Ronda Barber

Are you a business owner looking to take your company to the next level? Understanding the difference between business registration and certification can be a game changer. The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) is hosting a Certification 101 Class on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM (via Zoom) to help entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate the certification process.

Why Attend?

Certification can open doors to government contracts, corporate supplier diversity programs, and other business growth opportunities. Many business owners miss out on these benefits simply because they don’t understand the process. This class will break it all down, covering:

✔️ The difference between registration and certification
✔️ Why registering your business matters
✔️ How certification can help your business grow
✔️ Overview of Central Ohio’s MBE, FBE, and DBE certification programs

This class is perfect for new business owners or anyone considering certification.

Exclusive Bonus

All paying attendees will receive the Certification Resource Guide at no cost—a valuable tool to help navigate the certification process with ease.

Event Details

📅 Date: Tuesday, February 4, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
💻 Location: Online via Zoom
🎟 Register Now: OHBDC.org

Don’t Miss Out!

If you’ve ever wondered how certification could help your business grow, this is your chance to get the answers you need. Secure your spot today and take the first step toward unlocking new opportunities.

For more information and to register, visit OHBDC.org.

#Certification101 #BusinessGrowth #MBE #FBE #DBE #Entrepreneurs #OhioBusiness

The OBDC Construction Academy continues with a must-attend session on Estimating, led by industry expert James Jones! Join us on February 19 at 700 Bryden Road to gain valuable insights into the estimating process and learn key strategies for success.

🔹 Date: February 19, 2025
🔹 Time: 6:00 PM
🔹 Location: 700 Bryden Road, Columbus, OH
🔹 Register at: OHBDC.org

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Essential estimating techniques
✅ Industry best practices from a seasoned professional
✅ Hands-on training – Participants must bring an architectural scale

Take your construction business to the next level with this expert-led training!

📌 Reserve your spot today at OHBDC.org.

#OBDC #ConstructionAcademy #Estimating #SmallBusiness #ConstructionBusiness #ProfessionalDevelopment

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

📅 Bid Due Date: Friday, February 14, 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM (via Public Purchase)
🌐 More Information & Requirements: http://www.columbus.k12.oh.us/rfp
📑 Plans & Specifications: Available at Franklin Imaging

#BidNotice #ConstructionOpportunities #ColumbusCitySchools #Procurement #FacilityUpgrades #OhioMBE

The January 29 OhioMBE Bid Board is now available, featuring new contracting opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses. This edition includes projects from the following organizations:

• Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority
• Building Crafts, Inc.
• Columbus City Schools
• Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
• Elford Construction
• Franklin County

📅 Upcoming Event: OhioMBE Procurement Fair – February 27, 2025
Connect with procurement officials, explore contracting opportunities, and build meaningful business relationships.

📣 View the latest issue here: Read the January 29 OhioMBE Bid Board

Please share this with other business owners who can benefit from these opportunities!

Best,
Ronda Watson Barber
Publisher, OhioMBE

Join us for our Certification 101 Class and take your business to the next level! 🚀

We’ll cover:
✅ The difference between registration and certification
✅ Why registering your business matters
✅ How certification can help your business grow
✅ Central Ohio’s MBE, FBE, and DBE certification programs

📅 Class Dates and Times:

• Tuesday, February 4, 2025: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (via Zoom)
• Tuesday, February 11, 2025: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• Tuesday, February 18, 2025: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• Wednesday, February 26, 2025: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Perfect for new business owners or anyone looking to get certified. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and grow!

🎟 Reserve Your Spot Today: https://buytickets.at/OBDC

Let’s get your business certified and thriving! 💡

#Certification101 #BusinessGrowth #OBDC #MBE #FBE #DBE #Entrepreneurs

Elford is seeking bids for the Eastland Prosperity Center project, an exciting renovation to create a human services hub for the community.

📍 Location: 4485 Refugee Rd., Columbus, OH 43232
📅 Bid Due Date: February 12, 2025, by 12:00 PM
🚧 Start Date: April 1, 2025
🏗️ Completion Date: March 31, 2026

Project Overview:
The Eastland Prosperity Center will transform a 67,000 SF former grocery shopping center into a human services hub. The project includes:

• Demolition of interior spaces
• Structural upgrades
• MEP systems installation
• Tenant build-outs for:
  • Mid-Ohio Market
  • Community health center
  • WIC and CelebrateOne offices
  • Additional service spaces
• Site improvements: parking, landscaping, and updated utility connections

Key Requirements:
✅ Ohio Prevailing Wage Rates apply
✅ Sales tax exempt

📜 Bid Documents & Questions:
Contact DJ Fett at djfett@elford.com for inquiries. View bid documents.
Be a part of this transformative project to uplift the community!

#BidNotice #ConstructionProjects #EastlandProsperityCenter #CommunityDevelopment #PrevailingWage #Elford #OhioMBE #ColumbusConstruction

Elford CMR is now accepting bids for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office 911 Communications Center.

📍 Location: 900 North Hague Ave., Columbus, OH 43204
📅 Bid Due Date: February 14, 2025, by 2:00 PM
🚧 Start Date: March 3, 2025
🏗️ Completion Date: August 29, 2025

Project Description:

Interior renovation of 2,700 SF for noncritical uses
Construction of a 2,380 SF external building meeting Risk Category IV requirements
Remaining Bid Packages:
2️⃣ Selective Demolition
6️⃣ Custom Millwork & Architectural Casework
6️⃣ General Trades
7️⃣ Roofing
9️⃣ Drywall & Acoustical
9️⃣ Resilient Flooring & Carpet
9️⃣ Raised Access Flooring
9️⃣ Painting
2️⃣1️⃣ Fire Suppression
2️⃣2️⃣ Plumbing
2️⃣3️⃣ HVAC
2️⃣6️⃣ Electrical & Technology

Project Requirements:
✅ 15% SEBE Goal
✅ Prevailing wage rates apply
✅ Tax-exempt project

📜 Bidding Documents:
Contact DJ Fett at djfett@elford.com to obtain project details and documents.

Take part in this critical public safety project for Franklin County!

#BidNotice #ConstructionProjects #FranklinCounty911Center #SEBEGoal #PrevailingWage #ElfordCMR #OhioMBE #ColumbusConstruction

LEGAL NOTICE
ROOF REPLACEMENT AT WCBE

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 Friday, February 7, 2025 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.

OhioMBE is pleased to announce its upcoming Procurement Fair, scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 2025, at The Peak at Edison, 781 Science Blvd, Gahanna, OH 43230. The event, hosted in collaboration with the City of Gahanna, is designed to connect small businesses with contracting opportunities and valuable resources to support their growth.

The February OhioMBE Procurement Fair will feature 15-minute one-on-one appointments where small business owners can meet directly with buyers and decision-makers from major organizations. This format provides an unparalleled opportunity for small businesses to pitch their products and services.

Highlights of the Event Include:

• 📢 Procurement Fair: A chance to network with representatives from top organizations and explore contracting opportunities.
• 📖 Workshops: Educational sessions on marketing certifications and accessing State of Ohio loan programs.
• 🚀 Business Resources: Access to tools and information to help businesses thrive.

Confirmed Participating Organizations:

• 🏢 City of Gahanna
• 📚 Gahanna City Schools
• 🦒 Columbus Zoo
• 🏠 Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
• 💪 Kokosing Construction
• 🏰 Gilbane Construction

“We are excited to partner with the City of Gahanna to introduce small businesses to contracting opportunities,” said Ronda Watson Barber, publisher of OhioMBE. “This event is a powerful platform for connecting businesses with buyers and fostering growth in our communities.”

Organizations confirm their participation on a regular basis, please check our social media sites for updates.

Small businesses are encouraged to register early, as space is limited. The registration fee is $25 per person.

How to Register:
Visit OhioMBE.com to reserve your spot today!

Attention Contractors and Vendors!

Elford CMR is seeking bids for the Franklin County 911 Call Center Early Release Package, a new facility for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office 911 Communications Center.

Key Details:
📍 Location: 900 North Hague Ave., Columbus, OH 43204
📅 Bid Due Date: February 4, 2025, by 4:00 PM
🚧 Start Date: March 3, 2025
🏗️ Completion Date: August 29, 2025

Project Description:

• Renovation of 2,700 SF for noncritical uses
• Construction of a 2,380 SF separate external building (Risk Category IV)

Bid Packages Available:
1️⃣ Surveying
2️⃣ Cast-In-Place Concrete
3️⃣ Masonry
4️⃣ Structural Steel & Misc. Metals
5️⃣ Aluminum, Glass & Glazing
6️⃣ Earthwork & Utilities

Requirements:
✅ 15% SEBE Goal
✅ Prevailing wage rates apply
✅ Tax-exempt project

📜 Bidding Documents:
Contact DJ Fett at djfett@elford.com to obtain project details and documents.

#BidOpportunity #ConstructionProjects #FranklinCounty911Center #SEBEGoal #ElfordCMR #OhioMBE #ColumbusConstruction