events

Is Your Business Ready for the Contract?

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Winning a major contract or landing a new client can be a big moment for a small business. But getting the opportunity is only part of the equation.

The Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce (OWCC) will present Capacity Before Contracts: Is Your Business Ready for the Opportunity You Want? on Wednesday, September 9 at noon.

The interactive online business-development session will feature Lachandra B. Baker, Founder & Lead Consultant of Lachandra B. Baker Edutainment.

The session will challenge business owners to look beyond pursuing opportunities and examine whether their companies have the capacity to successfully deliver once they win.

Participants will explore critical areas including staffing, workload, business systems, financial resources, owner dependency, personal energy and the operational changes that may be necessary before taking on larger contracts or clients.

Baker will guide participants through a practical business-capacity assessment designed to help them identify where their businesses are strong, where gaps may exist and what needs immediate attention.

Participants will leave with an operational priority and a concrete action they can begin implementing immediately.

The session will include 45 minutes of interactive instruction followed by 15 minutes of Q&A.

Capacity Before Contracts

Is Your Business Ready for the Opportunity You Want?

Wednesday, September 9, 2026
12:00–1:00 p.m.
Online

Presenter: Lachandra B. Baker (she/her)
Founder & Lead Consultant
Lachandra B. Baker Edutainment

Presented by: Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce

Free for OBDC & OWCC members.

Business owners pursuing contracts, larger clients, partnerships and other growth opportunities are encouraged to participate.

Register at OHBDC.org.

Because winning the opportunity is great. Being prepared to deliver is what builds the business.

What Does Your Business Look Like Online?

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When someone hears about your business, chances are one of the first things they do is look you up online.

What will they find?

The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) and Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce (OWCC) are presenting Building a Strong Online Presence for Your Business, a FREE online session on Tuesday, August 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

The session will be facilitated by Meg Corso, founder of Exclusively BA, and will focus on practical ways business owners can improve how their companies show up online.

We’ll talk about building a professional and consistent online presence, strengthening your brand, making your business easier to find and using your website and social media more effectively.

Whether you’re starting from scratch, relying mostly on social media, or already have a website that could use some attention, this session will give you ideas you can put to work.

Your online presence doesn’t have to be fancy—but it should make it easy for potential customers, partners and buyers to understand who you are, what you do and how to do business with you.

Building a Strong Online Presence for Your Business
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Online via Zoom
FREE

Register today:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/OyHbqgi5RnWQx-EpSQwEUw

Presented by the Ohio Business Development Center and Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce.

Save the Date: 2026 OhioMBE Awards Set for October 22 at Huntington Park

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Mark your calendar for one of Ohio’s premier celebrations of small business excellence.

The 2026 OhioMBE Awards will take place on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Huntington Park in downtown Columbus. Presented by the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC), the annual awards recognize the entrepreneurs, corporations, public agencies, and community leaders who are helping create greater economic opportunity across Ohio.

Each year, the OhioMBE Awards bring together business owners, corporate executives, elected officials, supplier diversity professionals, and community partners for an inspiring afternoon of recognition, networking, and celebration.

This year’s theme is:

Celebrating Excellence. Building Legacies. Driving Impact.

The event honors individuals and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, advocacy, and commitment to supporting Ohio’s small business community.

More than an awards luncheon, the OhioMBE Awards serve as a fundraiser supporting the mission of the Ohio Business Development Center. Proceeds from the event help fund OBDC’s programs and services that provide entrepreneurs with access to business education, certifications, procurement opportunities, mentoring, and capital resources throughout the year.

“We believe that when small businesses succeed, our communities thrive,” said Ronda Watson Barber, founder of the Ohio Business Development Center and publisher of OhioMBE. “The OhioMBE Awards celebrate the people and organizations that are opening doors, creating opportunities, and investing in the future of Ohio’s business community.”

Tickets are now available, and early reservations are encouraged as seating is limited.

Event Details

2026 OhioMBE Awards
Thursday, October 22, 2026
Huntington Park
Columbus, Ohio

Presented by: Ohio Business Development Center

Tickets: OHBDC.org

Whether you’re a business owner, corporate leader, government agency, community partner, or supporter of entrepreneurship, the 2026 OhioMBE Awards promises to be an unforgettable celebration of excellence and impact.

Save the date and join us as we honor those who are building a stronger business community across Ohio.

Business success isn’t just what you know—it’s how you present yourself.

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Your professionalism can open doors, build stronger relationships, and leave a lasting impression.

Join Nicki Stanley, owner of The Keys Etiquette Consulting and an OWCC Certified Business, for an engaging online session on Business Etiquette: Professional Skills That Open Doors.

📅 Tuesday, August 11
🕦 11:30 a.m.
💻 Online

Learn practical strategies for:
✔ Making a great first impression
✔ Professional communication
✔ Networking with confidence
✔ Business meeting and dining etiquette
✔ Representing your business with professionalism

Whether you’re meeting clients, pursuing contracts, or growing your network, this session will help you put your best foot forward.

Register today!

#OHBDC #BusinessEtiquette #ProfessionalDevelopment #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneur #Networking #OWCC #WomenInBusiness #OhioBusiness #BusinessGrowth

Build Your Business This July with OBDC

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Whether you’re looking to increase your profits or secure financing to grow your business, the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) has two practical online sessions designed to help you succeed.

Pricing for Profit

Wednesday, July 8, 2026
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM EDT

Winning work is important—but making a profit is what keeps your business growing.

Learn how to price your products and services with confidence by understanding your true costs, building in profit, and avoiding the common pricing mistakes that leave money on the table.

You’ll Learn:

  • Understanding your true cost of doing business
  • Markup vs. profit margin
  • Pricing strategies that support growth
  • Avoiding costly underpricing mistakes
  • Building a more profitable business

Banker’s Hour: SBA Loans That Can Help Grow Your Business

Thursday, July 9, 2026
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM EDT

Thinking about expanding your business? Access to capital can make all the difference.

Join industry expert Jerome Jones for a free Banker’s Hour session focused on SBA loan programs that help entrepreneurs start, grow, and strengthen their businesses.

You’ll Learn:

  • SBA loan options for small businesses
  • How to prepare before applying
  • What lenders look for
  • Common application mistakes to avoid
  • Financing strategies to support business growth

Whether you’re purchasing equipment, hiring employees, expanding operations, or improving cash flow, this session will help you better understand the financing resources available to your business.

Register Today

Visit https://buytickets.at/OBDC to reserve your spot. 

OBDC Members attend Pricing for Profit at no cost.
Banker’s Hour is FREE and open to all entrepreneurs and small business owners.