The October 1 OhioMBE Bid Board is live!

Here is the link ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://bit.ly/3Kvfooc

Do you like the Bid Board? Share it!
๐Ÿ“Œ Facebook | ๐Ÿ’ผ LinkedIn | โœ‰๏ธ Email | ๐ŸŒ Bluesky


๐Ÿ”จ Featured Contracting Opportunity

  • CMAR Services at Demorest Townhomes โ€“ Due Oct. 16
    Posted on OhioDiversityNetwork.com

๐Ÿ“… Upcoming Events โ€“ October 2025

Wednesday, Oct. 1 | 4:00โ€“6:00 PM
๐Ÿ’ผ Webinar Series: Managing the Profitable Business (Online)
Hosted by Hensel Phelps & Victor Tyler โ€“ Weekly through Nov. 12

Wednesday, Oct. 1 | 5:30โ€“8:00 PM
๐ŸŒŸ Women of Impact โ€“ Columbus Chamber Womenโ€™s Collective
๐Ÿ“ Lincoln Theatre, 769 Long St., Columbus

Wednesday, Oct. 1 | 6:00โ€“7:30 PM
๐Ÿ› ๏ธ OBDC Construction Academy โ€“ Coordinating Subcontractors (Online via Zoom)
๐Ÿ”— Register at OHBDC.org

Fridayโ€“Tuesday, Oct. 3โ€“8 | 5:00 AMโ€“6:00 PM Daily
๐Ÿฉ Miles’ Mission & Donald’s Donuts: The BLUE Donut Return
๐Ÿ“ Donaldโ€™s Donuts, Zanesville

Sunday, Oct. 5 | 10:00โ€“11:30 AM
๐Ÿ™ Trinity Baptist Church โ€“ Pastoral Appreciation Sunday
๐Ÿ“ 461 Saint Clair Ave., Columbus

Tuesday, Oct. 14 | 3:00โ€“8:00 PM
๐Ÿ—๏ธ AEC Unites Business Mixer
๐Ÿ“ Moody Nolan, Columbus

Wednesday, Oct. 15 | 4:00โ€“6:00 PM
๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ง Community Care Forum: Helping Families Thrive
๐Ÿ“ Mattie B. James Center, Columbus

Wednesday, Oct. 22 | 6:00โ€“8:00 PM
๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Convos With Crawley & Wilson
๐Ÿ“ Otterbein University Campus Center, Westerville

Thursday, Oct. 23 | 11:00 AMโ€“1:30 PM
๐Ÿ† 2025 OhioMBE Awards Luncheon
๐Ÿ“ Huntington Park, Columbus
๐ŸŽŸ Tickets & sponsor info: OhioMBEAwards.com

Wednesday, Oct. 29 | 11:30 AMโ€“1:00 PM
๐ŸŽ€ OWCC Breast Cancer Awareness Session (Online via Zoom)
โœจ Theme: Think Pink: Awareness, Action & Advocacy
๐Ÿ”— Register FREE at WomenInOhio.com


๐Ÿ“ข List Your Event FREE!

Promote your training, networking, or cultural celebration on OhioDiversityNetworks.com.
๐Ÿ†“ Standard listings are free | ๐Ÿš€ Featured listings $99

Submit your event ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://forms.gle/y7hbZPjfHv49iC4f8


๐Ÿ—ณ๏ธ Peopleโ€™s Choice Awards โ€“ Voting Opens Today at Noon!

Support your favorite Ohio small, minority, female, family, and veteran-owned businesses.
โœ… Ballot goes live at OhioMBEAwards.com
โœ… Share with your network and help celebrate Ohioโ€™s best!


๐Ÿ“ฐ Must-Reads on OhioMBE.com

  • When Representation Doesnโ€™t Mean Inclusion
  • Are We Progressing? 62 Years After the March on Washington
  • Taxation Without Participation

โœจ Stay connected, share the Bid Board, and letโ€™s keep lifting up Ohioโ€™s small business community.

Peopleโ€™s Choice Awards Voting Opens Today at Noon!

The 2025 OhioMBE Awards Peopleโ€™s Choice Awards voting opens today at noon! ๐ŸŽ‰

This is your chance to support your favorite small, minority, female, family, and veteran-owned businesses across Ohio.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Visit OhioMBEAwards.com to cast your vote once the ballot goes live.

The OhioMBE Awards are dedicated to celebrating the resilience, innovation, and impact of Ohioโ€™s small businesses. Thank you for joining us in lifting up and recognizing these outstanding entrepreneurs.

โœ… Voting opens at noon at OhioMBEAwards.com
โœ… Share the link with your network and help us honor Ohioโ€™s best!

Coordinating Subcontractors: Best Practices for Smooth Project Execution – Oct. 1

Coordinating Subcontractors: Best Practices for Smooth Project Execution

๐Ÿ“… Wednesday, October 1, 2025
๐Ÿ•• 6:00 PM โ€“ 7:30 PM (Zoom)

Working with multiple subcontractors can make or break a project. This OBDC Construction Academy class will cover strategies for coordinating schedules, managing communication, and ensuring projects stay on track and within budget.

โœ… Free for OBDC Members
โœ… Online via Zoom
โœ… Practical, expert-led training

๐Ÿ”— Register Today: OHBDC.org or buytickets.at/OBDC

โœจ Meet the 2025 OhioMBE Awards Nominees

We are excited to celebrate Ohioโ€™s outstanding small, minority, female, and family-owned businesses!

These profiles come directly from businesses who have submitted their nominations โ€” and thereโ€™s still time to be included.

Explore our Nominee Directory at OhioMBEAwards.com to learn more about the inspiring organizations already recognized for the 2025 OhioMBE Awards.

๐Ÿ“Œ Nomination Deadline: September 30
Do you know a deserving business or organization? Submit your nomination today and help us spotlight their excellence.

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Tickets are available!
Donโ€™t miss the celebration on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Huntington Park.

๐Ÿค Sponsorship opportunities remain open!
Gain visibility and show your support for Ohioโ€™s small business community.

Join us as we honor innovation, resilience, and leadership in Ohioโ€™s business community.
Together, weโ€™re Inclusion Reimagined: Rising Together!

๐Ÿ‘‰ Visit OhioMBEAwards.com for details.

Nominations Closing Soon for the 2025 OhioMBE Awards!

The deadline to submit nominations for the 2025 OhioMBE Awards is approaching fast โ€” September 30, 2025! Donโ€™t miss your chance to recognize the outstanding small businesses, nonprofits, and leaders making a difference across Ohio.

This yearโ€™s luncheon will celebrate excellence in:
๐Ÿ† Top MBE (Minority Business Enterprise)
๐Ÿ† Top FBE (Female Business Enterprise)
๐Ÿ† Top Family-Owned Business
๐Ÿ† Best Nonprofit
๐Ÿ† Top Veteran Business
๐Ÿ† Peopleโ€™s Choice Awards


โœ… Current Nominees (To-Date)

Top MBE

  • ALLEY BBURGER
  • Aftermath General Contracting & Janitorial Cleaning LLC
  • Columbus Archery
  • Katbro
  • Majestic Rehab & Remodeling LLC
  • Natural Green Cleaning Services
  • Selph Made Tax Financial Partners
  • Smoot Construction
  • Your Recovery Counseling
  • Maryโ€™s Cleaning
  • The CAM Company
  • Net Auto Glass

Top FBE

  • Ellie / Rise Consulting Solutions LLC
  • G. Warren Wealth
  • Lace & Grace Boutique
  • Make Up By Ahshia LLC
  • Makeup by Ahshia
  • Melanated PR Plug
  • Noir Marketing and PR
  • Qbyrds LLC
  • Rise Consulting Solutions LLC
  • The Hearts Haven Center for Counseling
  • Work Space, LLC
  • Your Recovery Counseling
  • Exclusively BA

Top Family-Owned Business

  • Progressive Printers, Inc.
  • Smoot Construction Company
  • WolfTech Cybersecurity
  • Young Entrepreneurs Across America

Best Nonprofit

  • The Mustard Seed Foundation

๐Ÿ“… Winners will be announced at the OhioMBE Awards Luncheon
๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 11:30 AM โ€“ 1:00 PM
๐Ÿ“ Huntington Park, Columbus, Ohio
โœจ Theme: Inclusion Reimagined: Rising Together

๐Ÿ‘‰ Submit your nomination today at OhioMBEAwards.com
๐Ÿ‘‰ Tickets are also available at OhioMBEAwards.com

OBDC Construction Academy โ€“ Upcoming Class: Managing Change Orders in Construction Projects

Managing Change Orders in Construction Projects
๐Ÿ“… Wednesday, September 24, 2025
โฐ 6:00 PM โ€“ 7:15 PM
๐Ÿ“ Zoom

Change is inevitable in construction, but it doesnโ€™t have to derail your project. This class will provide strategies to:

  • Handle change orders effectively
  • Control costs and avoid disputes
  • Keep projects on schedule and clients satisfied

โœจ Free for OBDC Members
๐Ÿ‘‰ Register today at OHBDC.org

Meet the 2025 OhioMBE Awards Nominees (To-Date)!

We are thrilled to share the growing list of nominees for the 2025 OhioMBE Awards Luncheon, happening on Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 11:30 AM โ€“ 1:00 PM | Huntington Park, Columbus.

This yearโ€™s luncheon will celebrate excellence and leadership across Ohioโ€™s small business community with awards in five categories:


๐Ÿ† Top MBE (Minority Business Enterprise)

  • ALLEY BBURGER
  • Your Recovery Counseling
  • Aftermath General Contracting & Janitorial Cleaning LLC
  • Selph Made Tax Financial Partners
  • Smoot Construction

๐Ÿ† Top FBE (Female Business Enterprise)

  • Melanated PR Plug
  • G. Warren Wealth
  • Rise Consulting Solutions LLC
  • Qbyrds LLC
  • Lace & Grace Boutique
  • Work Space, LLC
  • Makeup by Ahshia
  • Noir Marketing and PR
  • The Hearts Haven Center for Counseling

๐Ÿ† Top Family-Owned Business

  • Young Entrepreneurs Across America
  • Selph (Family Business)
  • Progressive Printers, Inc.
  • WolfTech Cybersecurity
  • Smoot Construction Company

๐Ÿ† Best Nonprofit

  • The Mustard Seed Foundation

โœจ Nominations are open through September 30, 2025.
โœจ Peopleโ€™s Choice Awards voting runs October 1โ€“10, 2025.
โœจ Winners will be announced at the OhioMBE Awards Luncheon.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Submit your nomination today at OhioMBEAwards.com

#OhioMBEAwards #PeoplesChoiceAwards #OhioSmallBusiness #MBE #FBE #Nonprofit #FamilyBusiness

The Sept. 17 OhioMBE Bid Board is here!

Read the full issue at ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://bit.ly/4mn5SAD

๐Ÿ”จ Featured Contracting Opportunities

  • Design-Build (HVAC Improvements)
  • CMAR Services at Demorest Townhomes โ€“ Due Oct. 16
  • Franklin County Family Stabilization Unit Renovation โ€“ Due Sept. 19
  • West Opportunity Center Lease & Relocation Services โ€“ Due Sept. 17

๐Ÿ“ฅ Check out all bid notices inside the OhioMBE Bid Board.


๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Upcoming Events
๐Ÿ“ Wed, Sept. 17 | 10 AM โ€“ 2 PM
Claim Whatโ€™s Yours 513! โ€“ Word of Deliverance Church, Cincinnati
Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece announces a new Unclaimed Funds Initiative.

๐Ÿ“ Wed, Sept. 17 | 6 PM โ€“ 7:15 PM (Zoom)
OBDC Construction Academy โ€“ Construction Cleaning Checklists & Quality Control
๐Ÿ”— Register at OHBDC.org

๐Ÿ“ Thu, Sept. 18 | 12 PM โ€“ 1 PM
Thursday Noon Luncheon Club โ€“ Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA, Columbus

๐Ÿ“ Thu, Sept. 18 | 6 PM โ€“ 7:30 PM (Zoom)
OBDC โ€“ Certification 101
๐Ÿ”— Register at OHBDC.org

๐Ÿ“ Wed, Sept. 24 | 6 PM โ€“ 7:15 PM (Zoom)
OBDC Construction Academy โ€“ Managing Change Orders in Construction Projects
๐Ÿ”— Register at OHBDC.org

๐Ÿ“ Thu, Sept. 25 | 6 PM โ€“ 8 PM
Candidate Forum โ€“ Family Missionary Baptist Church, Columbus


๐ŸŒ Ohio Diversity Network
List your event for FREE at OhioDiversityNetworks.com!

๐Ÿ†“ Free listings for business trainings, networking events & cultural celebrations.
๐Ÿš€ Upgrade to a featured listing for $99 and get extra promotion.
๐Ÿ”— Submit your event here: Event Form


๐Ÿ† 2025 OhioMBE Awards โ€“ Nominations Open!
Celebrate Ohioโ€™s top small businesses at the OhioMBE Awards Luncheon:
๐Ÿ“… Oct. 23, 2025 | 11:30 AM โ€“ 1:00 PM
๐Ÿ“ Huntington Park, Columbus

Categories include:

  • Top MBE
  • Top FBE
  • Top Family-Owned Business
  • Best Nonprofit
  • Peopleโ€™s Choice Awards

โœ… Nominations close Sept. 30
โœ… Peopleโ€™s Choice voting runs Oct. 1โ€“10
๐Ÿ‘‰ Submit at OhioMBEAwards.com


๐Ÿ—๏ธ OBDC Construction Academy โ€“ September Classes

  • Sept. 17 | Construction Cleaning Checklists & Quality Control
  • Sept. 18 | Certification 101
  • Sept. 24 | Managing Change Orders in Construction Projects
  • Oct. 1 | Coordinating Subcontractors: Best Practices

๐Ÿ”— Register today at OHBDC.org
๐Ÿ’ก Free for OBDC members!


๐Ÿ“ฐ This Weekโ€™s Must-Reads on OhioMBE.com

  • When Representation Doesnโ€™t Mean Inclusion
  • Are We Progressing? 62 Years After the March on Washington
  • Taxation Without Participation
  • Why the Columbus Education Association Must Stand With Black LEDE Businesses
  • CCS: Capital Improvement Dollars โ€” Whoโ€™s Really Winning?

CMHA issues is accepting proposals for CMAR services at Demorest Townhomes

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT RISK (CMAR) SERVICES FOR DEMOREST TOWNHOMES

The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) is accepting proposals for CMAR services for Demorest Townhomes, a new multi-family townhome building and clubhouse located at 4329 Demorest Cove Ct., Grove City, Ohio 43123. Sealed proposals should be submitted to CMHA Headquarters located at 880 E. 11th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43211, Attn Mike Wagner, by Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 10:00 am. A pre-submission meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 22, 2025, at 10:00 am, at CMHA Headquarters. Interested firms can download the RFP at Open Contract Opportunities โ€“ Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (cmhanet.com).  Firms must agree to comply with the Davis-Bacon Labor Standards of the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. Firms are asked to assist CMHA in meeting their Minority Business Enterprise goal of 20%.

Jeanna Hondel to Keynote the 2025 OhioMBE Awards

The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) is proud to announce that Jeanna Hondel, President & CEO of Ascension Construction Solutions, will deliver the keynote address at the 2025 OhioMBE Awards Luncheon. The luncheon will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Huntington Park in Downtown Columbus.

This yearโ€™s theme is Inclusion Reimagined: Rising Together, reflecting the importance of equity, advocacy, and opportunity in Ohioโ€™s small business ecosystem.

Hondel is a familiar face to the OhioMBE community. She is a past OhioMBE Awards honoree and was recognized for her support of the OBDC Construction Academy, where she has helped train and mentor contractors. Since founding Ascension Construction Solutions in 2017, she has built a firm rooted in values of respect, teamwork, accountability, and inclusionโ€”principles that align with the spirit of the OhioMBE Awards.

โ€œJeanna is the perfect choice to keynote this yearโ€™s luncheon,โ€ said Ronda Watson Barber, Publisher of OhioMBE and Executive Director of OBDC. โ€œHer leadership and advocacy for small businesses exemplify the power of inclusion reimagined. We are thrilled to have her inspire our audience of entrepreneurs, buyers, and advocates.โ€

The OhioMBE Awards celebrate Ohioโ€™s top minority-, female-, and family-owned businesses, as well as nonprofits and advocates who champion supplier diversity and inclusion.

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Sponsorship and ticket information is available at OhioMBEAwards.com.


About the OhioMBE Awards
The OhioMBE Awards, presented by the Ohio Business Development Center, is the stateโ€™s premier luncheon celebrating small businesses and the advocates who support them. Since its founding, the event has recognized hundreds of entrepreneurs, corporations, and community leaders committed to building a more inclusive economy.