Ronda Barber

COLUMBUS, OH — The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) is proud to present a powerful online training session for construction professionals: “Scaling Up Your Construction Business: Profit & Sustainability Essentials.” The 90-minute course will take place on Wednesday, May 14 at 6:00 PM, led by industry expert Daniel Odion, PE, PMP.

Hosted by the OBDC Construction Academy, this training is designed to equip contractors and small construction business owners with the systems, strategies, and tools they need to grow profitably and sustainably.

“This class is all about helping contractors level up. We want them to walk away with a clear plan and real tools to build a successful, long-lasting construction business,” said Ronda Watson Barber, Executive Director of OBDC.

Attendees will learn how to:

• Implement key systems to streamline daily operations
• Boost profitability and manage cash flow
• Build a strong leadership pipeline
• Plan and prepare for long-term, sustainable growth

Participants will leave the session with a growth-focused mindset and actionable strategies to expand their operations smartly.

📍 Event Details:

• Title: Scaling Up Your Construction Business: Profit & Sustainability Essentials
• Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
• Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Online)
• Presenter: Daniel Odion, PE, PMP
• Register: https://buytickets.at/OBDC
• Cost: FREE for OBDC Members (Use your membership code at checkout)

This event is part of OBDC’s ongoing commitment to supporting minority-owned, women-owned, and small construction businesses across Ohio through targeted training, mentoring, and certification guidance.

For more information, visit OHBDC.org.

🚨 The May 7 OhioMBE Bid Board is LIVE! 🚨
🛠️ New bid notices:
📍 Easton Office Renovations – Due 5/13
📍 Process Server Services – Due 5/21
📍 General Home Repairs – Due 5/28
📍 Nutritional Supplements – Due 6/11

🗓️ Upcoming Events:
🤝 OhioMBE Procurement Fair – May 8
🏗️ Construction Scaling Class – May 14
🦓 Columbus Zoo Outreach – May 21
🏛️ City Vendor Open House – May 21
👑 OWCC Pitch & Connect – May 21

📌 View the full issue → https://bit.ly/3Ss7GeY
#OhioMBE #BidBoard #BlackBusiness #WomenInBusiness #ColumbusZoo #SupportLocal #ProcurementFair #VendorOpportunities #ConstructionBusiness #OWCC 🚀

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the Franklin County Office on Aging, is now accepting proposals for RFP #2024-11-42 – Nutritional Supplements.

📦 Project Overview:
This RFP seeks qualified vendors to provide home-delivered nutritional supplements to support the health and well-being of older adults across Franklin County. The goal is to ensure adequate client nutrition and support community-based care initiatives.

📅 Proposal Deadline: June 11, 2025, at 2:00 PM EDT
🗓 Pre-Proposal Conference: May 20, 2025, at 3:30 PM EDT
❓ Questions Due By: May 23, 2025, at 5:00 PM EDT

📄 More Information & Documents:
Visit http://purchasing.franklincountyohio.gov/businesses/bid-opportunities/ for the full RFP, amendments, and clarifications. Interested parties are responsible for monitoring the site for updates.

📧 Contact:
Sandra Hernandez
Email: smhernandez@franklincountyohio.gov

#FranklinCounty #RFP #NutritionServices #SeniorOptions #OhioVendors #GovernmentContracts #PublicProcurement #OhioMBE

The Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce (OWCC) is launching a new initiative to support women entrepreneurs with its inaugural Pitch & Connect virtual networking session on Wednesday, May 21 at 11:30 AM.

Pitch & Connect: Power Moves – Building Connections for Women Entrepreneurs offers a dynamic, supportive environment where participants will deliver 60-second business introductions, engage in small-group networking, and exchange resources designed to help their businesses grow.

Benefits of participating include:

• Building new business relationships across Ohio

• Practicing your business pitch in a safe, encouraging space

• Gaining visibility among potential clients, collaborators, and supporters

• Receiving encouragement and insight from a community of like-minded women

Participation is free and open to all, with priority given to OWCC members.
Registration is available at WomenInOhio.com.

The OWCC is a program of the Ohio Business Development Center, dedicated to uplifting and connecting women entrepreneurs across the state.

The May 8 OhioMBE Procurement Fair, hosted by the City of Upper Arlington, just got even better!

Ohio State University Medical Center has joined the lineup of organizations looking to meet and connect with small and minority-owned businesses.

✅ Attending organizations include:

• City of Upper Arlington
• Franklin County
• State of Ohio
• Columbus Airports
• Columbus City Schools
• Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
• Pepper Construction
• Ohio State University Medical Center

📅 Each business will receive a 15-minute one-on-one appointment with the organizations of their choice.

🚨 Registration is still open — but appointments are filling up fast!

👉 Register now at OhioMBE.com and don’t miss this chance to grow your business!

The May OhioMBE Procurement Fair will be hosted by the City of Upper Arlington on Wednesday, May 8, 2025.

Small and minority-owned businesses will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with decision-makers from the following organizations:

• ✅ City of Upper Arlington
• ✅ Franklin County
• ✅ State of Ohio
• ✅ Columbus Airports
• ✅ Columbus City Schools
• ✅ Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority

🎯 Each business will receive a 15-minute appointment to introduce their products or services. These sessions are designed to help build relationships, expand networks, and access new contracting opportunities.

⚠️ Spaces are filling fast – don’t miss out!

👉 Register today at OhioMBE.com

Let’s connect. Let’s contract. Let’s grow.

Get ready to learn, grow, and connect this May! Whether you’re looking to scale your construction business or expand your network, we have opportunities for you.

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📚 OBDC Business & Construction Academy Events

Certification 101
🗓️ May 6 @ 11:30 AM (Online)
Learn how to get your business certified and unlock new contracting opportunities.
👉 Register Here

Scaling Up Your Construction Business: Profit & Sustainability Essentials
🗓️ May 14 @ 6:00 PM (Online)
Build a strong, profitable, and sustainable construction business for the long haul.
👉 Register Here

🔹 Reminder: OBDC Members register FREE!
When checking out, select “Use Membership Code” and enter your membership number for complimentary access.

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👑 Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce (OWCC) Events

Pitch & Connect: Building Business Relationships
🗓️ May 21 @ 11:30 AM (Zoom)
Join us for a fun, fast-paced networking session where you can pitch your business and make new connections across Ohio!
👉 Register Here

🌟 New! OWCC Memberships Now Available
Support women entrepreneurs and grow with a dynamic statewide network.
🔗 Learn More

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🔔 Stay connected. Stay empowered. See you online!

The Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce (OWCC) invites you to our first Pitch & Connect online networking session!

Pitch & Connect: Power Moves – Building Connections for Women Entrepreneurs
📅 Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
🕚 Time: 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
📍 Location: Online via Zoom
🎟 Free to attend!

Why Attend?
✅ Share your 60-second business pitch
✅ Build powerful new relationships
✅ Network with women entrepreneurs across Ohio
✅ Discover collaboration and growth opportunities

This is a high-energy, supportive space designed to uplift and connect women business owners at every stage.

Hosted by:
Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce – a program of the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC)

🔗 Reserve your spot today! Registration is open.

Let’s move forward — together!

Kenmore Construction Co., Inc. is seeking proposals from MBE/WBE firms certified through the City of Columbus – Office of Diversity and Inclusion for the following opportunity:

🔧 Project Overview:

• Project Name: Blacklick Creek Sanitary Interceptor Sewer – Shaft 1 Control Gate
• CIP #: 650034-100010
• Bid Due: May 7, 2025, at 3:00 PM EST
• Proposal Deadline to Kenmore: May 6, 2025, by 12:00 PM (Local Time)
• Project Duration: Substantial completion within 365 days; final completion within 455 days

📍 Locations:

• Control Gate Site: 7234 Blacklick Ridge Blvd., Blacklick, OH 43137
• Remote Monitoring Site (MF34): 4411 Marketing Place, Groveport, OH 43125
• Remote Monitoring Site (MF18): 2127 Integrity Drive S., Columbus, OH 43209

🛠️ Subcontracting Opportunities Available In:

🧱 Concrete & Site Work | 🔩 Metals & Fasteners | 🚰 Mechanical & Electrical | 🧰 Instrumentation & Controls | 🚧 Excavation & Paving
…and more! Partial scopes and material supply opportunities are welcomed.

📩 Request Bid Documents or Submit Quotes To:

Adam Kohler – 📧 adamk@kenmorecompanies.com | ☎️ 330-762-9373 | 📠 Fax: 330-762-2135

🛠️ Assistance in bonding, insurance, or mentoring is available upon request.

📍 Company Address:
Kenmore Construction Co., Inc.
Columbus Office: 2924 Banwick Rd., Columbus, OH 43232
Akron Office: 700 Home Ave., Akron, OH 44310

Kenmore Construction is committed to engaging diverse firms and encourages all certified MBE/WBE vendors to participate!

#BidNotice #ConstructionOpportunities #ColumbusProjects #MBE #WBE #KenmoreConstruction #SupplierDiversity #OhioMBE #InfrastructureProjects

On May 21, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will host a special Vendor Forum at the Africa Event Center, designed to strengthen local partnerships and introduce new opportunities for collaboration.

Attendees will learn how to do business with:
🦓 Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
🦒 The Wilds
💦 Zoombezi Bay
⛳ Safari Golf Club

This forum will offer guidance on:
✅ Becoming a registered supplier
✅ Navigating the Zoo’s purchasing software
✅ Exploring current and future business opportunities
✅ Connecting directly with purchasing teams
✅ Registering as a small or minority-owned business
✅ Understanding the Zoo’s commitment to local, sustainable, and inclusive sourcing

📅 Advance registration is required by May 16.
🔗 Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/w4x7dRswBz

#ColumbusZoo #VendorForum #BusinessOpportunities #MBE #SupplierDiversity #SmallBusiness #OhioMBE #SustainableSourcing