relocation Services — Due September 17

• 🗑️ Refuse & Recyclable Materials Disposal & Processing Services — Due September 10

📥 Read the full Bid Board: https://bit.ly/46b3R5u

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List Your Event on OhioDiversityNetworks.com — FREE!

Got a business training, networking opportunity, or cultural celebration coming up?
You can list your event at no cost on Ohio’s go-to hub for diverse business and community happenings.

🔗 Submit your event here: https://forms.gle/y7hbZPjfHv49iC4f8

Want more visibility? Upgrade to a Featured Listing for just $99 and get promoted on our social platforms and newsletters.

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ICYMI: SheLeads.OH Women’s Conference Was a Success!

On August 20, women entrepreneurs and leaders from across Ohio gathered at the Quest Conference Center for a day filled with Contracts, Cash, and Connections.

From the OhioMBE Procurement Fair and FundHer Finance Fair to powerful panels and networking opportunities, attendees left inspired and equipped to grow their businesses.

💬 “This was by far the best procurement fair I’ve attended. I met so many wonderful connections and gained valuable resources!”

Stay connected and learn more at WomenInOhio.com.

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🌟 Add Your Business to the OWCC Directory

Join the Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce Business Directory and showcase your products and services to a growing network of clients, collaborators, and opportunities.

✨ Pay What You Can Membership — no barriers, no limits.
📬 Submit your business today: WomenInOhio.com

The OhioMBE Awards Luncheon, presented by OBDC returns on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Huntington Park in downtown Columbus.

Join us for Ohio’s premier celebration of small, minority, and female-owned businesses, nonprofits, and family-owned companies, along with the advocates who champion them. Connect, network, and honor outstanding achievements from across Ohio.

✨ Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
✨ Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
✨ Location: Huntington Park, Columbus, OH

🎟️ Reserve your seat today: buytickets.at/obdc

Are you ready to take on public projects? Understanding prevailing wage requirements is essential for contractors and small business owners who want to work on government-funded construction projects.

Join the OBDC Construction Academy for a focused online training session designed to help you navigate prevailing wage laws and stay in compliance.

What You’ll Learn

• The basics of prevailing wage laws
• How compliance impacts contractors and subcontractors
• Record-keeping and reporting requirements
• Strategies to avoid costly penalties

Event Details

📅 Wednesday, August 27, 2025
🕦 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
💻 Online via Zoom
✅ Free for OBDC Members

This training is ideal for contractors, subcontractors, and small business owners preparing to bid on public projects.

👉 Register today at OHBDC.org

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of Public Facility Management (PFM), is requesting proposals for:

📌 RFP #2025-03-15
Refuse and Recyclable Materials Disposal and Processing Services

📅 Proposal Deadline:
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 @ 3:30 PM (ET)

📝 Project Summary:
Qualified vendors are invited to submit proposals to provide collection, transportation, and disposal or processing of refuse and recyclable materials from Franklin County Facilities.

📍 Pre-Proposal Conference:
Date: August 27, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM (ET)

📬 Submit Questions To:
Erika Patray, Senior Purchasing Coordinator
📧 Email: epatray@franklincountyohio.gov
📞 Phone: 614.525.2595
Deadline for Questions: August 29, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET

📌 Additional Details:
All amendments and clarifications will be posted on the Purchasing Department website. It is the responsibility of all interested parties to monitor:
🔗 Franklin County Bid Opportunities

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Franklin County Board of Commissioners:

• Erica C. Crawley, President
• John O’Grady, Commissioner
• Kevin L. Boyce, Commissioner

📣 Visit OhioMBE.com for more contracting opportunities!

The countdown is almost over. The SheLeads.OH Women’s Business Conference, presented by the Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce, happens this Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at the Quest Conference Center in Columbus. Today is the last day to secure your ticket.

This year’s theme is Power Moves – Cash, Contracts, and Connections, and the conference is packed with opportunities designed to equip women business owners and professionals with the tools, resources, and networks to grow and thrive.

Highlights include:

• Power Lunch Panel featuring trailblazing women leaders sharing their journeys, strategies, and insights.
• FundHer Finance Fair – meet one-on-one with bankers and lending partners to explore loan programs and financing solutions for women-owned businesses.
• Workshops & Mini-Sessions – practical sessions on certifications, marketing strategies, and business growth.
• Networking & Marketplace – build powerful connections and support women-owned vendors in the SheCommerce Marketplace.

“Women in Ohio are making bold moves in business, and this conference is where the momentum happens,” said Ronda Watson Barber, Founder of the Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce. “This is about more than inspiration — it’s about real resources, real opportunities, and real connections.”

📅 Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
📍 Location: Quest Conference Center, Columbus, Ohio
🔗 Register today before ticket sales close: WomenInOhio.com

Don’t miss your chance to be in the room where women are making Power Moves. Secure your spot now!

The countdown is on! The SheLeads.OH Women’s Business Conference, presented by the Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce, is just days away – and this is your chance to be in the room where Cash, Connections, and Contracts happen.

📅 Wednesday, August 20, 2025
📍 Quest Conference Center | Columbus, OH
🎟️ Register now at WomenInOhio.com

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🚨 Bring-a-Friend Special – This Weekend Only!

When you register for the SheLeads.OH Women’s Business Conference, you can bring a friend for FREE.
Double the networking, double the opportunity — at no extra cost.
But hurry — this offer ends Sunday at midnight.

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Why You Can’t Miss This Event

SheLeads.OH is Ohio’s premier gathering for women entrepreneurs, executives, and changemakers. This full-day event is designed to connect you with real opportunities and real results — from financing to contracts and everything in between.

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Highlights Include

Funding Power Panel

Learn from top lenders, CDFIs, and state agencies on how to access capital, improve your business credit, and position yourself for growth. This interactive panel will give you the tools and confidence to pursue the funding your business deserves.

How to Market Your Certification Masterclass

You worked hard to earn your certifications — now learn how to leverage them! This session will share strategies to position your M/WBE, EDGE, DBE, and other certifications to win contracts and grow your client base.

OhioMBE Procurement Fair

Meet one-on-one with buyers from public agencies, corporations, and institutions ready to do business with certified suppliers. These are appointment-based sessions designed to start meaningful contracting relationships.

FundHer Finance Fair

Talk directly with banks, credit unions, and funding organizations about loans, credit-building tools, and alternative financing options.

Vendor & Resource Marketplace

Discover women-owned businesses, resource partners, and services that can help your business thrive.

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Add Your Business to the Statewide Directory

Every attendee is invited to add their business to the Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce Directory at WomenInOhio.com — a searchable, statewide resource connecting women entrepreneurs to customers, collaborators, and contracting opportunities.

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Final Call

Seats are filling fast. Don’t miss your chance to make connections, learn strategies, and leave with actionable opportunities to grow your business.

📍 Register today at WomenInOhio.com
Because your next big break might just be in the room.

This edition features fresh contracting opportunities, community events, and impactful business development programs to support the success of Ohio’s small, minority-, and women-owned businesses.

🔨 Featured Contracting Opportunities
🧼 Janitorial Services – AMHA Service Center – Due Aug 14
🧼 Janitorial Services – REACH Opportunity Center – Due Aug 14
💡 Electrical Services – Due Aug 25
🏢 West Opportunity Center Lease & Relocation Services – Due Sept 17

📥 View the full August 13 Bid Board: https://bit.ly/4mfOOxl

💬 Event Highlights

📅 August 13 @ 6:00 PM
🚛 Integrated Hauling & Logistics in Construction Projects (Online)
Learn how to streamline delivery and reduce costly delays.
🔗 Register: OHBDC.org

📅 August 16 @ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
🙏 Back to School Teen Prayer Rally
📍 East High School, 1500 E. Broad St., Columbus
Youth-focused event supporting a positive school year start.

📅 August 20 @ 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
👩‍💼 SheLeads.OH Women’s Business Conference
📍 Quest Conference Center, Columbus
Power Panels • Finance Fair • Procurement Fair • Marketplace
🎟 Register: WomenInOhio.com

🌐 List Your Event for Free on OhioDiversityNetworks.com
Post your business training, networking, or cultural celebration FREE.
🔗 Submit: Submit Your Event

📣 SheLeads.OH Procurement Fair
📅 August 20 @ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🎯 One-on-one business matchmaking
Confirmed Buyers:
✔️ Hensel Phelps (Columbus Airport)
✔️ Franklin County
✔️ State of Ohio
✔️ COSI
✔️ CMHA
✔️ Elford Construction
✔️ Encova Insurance
…more daily!
🔗 Reserve your spot: buytickets.at/OBDC

📰 Must Reads on OhioMBE.com
• SheLeads.OH 2025 Speaker Spotlight
• Columbus Zoo Procurement Fair Recap
• Consultants for the Incompetent?

📢 Share this Bid Board with a fellow business owner & encourage them to subscribe at OhioMBE.com!

In advocacy and action,
Ronda Watson Barber
Publisher, OhioMBE

If you’re seeking capital, credit-building tools, or lender relationships, make time for the FundHer Finance Fair during the SheLeads.OH Women’s Business Conference on August 20 in Columbus. Attendees can connect with lenders and resource partners offering guidance on loans, credit, and small business finance. 15‑minute introductions; on‑site sign‑up.

Participating organizations

• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – Federal loan programs, business development support, and lending guidance.
• State of Ohio – Funding programs and resources designed to support small and women‑owned businesses across the state.
• Fortuna Bank – Insights on credit, banking tools, and small business lending support.
• Adelphi Bank – Commercial relationship management and capital access strategies for business growth.
• First Merchants Bank – Business banking resources for women‑owned companies, including credit‑building tools and loan guidance.
• Wright‑Patt Credit Union – Financial solutions for small businesses, including loans, credit options, and business advisory services.

Be in the room—Cash. Connections. Contracts.
Register: WomenInOhio.com

The OBDC Construction Academy is offering a must-attend online training for contractors, project managers, and small business owners who want to streamline operations and cut costs on the jobsite.

Integrated Hauling & Logistics Management in Construction Projects will provide participants with the tools and strategies to move materials, equipment, and crews efficiently—reducing downtime and increasing profitability.

What You’ll Learn

• Plan Efficient Hauling Schedules: Optimize routes and delivery times to keep projects on track.
• Coordinate Seamless Logistics: Improve communication between project teams, suppliers, and haulers.
• Reduce Transportation Costs: Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.
• Avoid Project Delays: Implement strategies to minimize common bottlenecks.

Whether you are managing a large-scale project or operating as a subcontractor, understanding hauling and logistics is essential for keeping timelines tight and budgets under control.

Event Details:
📅 Wednesday, August 13, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
💻 Online via Zoom
✅ Free for OBDC Members

This session is ideal for anyone in the construction industry looking to enhance efficiency, build better relationships with suppliers, and boost their competitive edge in bidding.

👉 Register today at OHBDC.org to secure your spot.

The SheLeads.OH Women’s Business Conference is coming to Columbus on August 20, 2025 — and we’re looking for women-owned businesses to feature!

This one-day event, hosted by the Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce, is all about:
💬 Cash. Connections. Contracts.

Why You Should Be There

• FREE vendor booths for women-owned businesses
• Connect with buyers, capital providers, and potential clients
• Attend high-powered sessions, including:
  • Funding Panel – Learn how to secure capital for your business
  • Marketing Your Certification Masterclass – Leverage your WBE, MBE, EDGE, and other certifications for more contracts
• Network with women making power moves across Ohio

💬 “This isn’t just another conference — it’s a chance to be in the room where deals are made, connections are built, and women leave with real opportunities for growth.” – Ronda Watson Barber, Founder, Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce

📅 When: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
📍 Where: Quest Conference Center, Columbus, OH
🎟️ Register now: WomenInOhio.com

Space is limited — secure your spot and get ready to showcase your business!