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The Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Two New Certified Women-Owned Businesses!

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The Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce (OWCC) is proud to recognize two outstanding Ohio businesses that have officially earned their OWCC Women-Owned Business Certification!

🕯️ High Maintenance Lifestyle LLC

Owner: Carlissa Fells

High Maintenance Lifestyle is redefining self-care through handcrafted luxury candles and immersive candle-making experiences. Founded on the belief that investing in yourself is the highest form of self-care, Carlissa has created a brand that encourages people to intentionally pour into themselves while creating beautiful moments of peace and reflection.

🔑 The Keys to Etiquette

Owner: Nicki Stanley

The Keys to Etiquette helps individuals, businesses, and organizations unlock opportunity through modern etiquette coaching and professional development. From executive presence and workplace professionalism to customized training programs, Nicki equips clients with the confidence and skills needed to build stronger relationships and succeed in today’s business world.

These women represent the innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit that continues to strengthen Ohio’s economy.

Please join us in congratulating Carlissa Fells and Nicki Stanley on this well-deserved achievement!

💜 Interested in becoming an OWCC Certified Women-Owned Business?

Learn more and apply today at WomenInOhio.com/Certification

#OhioWomensChamber #OWCCCertified #WomenOwnedBusiness #SupportWomenOwned #WomenInBusiness #OhioBusiness #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #HighMaintenanceLifestyle #TheKeysToEtiquette #WomenInOhio

FREE Banker’s Hour to Focus on Credit and Access to Capital for Small Businesses

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Access to capital remains one of the biggest challenges facing small businesses, and it often begins with one important factor—credit.

The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) invites entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners to attend the next FREE Banker’s Hour on Tuesday, July 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. This online session will feature Shaundretta Boykins, who will discuss the connection between personal and business credit and how improving your credit profile can increase your chances of securing financing.

Whether you’re looking for a business loan, line of credit, equipment financing, or simply want to strengthen your financial foundation, this session will provide practical information you can put to work immediately.

Topics Include:

Why personal and business credit go hand in hand

What lenders look for when reviewing loan applications

Common credit mistakes that can cost you financing

Strategies to improve your credit score

Building stronger business credit

Preparing your business for future funding opportunities

“Too many business owners begin looking for financing before understanding what lenders are looking for,” said Ronda Watson Barber, Founder of the Ohio Business Development Center. “This session is designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen their financial profile so they’re better prepared when funding opportunities arise.”

The session is free, but registration is required.

Banker’s Hour: Understanding Credit for Business Success

Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.Location: Online via ZoomCost: FREE

Register Here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ppeokAZDSdaSoor4ktqfMQ

Banker’s Hour is an educational series presented by the Ohio Business Development Center that connects entrepreneurs with banking and financial professionals who share practical guidance on financing, credit, and business growth.

Business Growth Summit 2026 to Connect Entrepreneurs with Funding, Resources and Business Support

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HURON, Ohio — Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and aspiring business leaders from across Ohio are invited to attend the Business Growth Summit 2026, a free afternoon dedicated to connecting businesses with the resources they need to start, grow, and thrive.

Celebrating 10 years of building business growth, community, and connections, the summit will take place on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at South Shore Marine in Huron, Ohio.

The event will bring together a wide range of organizations committed to supporting small businesses through funding opportunities, technical assistance, certifications, grants, free business programs, and one-on-one advising.

Participating resource partners include organizations such as the Ohio Department of Development, Minority Business Assistance Centers, the U.S. Small Business Administration, Google, and additional economic development organizations from across the region.

Attendees can expect opportunities to:

  • Learn about business funding and financing programs
  • Explore government and corporate certification opportunities
  • Connect with business advisors and resource providers
  • Discover grants and free technical assistance programs
  • Build relationships with fellow entrepreneurs and community leaders

The summit is presented with the support of South Shore Marine, which is hosting this year’s event.

“Access to the right information and the right connections can change the trajectory of a business,” organizers said. “The Business Growth Summit is designed to bring those opportunities together under one roof.”

The event is free to attend, but advance registration is encouraged.

Event Details

Business Growth Summit 2026
Friday, September 18, 2026
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
South Shore Marine
Huron, Ohio

Register online at:

www.exclusivelyba.com/business-growth-summit-2026

For Ohio entrepreneurs looking to expand their network, discover new opportunities, and connect with organizations committed to small business success, the Business Growth Summit offers an afternoon of valuable resources and meaningful connections.

Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce Certifies Its First Women-Owned Business

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The Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce (OWCC) proudly announces the certification of its very first women-owned business, marking an exciting milestone in the organization’s mission to recognize, promote, and support women entrepreneurs across Ohio.

The first business to receive the OWCC Women’s Business Certification is Coffico African Beauty and Fashion, founded and owned by Amelie Astrid Coffi.

Based in Columbus, Coffico African Beauty and Fashion celebrates African heritage through authentic products, cultural education, and creative experiences. The business offers African-inspired clothing, jewelry, accessories, home décor, natural beauty products, and educational workshops that connect communities with the beauty and traditions of African culture.

“Every movement begins with a first,” said Ronda Watson Barber, Founder of the Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce. “We are proud to recognize Coffico African Beauty and Fashion as our first certified business and look forward to certifying many more outstanding women-owned businesses throughout Ohio.”

The OWCC Women’s Business Certification provides an affordable, accessible certification option designed to recognize businesses that are at least 51 percent woman-owned, operated, and controlled. Certified businesses receive recognition through the Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce, inclusion in the online directory, promotional opportunities, and increased visibility among organizations seeking to support women-owned businesses.

Applications for certification are now being accepted.

To learn more or begin the certification process, visit WomenInOhio.com