ROOF REPLACEMENT AT LINDEN STEM ACADEMY
Electronic bids for the above-referenced project will be received by the BOARD OF EDUCATION, City School District of Columbus, Ohio, Office of Capital Improvements, (via Public Purchase), until Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. More information can be found on the District’s web site at http://www.columbus.k12.oh.us/rfp. The plans and specifications are on file with Franklin Imaging.
Who is doing great work in Ohio’s small business community?
The 2026 OhioMBE Awards are accepting nominations for this year’s Top Business Honorees, and the Ohio Business Development Center encourages entrepreneurs, partners and community members to help us recognize businesses and organizations making an impact.
Self-nominations are welcome.
If you have been building your business, serving your community, creating jobs, pursuing contracts and positioning your company for growth, this is an opportunity to share what you have accomplished.
Nominations are open for:
Top MBE
Top FBE
Top Veteran-Owned Business
Top Nonprofit
Top Family-Owned Business
The 2026 OhioMBE Awards will be held Thursday, October 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Huntington Park.
This year’s theme is Cash • Contracts • Connections, with an expanded networking component designed to put entrepreneurs in the room with organizations that can share information about contracting opportunities, procurement and access to capital.
The Awards aren’t just about who gets recognized. They’re also about creating the connections that can help businesses move forward.
Nominate yourself or another deserving business or organization at OhioMBEAwards.com.
Tickets and additional event information are available through OHBDC.org.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — If you’re thinking about starting, expanding, or strengthening your business, don’t miss today’s FREE Banker’s Hour presented by the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC).
Join Jerome Jones, an experienced SBA lending expert, for an informative online session that will explain how Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs work and what it takes to qualify for financing.
Many business owners assume they won’t qualify for an SBA loan or aren’t sure where to begin. This session will provide practical guidance on preparing your business for funding and avoiding common mistakes that can slow down or prevent loan approval.
Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM EDT
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: FREE
Whether you’re a startup, an established small business, contractor, minority-owned business, or woman-owned business, this session will provide valuable information to help you prepare for future financing opportunities.
Registration is free, but advance registration is required.
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/e1fqhOjUQIyq8IvrH3aFCw
Banker’s Hour is a free educational series presented by the Ohio Business Development Center that connects entrepreneurs with banking and financial experts who provide practical information on business financing, credit, and accessing capital.
The series continues on Tuesday, July 14, with Understanding Credit for Business Success, featuring Shaundretta Boykins, who will discuss how personal and business credit impact financing opportunities and how to strengthen your credit profile.
The Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce (OWCC) will host Certification 101, a free online workshop designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners understand the many certification opportunities available to help grow their businesses.
The session will provide an overview of local, state, and federal certification programs, including the newly launched OWCC Women’s Business Certification. Participants will learn about certification requirements, eligibility, application processes, and how certifications can help increase visibility, strengthen credibility, and create access to contracting and supplier diversity opportunities.
Topics include:
The workshop is open to startups, side hustles, home-based businesses, established companies, and anyone interested in learning how certifications can support business growth.
Certification 101
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Online
Register in advance at:
Additional information is available at WomeninOhio.com.
The Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping women entrepreneurs and business owners access the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.
A great estimate may win the job, but good project management is what protects your profit.
Join the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) for Project Management for Small Contractors, a practical online session designed to help contractors stay organized, manage projects effectively, and avoid the costly mistakes that can derail a job.
Too many projects run into trouble because of missed deadlines, communication breakdowns, scheduling issues, and subcontractor challenges. This class will provide simple strategies you can use immediately to keep projects moving and your business growing.
Project Management for Small Contractors
📅 Wednesday, June 24, 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM EDT
💻 Online
Free for OBDC Members
Whether you’re managing residential renovations, commercial projects, or public contracts, this session will help you improve project performance and protect your bottom line.
Register today.
The Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce (OWCC) will host Certification 101, a free online workshop designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners better understand the certification opportunities available to their businesses.
Business certifications can help increase visibility, strengthen credibility, expand networking opportunities, and create access to supplier diversity and contracting programs. During this session, participants will learn about local, state, and federal certification programs, including the newly launched OWCC Women’s Business Certification.
Topics include:
• OWCC Women’s Business Certification
• Women Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification
• Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Certification
• EDGE Certification
• Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification
• Veteran Business Certifications
• Certification requirements and eligibility
• How certifications can support business growth
Whether you are a startup, side hustle, home-based business, or established company, this workshop will provide practical information to help you determine which certifications may be right for your business.
Certification 101
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Online
Register in advance using the Zoom link below:
Or visit WomeninOhio.com for additional information.
Presented by the Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce, a program of the Ohio Business Development Center.
A profitable project starts with an accurate estimate.
The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) invites contractors, subcontractors, construction business owners, and entrepreneurs to join us for an online training session focused on one of the most important aspects of running a successful construction business—estimating.
Estimating Mistakes That Kill Profit
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM EDT
Online via Zoom
Many contractors lose money not because they lack work, but because their estimates fail to capture the true cost of completing the project. Underestimating labor, materials, equipment, overhead, and project risks can quickly turn a winning bid into a losing job.
This practical session will help participants identify common estimating mistakes and learn strategies to improve pricing accuracy and profitability.
Topics will include:
• Common estimating errors contractors make
• Hidden costs that impact profitability
• Labor and material pricing strategies
• Understanding overhead and indirect costs
• Building profit into your estimates
• Avoiding underbidding and scope gaps
• Tips for creating more accurate and competitive bids
Whether you are a new contractor, experienced trades professional, or small business owner seeking construction opportunities, this session will provide practical tools you can immediately apply to your estimating process.
Register at https://buytickets.at/OBDC
Free for OBDC Members
Free for Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce (OWCC) Members
OBDC membership is just $25 per year and includes access to training opportunities, business resources, networking events, and technical assistance.
Join us and learn how better estimating can help protect your profits and strengthen your business.
The Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) is accepting sealed bids for water damage repairs, interior and exterior rehabilitation, and related work at 689 Ocean Avenue, Akron, Ohio 44310.
Project: Water Damage with Interior & Exterior Rehab and Related Work
Bid Number: B26014
Bid Deadline:
Thursday, July 9, 2026
2:00 p.m. (local time)
Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at:
Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority
100 West Cedar Street
Akron, Ohio 44307
Obtaining Plans and Specifications
Specifications may be purchased from:
SE Blueprint
520 South Main Street, Suite 2411
Akron, Ohio 44311
Phone: (330) 376-1689
Email: seblue@seblueprint.com
Project documents may also be downloaded through the Housing Agency Marketplace on the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority website.
An email link to the specifications is available through several regional construction and business organizations, including the Subcontractors Association of Northeast Ohio, Akron Urban League Minority Business Assistance Center, Builders Exchange of Canton, Builders Exchange of Cleveland, and Ohio Construction News.
Questions
Questions regarding the project should be directed to:
Michele Kindler
Assistant Contracting Officer
Phone: (330) 376-7792
Contractors interested in bidding should review all project specifications and requirements before submitting proposals.
Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority
Herman Hill, Executive Director
By OhioMBE / June 8, 2026
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Access to capital remains one of the greatest challenges facing women-owned businesses. On June 4, entrepreneurs from across Ohio gathered to address that challenge during the FundingHER Future Brunch Experience, hosted by the Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce (OWCC).
Made possible through the support of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, the event brought together women business owners, financial institutions, resource providers, and community leaders for a morning focused on financing, business growth, and relationship-building.
More than 50 entrepreneurs and supporters participated in the event, which was designed to provide practical information about funding opportunities while creating direct connections between business owners and financial decision-makers.
According to event surveys, attendees reported high levels of satisfaction with the program, speakers, venue, and overall experience. Participants represented communities across Ohio, with the majority traveling from Franklin County and others attending from communities throughout the state.
“The reality is that many women entrepreneurs have great ideas, strong businesses, and the determination to succeed, but they often struggle to access the capital and relationships needed to take the next step,” said Ronda Watson Barber, founder of the Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce. “FundingHER Future was created to bring women business owners into the same room with the people and organizations that can help them grow.”
The program featured a financial panel moderated by Shaundretta Boykins of the Ohio Department of Development. Panelists included Jerome Jones of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Michael Towns of Adelphi Bank, and Jeffery Washington of Wright-Patt Credit Union. Together, they shared insights on lending, business financing, capital readiness, and the steps entrepreneurs can take to improve their ability to secure funding.
While the panel discussion provided valuable information, many participants said the most impactful part of the event came afterward.
Unlike traditional conferences where attendees hear presentations and leave, FundingHER Future created opportunities for direct engagement. Entrepreneurs were able to spend one-on-one time with bankers and financial professionals, ask questions about their specific business situations, discuss financing needs, and begin building relationships that could lead to future funding opportunities.
“One of the most powerful moments was watching women business owners sit down face-to-face with bankers and have real conversations about their businesses,” Barber said. “Access to capital starts with access to relationships. Those one-on-one discussions gave entrepreneurs the opportunity to ask questions, gain clarity, and begin building connections that can make a difference long after the event ends.”
The event also reflected the diversity of Ohio’s entrepreneurial community. Approximately 73 percent of attendees identified as African American, creating an environment that brought together diverse perspectives, experiences, and business interests. Women entrepreneurs from a variety of industries participated, ranging from startup ventures and side businesses to established companies seeking additional growth opportunities.
FundingHER Future is part of the Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce’s ongoing commitment to helping women entrepreneurs access the resources, education, and networks necessary to build successful businesses. Through educational programs, networking opportunities, advocacy, and business development initiatives, OWCC continues to support women-owned businesses throughout Ohio.
As the event concluded, attendees left with more than information. They left with new contacts, new opportunities, and a better understanding of the financial resources available to help them achieve their business goals.
“The conversations that happened in the room are exactly why this event matters,” Barber said. “When women entrepreneurs gain access to information, resources, and the right relationships, they are better positioned to create jobs, grow their businesses, and strengthen our communities. That’s what FundingHER Future is all about.”
The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) is helping contractors and construction business owners strengthen the business side of their operations through a new Summer Construction Growth Series.
The online training series will provide practical guidance on contracts, estimating, project management, and pricing—critical areas that directly impact profitability and long-term business success.
“Many contractors know how to do the work but struggle with the business side of construction,” said Ronda Watson Barber, Founder and CEO of OBDC. “This series is designed to help business owners avoid costly mistakes, improve profitability, and position themselves for growth.”
The series includes four online sessions:
Reading Construction Contracts Like a Pro
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM EDT
Learn how to identify contract risks, understand payment provisions, navigate change orders, and protect your business before signing.
Estimating Mistakes That Kill Profit
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM EDT
Discover common estimating errors that reduce profitability and learn strategies to improve pricing accuracy.
Project Management for Small Contractors
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM EDT
Explore practical project management techniques to keep jobs on schedule, improve communication, and increase customer satisfaction.
Pricing for Profit
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM EDT
Learn how to calculate labor, materials, overhead, and profit margins to ensure projects generate sustainable revenue.
The Construction Growth Series is designed for general contractors, subcontractors, construction managers, trades professionals, and entrepreneurs seeking to build stronger construction businesses.
Registration is available at OHBDC.org.
OBDC Members and Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce (OWCC) Members may attend at no cost. Annual OBDC membership is just $25 and includes access to training opportunities, networking events, business resources, and technical assistance.
For additional information or to register, visit OHBDC.org.