Ronda Barber

We’re excited to announce that Encova Insurance will be participating in the August 20 OhioMBE Procurement Fair, held during the SheLeads.OH Women’s Business Conference at the Quest Conference Center in Columbus!

This impactful event gives women business owners the opportunity to participate in 15-minute one-on-one appointments with buyers, procurement officers, and supplier diversity professionals from leading public and private organizations.

🗓 Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Quest Conference Center | Columbus, OH
💼 Appointments are scheduled in advance. No walk-ins.

Confirmed participating organizations include:

• Hensel Phelps (Columbus Airport Project)
• Franklin County
• State of Ohio
• Elford Construction
• Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA)
• COSI
• Encova Insurance

With more organizations confirming daily, this Procurement Fair promises to be one of our most robust matchmaking events yet — offering real access to Connections, Contracts, and Cash!

🎟 Register now to secure your spot: buytickets.at/OBDC

“The OhioMBE Procurement Fair is where intentional connections turn into real opportunities,” said Ronda Watson Barber, publisher of OhioMBE.

Stay tuned to OhioMBE.com and our social media for additional updates and announcements.

Post-construction cleaning is more than just sweeping up dust—it’s the final stage that ensures a construction project shines before the keys are handed over. Whether you’re already in the cleaning industry or looking to add a new service offering, this training is your blueprint for success.

In this online workshop, you’ll gain practical knowledge to:

• Understand the three phases of post-construction cleaning
• Select the right tools, chemicals, and safety gear
• Handle delicate surfaces and finishes with care
• Estimate and bid competitively for jobs
• Market your services directly to construction companies

This session is perfect for:
🧼 Cleaning business owners
🧰 Independent contractors
🚀 Aspiring entrepreneurs entering the post-construction space

📅 Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
💻 Location: Online via Zoom
💸 Cost: Free for OBDC Members

Ready to add a high-value skill to your business?
👉 Register at https://buytickets.at/OBDC

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS RFP #P25017 

The Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority is requesting proposals for Electrical Services for Miscellaneous Repairs and/or Interior/Exterior Electrical Services and Related Work at Various AMHA Buildings, Apartments and Single Family Homes. 

A pre-proposal conference will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at 100 West Cedar Street, Akron, Ohio 44307. 

Those interested in submitting a proposal for the aforementioned work may obtain the instructions/information package by contacting SE Blueprint, 540 South Main Street, Suite 211, Akron, Ohio 44311. (330) 376-1689 seblue@seblueprint.com 

Proposals, to be considered, must be submitted in accordance with the requirements of the RFP and received by AMHA no later than 4:00 p.m. (local time) on Monday, August 25, 2025. 

Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority
Herman Hill
Executive Director

The July 24 edition of the OhioMBE Bid Board is now live!
This issue includes new contracting opportunities, summer events, and professional development workshops to help Ohio’s small and minority-owned businesses grow and thrive.

🔨 Featured Contracting Opportunities:
🧹 Janitorial Services at AMHA Service Center – Due August 14
🧼 Janitorial Services at REACH Opportunity Center – Due August 14
🧽 Carpet Cleaning Services – Due July 31
🐾 Veterinary Services – Due July 30
📥 Read the full Bid Board: https://bit.ly/3H64Udg

🗓️ Upcoming Events:
🌼 July 26 – South Side in Bloom (Springfield)
🏗️ July 31 – Franklin County & Elford Small Business Outreach
💻 July 31 – Design & Build Your Website in a Month
📋 August 2 – OBDC Certification 101 (Online)
📋 August 5 – OBDC Certification 101 (Online)
🧽 August 6 – Post-Construction Cleaning (Online)
📋 August 12 – Certification 101 (Evening Session)
🚛 August 13 – Integrated Hauling & Logistics (Online)
🙏 August 16 – Back to School Teen Prayer Rally
👩‍💼 August 20 – SheLeads.OH Women’s Business Conference at Quest Conference Center
🔗 Register: WomenInOhio.com

📰 This week’s must-reads on OhioMBE.com:
⭐ SheLeads.OH Speaker Spotlight
⭐ Recap: OhioMBE Procurement Fair at the Columbus Zoo
⭐ Consultants for the Incompetent?
⭐ Where Are the Black Churches?
⭐ The Audit Is In: Columbus City Schools Must Do Better

📢 Want to share your event for FREE?
Submit it to: OhioDiversityNetworks.com

📬 Please forward this edition to another business owner and encourage them to subscribe to the Bid Board at OhioMBE.com

In advocacy and action,
Ronda Watson Barber
Publisher, OhioMBE

Franklin County is partnering with Elford, Inc. to host a Small Business Outreach Event focused on connecting diverse contractors and suppliers with upcoming construction opportunities. Local small businesses are encouraged to attend and learn how to get involved in one of the county’s largest project bundles.

🗓️ Event Details:

Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Location: 1220 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215
Format: In-person & virtual options available
RSVP by July 25 to dgilliam@elford.com

🏗️ Featured Projects:

• East Opportunity Center – Lobby & Interior Renovation
• Juvenile Intervention Center Renovations
• Family Stabilization Unit
• One Door – 45,000 SF Renovation
• Purchasing and DEI Buildout
• CSEA Interim Improvements
• FCOT Maintenance Program (26-story tower)
• PFM Office Relocation

This is a great opportunity to:
✅ Meet project teams
✅ Learn about subcontracting opportunities
✅ Get prepped for bidding
✅ Grow your business network

💬 Hosted By:

👩‍💼 Andrena Austin, Economic Equity Administrator, Franklin County
👩‍💼 Denise Gilliam, Director of Inclusion & Outreach, Elford, Inc.

Don’t miss this chance to connect and build with Franklin County!
#SupplierDiversity #BuildTogether #OhioMBE #FranklinCounty

The Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the SheLeads.OH 2025 Women’s Business Conference, coming to the Quest Conference Center in Columbus on August 20.

This dynamic event is packed with business education, certification resources, networking, and inspiration for women entrepreneurs across Ohio.

💼 Featured Speakers

Luncheon Power Panel
👩🏽‍🍳 Lisa Gutierrez, Owner & CEO of Dos Hermanos
🏢 Haleema Shafeek, President of GOFS Commercial Interiors

Breakout Sessions
🎯 Judith Politi, Owner of Judith Politi Interior Design, Inc.
Topic: How to Market Your Certification

💰 Shaundretta Boykins, State of Ohio
Topic: Financing Your Business

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🎟️ Reserve Your Seat
Tickets & details: WomeninOhio.com

📢 Want to Showcase Your Business?

• Become a Vendor in our Small Business Marketplace
• Sponsor a session or feature your brand
• Submit your interest now: bernita@ohbdc.org

🎖️ Proudly Sponsored by Fortuna Bank and The Franklin County Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Hosted by the Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce

Free Virtual Class – Wednesday, July 23 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Are your construction bids and contracts missing key language that protects your business?

Join the OBDC Construction Academy for a free virtual training on Wednesday, July 23 to learn what belongs in the General Conditions section of your project proposals — and why getting it right can protect your time, budget, and bottom line.

🔍 What Are General Conditions?

General Conditions are the foundation of any construction contract. They spell out the responsibilities, expectations, and support services required for successful project execution — and they play a crucial role in avoiding disputes and cost overruns.

🧠 In This Class, You’ll Learn:

• What should be included in your General Conditions section
• How to tailor your terms to match project size and scope
• Common mistakes that cost contractors time and money
• Sample language and formatting tips

Whether you’re a general contractor, subcontractor, or project manager, this session will give you the tools to build stronger, smarter bids.

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📅 Class Details:

Class: What to Include in General Conditions
Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Online via Zoom
💸 Cost: Free for OBDC members

🔗 Register now at OHBDC.org

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This training is part of the OBDC Construction Academy, our ongoing series created to support construction professionals with the knowledge and resources needed to compete and thrive.

🛠️ The newest edition of the OhioMBE Bid Board is now available, featuring contracting opportunities, upcoming business events, and community highlights to support the growth of Ohio’s small and minority-owned businesses.

🔨 Featured Contracting Opportunities:
🧼 Janitorial Services – AMHA Service Center (Due Aug. 14)
🧼 Janitorial Services – REACH Opportunity Center (Due Aug. 14)
🧽 Carpet Cleaning Services (Due July 31)
🐾 Veterinary Services (Due July 30)

📥 Read the full July 17 Bid Board: https://bit.ly/4nOip1P

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🗓️ Upcoming Events – July 2025
📌 July 17 | 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
🦁 OhioMBE Procurement Fair @ The Columbus Zoo
🎯 Meet with buyers from the Zoo, CMHA, Franklin County, SSA Group & more
🎟️ Register here

📌 July 19 | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
💉 First Stick Phlebotomy and IV Summit

📌 July 19 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
🎄 Christmas in July – Red Riding Hood Rescue Project

📌 July 23 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
🎙️ Convos with Commissioner Crawley

📌 July 23 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📱 Post. Pitch. Profit. (Hosted by OWCC)
💼 Learn to turn your social media into revenue

📌 July 23 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📋 What to Include in General Conditions
💡 Protect your profit in construction contracts
🔗 Register at OHBDC.org

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📣 Add Your Event for FREE at OhioDiversityNetworks.com
Whether it’s a training, networking event, or community gathering, share your info and increase your visibility statewide.

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📰 This Week’s Must-Reads on OhioMBE.com
• Consultants for the Incompetent?
• SheLeads OH: Voices. Vision. Victory.
• Where Are the Black Churches?
• Westerville Hosts Sold-Out Procurement Fair
• Audit: Columbus City Schools Must Do Better

📢 Know another business owner? Forward this issue and tell them to subscribe at OhioMBE.com

In advocacy and action,
Ronda Watson Barber
Publisher, OhioMBE

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners is requesting proposals for:

🐾 RFP #2025-07-13
Spay, Neuter, Emergency Care, & After-Hours Emergency Veterinary Services

📌 Issued By: Franklin County Department of Animal Care and Control
🗓️ Proposal Due Date: July 30, 2025, at 3:30 PM ET
📅 Pre-Proposal Conference: July 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET

This RFP seeks qualified veterinary providers to support the health and wellbeing of animals in the county’s care through spay/neuter services and 24/7 emergency care.

📄 Full details and updates:
👉 Visit Franklin County’s Purchasing site:
http://purchasing.franklincountyohio.gov/businesses/bid-opportunities/

📬 Questions?
Contact: Erika Patray
📧 epatray@franklincountyohio.gov
📞 614.525.2595
🕔 Deadline for questions: July 25, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET

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📍 Posted on OhioMBE.com – Ohio’s hub for small and minority business opportunities.

#FranklinCounty #OhioMBE #VeterinaryRFP #AnimalCare #SmallBusinessOpportunities #BidAlert #SupplierDiversity

Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: FREE for OBDC Members
🔗 Register at OHBDC.org

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Are you spending too much time writing quotes, estimates, or proposals — only to wonder if they’re even working?

If so, it’s time to discover how AI tools like ChatGPT can help you streamline your process, sound more professional, and ultimately win more contracts.

Join the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) for a free online class on Wednesday, July 16 and learn how to make ChatGPT work for your business.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• How to use ChatGPT to write professional quotes and proposals
• Techniques for customizing AI-generated responses
• Ways to save time while improving clarity and structure
• Pitfalls to avoid when using AI for client communication

This session is especially helpful for contractors, consultants, and service-based entrepreneurs who want to sharpen their quoting process and stand out with stronger proposals.

No prior experience with AI is required — we’ll walk you through it step by step.

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🎓 Who Should Attend?

• Small business owners
• Construction professionals
• Consultants and freelancers
• Anyone writing client quotes, estimates, or RFP responses

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🚀 Why It Matters

Strong quotes lead to stronger client relationships — and more closed deals. This class will help you stop guessing and start using the tools that give you an edge.

Don’t miss out — register now at OHBDC.org and take your proposals to the next level.