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The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) is pleased to offer a comprehensive lineup of free events and workshops throughout November. With a focus on certification, tax planning, legal support, and networking opportunities, these sessions are tailored to support small business owners in Central Ohio.

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Certification 101

The Certification 101 sessions will guide business owners through the essentials of business registration and certification, highlighting the benefits of certification and how it can open new doors for growth. These sessions will also cover Central Ohio’s MBE, FBE, and DBE certification programs.

• Dates & Times:
  • November 6, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
  • November 12, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • November 21, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• Location: Online
• Register: OHBDC.org

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Year-End Tax Planning for Small Business Owners

This one-hour webinar, presented by Tenesha Hartgrove, CPA, of Ncrease Financial Services, LLC, is designed to help business owners organize their financial records, maximize deductions, and implement tax-saving strategies. This session is ideal for business owners preparing for the upcoming tax season.

• Date & Time:
  • November 8, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
• Location: Online via Zoom
• Register: OHBDC.org

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SBLA Legal Power Hour: DIY Your Single-Member LLC Operating Agreement

In this free workshop, Attorney Moses will guide participants through creating their own Single-Member LLC Operating Agreement—a critical document often required for certification applications. This session is perfect for new LLC owners or anyone needing to update their Operating Agreement.

• Date & Time:
  • November 21, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Location: Virtual via Zoom
• Register: OHBDC.org

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SBLA Virtual Business Law Clinics

For business owners seeking individualized legal support, the SBLA Virtual Business Law Clinics offer free 30-minute consultations with Attorney Moses. These sessions cover topics such as LLC formation, contract reviews, and business regulations.

• Dates & Times:
  • November 9, 9:00 AM
  • November 16, 9:00 AM
  • November 23, 9:00 AM
• Location: Virtual via Zoom
• Register: OHBDC.eventbrite.com

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Women in the Construction Industry Networking Tour

OBDC will host a special Women in the Construction Industry Networking Tour at Gilbane Construction. This event is designed to bring together women professionals in construction, offering networking opportunities and insights into doing business with Gilbane.

• Date & Time:
  • November 19, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Location: Hosted by Gilbane Construction
• Register: OHBDC.org

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Business owners are encouraged to take advantage of these valuable opportunities to enhance their knowledge, connect with industry experts, and build a stronger foundation for their business. For more information and to register, please visit OHBDC.org.

Explore contracting opportunities from Franklin County and Kokosing Industrial. Plus, check out OBDC’s upcoming BuildSmart – Construction Mentoring and End of the Year Tax Planning classes! 🎓

Special highlights: A recap of the 10th Annual OhioMBE Awards and our Business Spotlight on merry&Black Greeting Cards!

📩 Read the Latest Issue: Read the October 29 OhioMBE Bid Board and share with other business owners.

#OhioMBE #ICYMI #BidBoard #ContractingOpportunities #SmallBusiness #MinorityBusiness #OBDCClasses #OhioMBEAwards #SpotlightOnBusiness

COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) is pleased to announce a new series of Certification 101 online classes, scheduled for November 6, 12, and 21. These virtual sessions are designed to help business owners understand the importance of certification and guide them through the certification process, which can open doors to new contracting and growth opportunities.

Each Certification 101 class will cover the basics of business registration, the difference between registration and certification, and how certification can benefit small businesses in Central Ohio. The course will also focus on specific certification programs like MBE (Minority Business Enterprise), FBE (Female Business Enterprise), and DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise), tailored to help business owners understand which certifications align with their goals.

Class Dates:

• November 6 – 11:30 AM
• November 12 – 6:00 PM
• November 21 – 11:30 AM

“Certification can be a game-changer for small businesses,” said Ronda Watson Barber, Executive Director of OBDC. “We’re excited to provide these classes as a way to help businesses leverage the benefits of certification, navigate the process, and understand the resources available to them in Central Ohio.”

Registration for Certification 101 is now open at OHBDC.org. These classes are perfect for new business owners or anyone looking to gain a competitive edge through certification.

About Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC):
The Ohio Business Development Center is dedicated to supporting the growth and success of Ohio’s small and minority-owned businesses through education, mentorship, and advocacy.

Are you a small business owner seeking legal clarity? The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) is excited to offer the SBLA Virtual Business Law Clinic throughout November. This free clinic, conducted by Attorney Moses, offers personalized, 30-minute virtual consultations to help business owners address essential legal matters.

Clinic Dates:
Every Saturday in November at 9:00 AM ET:

• November 2
• November 9
• November 16
• November 23

What to Expect:
Each consultation includes:

• One-on-One Virtual Meetings: Held via Zoom, you’ll receive 30 minutes of focused, personalized attention.
• Clear, Strategic Guidance: Attorney Moses specializes in breaking down complex legal topics, providing clear explanations and practical next steps.
• Comprehensive Legal Support: Whether you need help with LLC formation, contract reviews, or regulatory compliance, these sessions are designed to help you make informed decisions for your business.

Perfect For:

• Ohio business owners in their first 10 years
• Business owners looking to understand legal options
• Entrepreneurs aiming to build a strong legal foundation

Special Event: DIY Your Single-Member LLC Operating Agreement
Can’t make the Saturday clinic? Join our SBLA Legal Power Hour on November 21 at 6:00 PM ET for a special session on creating your Single-Member LLC Operating Agreement.

How to Prepare:
To make the most of your time, have specific questions ready, gather any relevant documents, and download Zoom before your session.

Why Act Now?
Take this opportunity to strengthen your business’s legal foundation, prevent potential issues, and gain peace of mind—all at no cost. Register soon as space is limited!

To Register: Visit OHBDC.eventbrite.com or email us at planroom@ohbdc.org

The 10th Annual OhioMBE Awards was an unforgettable celebration of Ohio’s small businesses, honoring their innovation, resilience, and impact on the community. Held at Huntington Park in Columbus, the event brought together business leaders, advocates, and supporters to recognize top businesses and exceptional individuals for their contributions.

Honorees:

• Business Legends: Peggy Jenkins (Peggy’s Monogramming & Embroidery) and Dr. Iris Cooper (JustAskIris!)
• Frank W. Watson Advocacy Award Honorees: DaWanna Allen and Duane Park
• Economic Empowerment Award Honorees: Shaundretta Boykins and Adelphi Bank
• Community Engagement Award Honorees: Black Girl Rising and Ubuntu Leadership Institute
• Publisher’s Award: Terri Wise, former Outreach Coordinator for Columbus City Schools, was honored for over 30 years of dedicated service to Black-owned businesses.

Top Business Award Winners:

• Top MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) (Presented by Elford, Inc.): Net Auto Glass, Corporate Cleaning Inc., and Rath Builders Supply, Inc.
• Top FBE (Female Business Enterprise): Sylvia A. Garrett & Associates and Ncrease Financial Services, LLC
• Top Veteran Business: GOFS
• Top Family Business: Accelerated Laboratory Logistics and Hubert Farms

People’s Choice Winners:

• Top Family Business: 1st Place: Hubert Farms; 2nd Place: Sylvia Garrett & Associates
• Top MBE: 1st Place: Serene’s Sweet Spot; 2nd Place: Rath Builders Supply
• Top FBE: 1st Place: Serene’s Sweet Spot; 2nd Place: Sylvia Garrett & Associates

Special Highlights:

We were also treated to a powerful keynote speech by Franklin County Chief Diversity Officer Damika Withers and inspiring words from OSU Basketball Legend Dennis Hopson, who shared reflections on success. His Havanna & Rye Mobile Cigar Bar brought an exclusive VIP experience for our attendees.

The event also raised funds for the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC), which provides critical resources and support to small businesses across Ohio.

Did you attend? Share your memories and photos with us on our Facebook page, OhioMBE, or use the hashtag #OhioMBEAwards24 on social media! Thank you to everyone who made this year’s OhioMBE Awards a success, and congratulations again to all the outstanding businesses and honorees!

The 10th Annual OhioMBE Awards are just around the corner, and we’re excited to spotlight Ohio’s outstanding small businesses. The People’s Choice Awards are now open, and you have the power to help your favorite businesses win! Vote daily in the following categories: Top MBE (Minority Business Enterprise), Top FBE (Female Business Enterprise), and Top Family Business.

Your vote will celebrate the hard work, innovation, and success of these businesses. Let’s take a closer look at the nominees:

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Top MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) Nominees:

• Net Auto Glass
• Serene’s Sweet Spot
• Corporate Cleaning
• Sylvia A. Garrett & Associates
• Rath Builders Supply, Inc.
• Peak Electric, Inc.
• Alley Burger & Fries The R&B Joint
• Somersault General Contractors
• NCREASE Financial Services

These businesses have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their industries, helping to pave the way for other minority-owned enterprises.

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Top FBE (Female Business Enterprise) Nominees:

• Serene’s Sweet Spot
• Sylvia A. Garrett & Associates
• NCREASE Financial Services

These women-led businesses have shown remarkable dedication and innovation, serving as role models for female entrepreneurs across Ohio.

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Top Family Business Nominees:

• Sylvia A. Garrett & Associates
• Hubert Farms
• Truckco
• Rath Builders Supply, Inc.
• Accelerated Laboratory Logistics

These family-owned businesses exemplify the spirit of collaboration, legacy, and community building, making a lasting impact on Ohio’s business landscape.

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🗳️ Cast your vote daily from October 11 to October 17 at OhioMBEAwards.com and help your favorite businesses take home the win! Every vote counts, so don’t miss your chance to support these remarkable entrepreneurs.

🎟️ Haven’t purchased your tickets yet? A limited number of tickets for the OhioMBE Awards are still available! Get yours at OHBDC.org. 100 Percent of ticket sales benefit OBDC.

Let’s come together to recognize and celebrate the best in Ohio business!

#OhioMBEAwards2024 #PeoplesChoiceAwards #TopMBE #TopFBE #TopFamilyBusiness #SupportSmallBusiness

Contribute Your Insights to Create a More Equitable Marketplace

Columbus, Ohio – The State of Ohio is inviting minority-owned, women-owned, and Veteran-friendly businesses to participate in a series of virtual information sessions as part of an ongoing Disparity Study. This initiative, led by MGT Consulting Group, seeks to gather valuable insights from Ohio businesses to help identify challenges faced when engaging with the State and other entities, ultimately working to foster a more equitable and inclusive business environment.

The Disparity Study is designed to connect entrepreneurs with vital resources that can promote business growth, create jobs, and spur economic development. The insights gathered will contribute to building a fairer marketplace for all businesses across Ohio.

All businesses, whether certified or not, are encouraged to take part in this important study. Your input will help shape the future of Ohio’s business landscape, ensuring that every enterprise has the opportunity to succeed.

Session 1
Date: Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
 Register for Session 1

Session 2
Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Register for Session 2

Tax season is right around the corner, and we want to help small business owners get ready! OBDC is hosting the Year-End Tax Planning for Small Business Owners workshop, presented by Tenesha Hartgrove, CPA, of Ncrease Financial Services, LLC. This 1-hour webinar will provide valuable strategies to prepare your financial records, maximize deductions, and reduce your tax liability.

Key Topics:

• How to organize your financial records
• Essential tax deductions and credits for small business owners
• Documents your tax preparer will need
• Year-end strategies to minimize your tax burden

Session Dates:

• Thursday, October 31st, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Friday, November 8th, Noon – 1:00 PM

Cost: Free
Register: OHBDC.org

Don’t miss out on expert advice to help you save during tax season. Register now and get ready to optimize your tax strategy!

Check out bid notices from Columbus Airports, Franklin County, Kokosing, Kokosing Industrial, and Setterlin. Plus, don’t miss the SBLA @ OBDC October legal clinics, offering no-cost consultations! ⚖️

Special highlight: Damika Withers is the keynote speaker for the 10th Annual OhioMBE Awards! 🌟

📩 Read the latest issue and get your FREE subscription at OhioMBE.com. Please share with other business owners!

#OhioMBE #BidBoard #ContractingOpportunities #SmallBusiness #MinorityBusiness #LegalClinics #OhioMBEAwards

This letter was emailed to City of Columbus Vendors regarding the cybersecurity breach

To our respected vendor and supplier contacts: 

The City of Columbus (the “City”), recently discovered that it was the victim of a criminal cybersecurity incident that may trigger contractual notification obligations. Please note that an investigation is still ongoing to determine the full scope of this incident. For that reason, this notice is being provided as a courtesy in a good-faith effort to alert our vendors and suppliers. If during the continuing investigation it is discovered that your vendor data was accessed, we will provide an additional notice directly to you, pursuant to the notice obligations described in the agreements related to your services. 

What Happened?
On July 18, 2024, the City discovered that it had experienced a cybersecurity incident, in which a foreign cyber threat actor attempted to disrupt the City’s IT infrastructure, in a possible effort to deploy ransomware and solicit a ransom payment from the City. The City’s continuing investigation of the cyber security incident has determined that the threat actor gained unauthorized access to the City’s technology infrastructure. Further discovery indicated the incident allowed the threat actor to view and access certain personal information, which may, or may not, include data in connection with certain vendor services. The incident was discovered expeditiously, cyber security experts were promptly retained, federal law enforcement was engaged, and proper security measures were conducted to contain the incident. 

What Information Was Involved?
The information accessed by the threat actor included personal information of City employees, former City employees, residents of the City or other individuals including minors who may have interacted with the City, such as their first and last name, date of birth, address, bank account information, driver’s licenses,  Social Security number, and other identifying information. More specifically, if you handle, store, or access any data in connection with the City, there is the potential those documents were accessed by the criminal threat actors and you may have legal duties to notify individuals whose information resided in documents of this ransomware attack.

What Are We Doing?
We take the protection of the data and information that we retain seriously and are taking steps to prevent a similar occurrence. Upon learning of the incident, the City’s Department of Technology quickly identified the threat and took action to limit potential exposure by severing internet connectivity and mobilizing a response team. The City engaged cyber security experts to provide expertise and guidance in navigating the incident, and while the threat actor’s activity was disrupted, an investigation is still ongoing to determine the full extent of the incident. 

For More Information.
Vendors who believe they may have data impacted by this incident should go to www.columbus.gov/Services/Cybersecurity and access the Vendor tab for more information. For further questions or concerns, please email databreachteam@dinsmore.com.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this situation, as well as your understanding in the short-term. Please be assured that the security, safety and stability of our vendors, suppliers, employees, residents, and visitors, is of the utmost importance to us and is our top priority. While the investigation is still ongoing, we wanted to keep you informed and assure you that we will provide further updates as soon as more details are available. If we determine that your data or system has been affected in connection with this incident, or your organization has proprietary reporting requirements regarding incidents of this nature, we will follow up with you as necessary.

Regards,