Ronda Barber

The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) invites entrepreneurs and small business owners to attend a free online class on Tuesday, March 25 at 11:30 AM (EST) focused on building and strengthening business credit.

💼 Class: Building Business Credit & Funding Resources
📆 Date: Tuesday, March 25
⏰ Time: 11:30 AM (EST)
💻 Location: Online via Zoom
🎙️ Presented by: Michael Towns, Adelphi Bank

Participants will learn:
✅ How to establish and grow business credit
✅ How business credit differs from personal credit
✅ Funding sources and tools to help you access capital

Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your business to the next level, this session is packed with practical, easy-to-follow advice.

🆓 This class is free, but registration is required.

Register now at OHBDC.org and secure your spot!

#BusinessCredit #SmallBusiness #FundingResources #OBDC #Entrepreneurship #FreeClas

On March 20, OBDC hosted another powerful Women in the Construction Industry Lunch, this time with the generous support of Ruscilli Construction. Women business owners and professionals gathered to gain valuable insight on how to do business with Ruscilli and explore new opportunities in the construction industry.

Monica Womack, Chief of Diversity for the State of Ohio, provided helpful information about the various business services available through the state and shared tips on how women-owned firms can better position themselves for success.

The group also engaged in a critical discussion about the prequalification process—what it is, why it matters, and how going through it can open doors to more substantial contracts and partnerships.

“At OBDC, we’re committed to making sure women are at the table and ready to compete,” said Ronda Watson Barber, OBDC Founder and CEO. “Events like this help equip women with the tools, relationships, and information they need to thrive in the construction industry.”

Thank you to Ruscilli Construction and all the amazing women who joined us to learn, connect, and grow. We look forward to continuing the conversation and creating even more opportunities.

📢 New contracting opportunities are available! Don’t miss bids for:
🏗️ Roof Replacement at Food Service Production Center
🏗️ Fire Alarm Upgrades
🏗️ Professional Design Services
🏗️ VAWA Program Service Provider
🏗️ LCK Ramp 3 Reconstruction (Rickenbacker)
🏗️ Columbus Police Substation Hilltop
🏗️ County Resurfacing & Drainage Improvements

📅 Upcoming OBDC Training & Events:
👷‍♀️ Women in Construction Lunch – March 20 – Network & learn with Ruscilli!
💰 Building Business Credit – March 25 – Funding strategies for business owners!

📌 Read the full Bid Board here: OhioMBE.com & share with other business owners!

#OhioMBE #BidBoard #ContractingOpportunities #SmallBusiness #WomenInConstruction #BuildSmart #BlackBusiness #SupportLocal 🚀

 Calling all women entrepreneurs in Ohio! 

The newly launched Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce (OWCC) is on a mission to empower, support, and advocate for women business owners across the state. To better understand the challenges and opportunities facing Ohio’s women entrepreneurs, we are conducting a State of Women Business Owners in Ohio survey.

 Your input matters! This quick 3-minute survey will help shape policies, resources, and programs designed to support women-led businesses in Ohio.

Why Take the Survey?

 Advocate for better opportunities and support for women-owned businesses
 Help shape business policies and funding initiatives
 Be part of a powerful movement dedicated to women’s economic growth

 Take the survey today!  https://forms.gle/JcfHARKbfN5ePfpR9

The Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce is committed to creating a thriving network for women entrepreneurs. Learn more and stay connected at  www.womeninohio.com. OWCC is a program of the Ohio Business Development Center.

#WomenInBusiness #OhioWomenEntrepreneurs #OhioWomensChamber #OhioMBE

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the Franklin County Department of Sanitary Engineering, is seeking qualified Professional Engineering firms for the S. Grener Ave., Emmit Ave., Mix Ave., & Sullivant Ave. (GEMS) Water Main Replacement Project.

📅 Proposal Due Date: April 24, 2025, at 2:00 PM (ET)
📍 Pre-Proposal Conference: April 9, 2025, at 10:00 PM (ET)
📩 Written Question Deadline: April 11, 2025, at 5:00 PM (ET)

🔗 More Info & Bid Documents: http://purchasing.franklincountyohio.gov/businesses/bid-opportunities/

📞 Contact: Erika Patray, Senior Purchasing Coordinator
📧 Email: epatray@franklincountyohio.gov
📱 Phone: 614-525-2595

🚧 Scope: Includes design, bidding, construction administration, & inspection services for the water main replacement project.

🔔 Don’t miss this opportunity to provide engineering expertise for Franklin County!

#RFQ #Engineering #WaterMainReplacement #FranklinCounty #Infrastructure #BidOpportunity #OhioMBE

Elford Construction is inviting bids from qualified subcontractors and suppliers for two renovation projects in Columbus, Ohio:

1. Franklin County Property Room Renovation

• Location: 369 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
• Scope: Interior renovation of 10,924 SF
• Bid Packages:
  • Final Cleaning
  • Selective Demolition
  • General Trades
  • Aluminum Glass & Glazing
  • Drywall & Acoustical
  • Resilient Flooring & Carpet
  • Painting
  • Fire Suppression
  • Plumbing & HVAC
  • Electrical & Technology

2. Franklin County Jail Records Renovation

• Location: 369 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
• Scope: Interior renovation of 3,342 SF
• Bid Packages:
  • Final Cleaning
  • General Trades
  • Drywall & Acoustical
  • Resilient Flooring & Carpet
  • Painting
  • Fire Suppression
  • Plumbing & HVAC
  • Electrical & Technology

Key Details for Both Projects:

• Bid Due Date: April 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM
• Start Date: April 28, 2025
• Completion Date: August 29, 2025
• SEBE Goal: 20% Small and Emerging Business Enterprise
• Requirements: Prevailing wage rates apply; projects are tax-exempt

Prospective bidders must meet Franklin County’s quality contractor requirements as outlined in Article 8 of the Invitation to Bid (ITB).

Contact for Bidding Documents and Inquiries:

• Name: Aaron Daman
• Email: adaman@elford.com
• Phone: 614-545-3129

Elford Construction encourages participation from diverse business partners and looks forward to collaborating on these significant projects.

Columbus, OH – Today, during the OBDC Women’s Small Business Success Summit, a groundbreaking announcement was made: the launch of the Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce (OWCC). Over 20 women entrepreneurs gathered online to learn about business resources and connect with industry experts, marking the perfect occasion to introduce this new, membership-driven organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for women in business across Ohio.

The summit featured dynamic presentations from Keena Smith, Catera Cannon, Amy Wendling, Melony Bryant, Stacy Cornett, Shaundretta Boykins, and OBDC founder and executive director Ronda Watson Barber. During the event, Barber unveiled the Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce, highlighting its mission to foster economic growth, provide access to business development resources, and create a powerful network for women entrepreneurs statewide.

“The Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce is here to amplify the voices of women business owners and provide them with the tools they need to thrive,” said Ronda Watson Barber. “We are building a strong, supportive community that connects women to opportunities, funding, and business partnerships.”

The OWCC will offer a range of benefits, including networking events, training programs, mentorship opportunities, and advocacy efforts focused on policy and procurement for women-owned businesses. The chamber will work in alignment with OBDC’s mission of supporting entrepreneurship, ensuring that women entrepreneurs across Ohio have the resources to succeed.

For more information about the Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce, visit WomeninOhio.com.

📅 Date: Tuesday, March 18

🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (EST)

💻 Location: Online via Zoom

What You’ll Learn:

• How to read and interpret construction blueprints
• Understanding key symbols and components
• Applying blueprint reading skills for estimating and project planning

Cost:

• Free for OBDC Members
• $10 for Non-Members

There’s still time to register! Secure your spot now at OHBDC.org.

#BlueprintReading #ConstructionTraining #OBDC #ProfessionalDevelopment

 Reminder: Women’s Business Success Summit Today at 11:30 AM! 

Event Details:

• Date & Time: Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 11:30 AM (EST)​
• Location: Online via Zoom​

Featured Speakers:

• Keena Smith – Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity​
• Catrena Cannon – Columbus Chamber of Commerce​
• Ronda Watson Barber – Discussing OBDC’s Women in Construction Industry Lunch & other programs​
• Shaundretta Boykins – Details on State of Ohio loans for women​
• Stacy Cornett – Information on State of Ohio certifications for women-owned businesses​

Why Attend?

• Discover funding opportunities and certification processes​
• Connect with key resource providers and fellow women business leaders​
• Gain insights to start, grow, and sustain a successful business​

Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your entrepreneurial journey. Register now at OHBDC.org and join us!​

#OBDC #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Networking #SmallBusinessSuccess

Get ready for an exciting week of networking, learning, and business growth opportunities! 🚀 Join us for these powerful events:

🔹 Business Success Summit: Resources for Women in Business

📆 Tuesday, March 18 | ⏰ 11:30 AM (EST) | Online via Zoom
💡 Learn about funding, certification, and business resources for women!
✅ Featuring Keena Smith, Catrena Cannon, Ronda Watson Barber, Shaundretta Boykins, and Stacy Cornett
🔗 Register at OHBDC.org!

🔹 Basic Blueprint Reading for Construction

📆 Tuesday, March 18 | ⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (EST) | Online via Zoom
🏗 Learn how to read blueprints, understand symbols, and apply blueprint reading skills for estimating & planning.
💰 Free for OBDC Members | $10 for Non-Members
🔗 Register at OHBDC.org!

🔹 Women in the Construction Industry Lunch

📆 Thursday, March 20 | ⏰ 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Ruscilli Construction HQ, Dublin, OH
👷‍♀️ Network, share resources & learn how to do business with Ruscilli Construction!
💰 Members: $5 | Non-Members: $10
🔗 Reserve your spot at OHBDC.org!

🔹 Building Business Credit & Funding Resources

📆 Tuesday, March 25 | ⏰ 11:30 AM (EST) | Online via Zoom
💰 Michael Towns of Adelphi Bank will share business credit & funding strategies!
🔗 Sign up at OHBDC.org!

📢 Don’t miss these valuable events – register today!

💬 Know someone who needs this? Tag them below! 👇🏽

#OBDC #WomenInBusiness #ConstructionTraining #SmallBizSuccess #Networking #Entrepreneurship