Nominations Now Open for the 2023 OhioMBE Awards: Celebrating Ohio’s Top Small Businesses

COLUMBUS, OH – The 2023 OhioMBE Awards nominations are officially open, signaling the countdown to Ohio’s most esteemed small business event of the year. The 9th annual OhioMBE Awards, which recognize the contributions of small and minority-owned businesses to the Ohio economy, will take place at Huntington Park on October 26, 2023.

This premier event honors Ohio’s top businesses in various categories, including Top MBE (Minority Business Enterprise), Top F/WBE (Female/Woman Business Enterprise), Top Family Business, and Top Veteran Business.

OhioMBE Publisher Ronda Watson Barber said, “These awards are more than a ceremony; they celebrate entrepreneurship, vision, and the substantive economic impact of small businesses in Ohio. We’re excited to spotlight the best of the best in 2023.”

Award Categories

– Top MBE: Open to any Minority Business Enterprise based in Ohio, this award honors innovation, community involvement, and exceptional growth.

– Top F/WBE: Aimed at female-owned enterprises, this award celebrates leadership, business acumen, and market reach.

– Top Family Business: This category recognizes Ohio-based family-owned enterprises that have contributed significantly to their communities and shown robust growth.

– Top Veteran Business: This award celebrates businesses owned or operated by military veterans, recognizing their dedication, vision, and positive societal impact. How to Nominate

Nominations are accepted online at OhioMBEAwards.com and must be submitted before the Oct. 1 deadline. 

Sponsorship & Ticket Information

Sponsorship opportunities are available and offer an incredible platform to showcase your brand to Ohio’s top business leaders. For ticket purchases and more information, please visit buytickets.at/the912group

Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this prestigious event that shines a light on the small businesses driving Ohio forward.

About OhioMBE

OhioMBE publishes news, bids, public notices, and events that make doing business in Ohio more equitable and accessible for small and minority-owned businesses. With a proven track record of providing vital business information and hosting events that connect entrepreneurs to growth opportunities, OhioMBE continues to be a beacon for Ohio’s vibrant small business community.

The August 28 OhioMBE Bid Board is Now Available!

The August 28 OhioMBE Bid Board is now available at  https://bit.ly/3OLO0QY. We’re excited to present to you the latest edition of the OhioMBE Bid Board for August 28. Your go-to source for contracting opportunities, training classes, and networking events is here to empower small and minority-owned businesses like yours.

Sharing is caring! We encourage you to share the August 28 OhioMBE Bid Board with other business owners in your network.  

OhioMBE’s Construction Procurement Event Marks a Resounding Success at Eldorado Scioto Downs

Columbus, OH – OhioMBE celebrated another milestone with its Construction Procurement event on August 23, hosted by Eldorado Scioto Downs. The event was a resounding success, with 20 small and minority-owned businesses meeting one-on-one with 10 organizations deeply committed to supplier diversity.

The event attracted prestigious organizations from across the region, including the City of Columbus, the City of Upper Arlington, Columbus Airports, Columbus Zoo, Elford/Hensal Phelps, Gilbane Construction, Marker Construction, Pepper Construction, and Setterlin Construction. These meetings fostered dialogue, collaboration, and potential partnerships, emphasizing the value of diverse suppliers in the Ohio business landscape.

“This event showcases OhioMBE’s commitment to bridging the gap between small and minority-owned businesses and organizations committed to supplier diversity,” said Ronda Watson Barber, OhioMBE Publisher. “We are proud of the results and excited about the collaborations and opportunities that will arise from these meaningful connections.”

As the state’s largest Black-owned business newspaper, OhioMBE continues to serve as a conduit for accessing contracting opportunities, bridging the gap between small businesses and larger corporations.

The event provided a unique platform for small and minority-owned businesses to network, engage, and forge potential partnerships with organizations dedicated to promoting diversity within their supply chains. It reinforced the importance of inclusion within the business community and paved the way for future collaborations and growth.

About OhioMBE

Founded over a decade ago, OhioMBE is the state’s largest Black-owned business newspaper, which provides access to contracting opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses. With a commitment to fostering growth and inclusivity, OhioMBE remains a vital resource for businesses throughout Ohio. OhioMBE has established itself as a champion for minority-owned businesses, consistently providing them with the resources and opportunities needed to thrive in an ever-competitive market.

For more information about OhioMBE and future events, please visit OhioMBE.com.

Kokosing Industrial seeks subs/suppliers for Bay View WRF 1-65 Chlorination and Dechlorination improvements

Attention City of Toledo Certified MBE/WBE and DBE certified via DOT, SBA, or by an approved State agency

Kokosing Industrial, Inc. is preparing bids for the Bay View WRF I-65 Chlorination and Dechlorination Improvements project in Toledo, Ohio which bids September 19, 2023.  We are seeking quotes for any portion of the project listed that you are qualified to perform or provide supplies for which includes the following: Clearing and Grubbing, Precast Concrete Manholes, Pavements, Curbing and Walks, Seeding, Rebar, CIP Concrete, Structural Precast Concrete, Masonry, Structural Steel, Metal Fabrications, Thermal Insulation Fluid-Applied Membrane Air Barriers, EPDM Roofing, Flashing and Trim, Standing Seam Roofing, Joint Firestopping, Caulking, FRP Doors and Frames, Resinous Flooring, Painting, Signage, Monorail Hoists, HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, and Trucking.  Bidding documents can be examined online by emailing Sonja Nichols at snichols@kokosing.biz for the link.  Please have your quote to Steve Ehret by 12:00 PM September 18, 2023:  e-mail sae@kokosing.biz or Fax 614-212-5711.

“Kokosing Industrial is an equal opportunity employer.”