SBLA at OBDC

📢 Join the Small Business Legal Aid @OBDC for a Series of Online Workshops and Clinics! 📢

Receive expert legal guidance tailored to your small business needs from SBLA founder Ambrose Moses III. Don’t miss these valuable sessions!

Upcoming Events:

🗓️ June 6: SBLA Clinic Register at OHBDC.eventbrite.com
🗓️ June 8: Decoding the Corporate Transparency Act
🗓️ June 13: Contracts 101
🗓️ June 15: SBLA Clinic – Register at OHBDC.eventbrite.com
🗓️ June 27: LLC Repair
🗓️ June 29: Your LLC and the Corporate Transparency Act

🔗 Register now at https://buytickets.at/OBDC
🔗 For clinics, register at OHBDC.eventbrite.com

Why Attend?

✅ Expert legal advice
✅ Personalized consultations
✅ Essential insights for small business success

#SmallBusiness #LegalAid #OBDC #BusinessGrowth #Workshops #SBLA #LegalClinic #Entrepreneurship

Empowering Women in Construction: A Recap of OBDC’s Brown Bag Lunch at Marker Construction

The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) hosted a standout event titled “Women in Construction Industry Brown Bag Lunch” at the Columbus office of Marker Construction, a trailblazing certified Woman Owned Business. The event drew a dynamic crowd of women business owners from all corners of Ohio, each eager to build connections and explore new opportunities in the construction industry.

Fostering Networking and Knowledge Sharing

The atmosphere was buzzing with energy as attendees exchanged experiences, business cards, and ideas. Marker Construction opened its doors and its insights, focusing on how women can thrive in the construction field. The presentations and discussions centered around the importance of diversity and inclusion, with a special focus on initiatives for Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs).

Insights from Industry Leaders

OBDC’s founder and executive director, Ronda Watson Barber, shared her vision for the event: “The goal was to get a group of women together to network and share resources. The information provided by Marker was valuable, and I know partnerships will be made.” Her words underscored the event’s mission to not only connect women entrepreneurs but also to arm them with the knowledge needed to succeed.

A Participant’s Perspective

The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. One participant noted, “This was well worth the drive. One of the best networking events I’ve attended.” Such testimonials highlight the event’s impact in offering not just connections but also inspiration and empowerment to its attendees.

Marker’s Commitment to Diversity

The team at Marker Construction shared their ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive business environment, which resonated with the audience. As a certified Woman Owned Business, Marker serves as a model for what is achievable in terms of diversity and inclusion in the construction industry.

Looking Forward

The success of the Brown Bag Lunch is just the beginning. OBDC continues to champion the advancement of women in the construction industry through various initiatives and events. Keep an eye on our calendar for upcoming opportunities to engage, learn, and grow with us.

Stay Connected

To stay updated on future events and news from OBDC, visit our website at OHBDC.org and follow us on our social media channels. Together, we can build a more inclusive and diverse construction industry.

Columbus Zoo is hosting the May 21 OhioMBE Procurement Fair – Registration is open

📢 Attention Small Business Owners! 🌟
📍 Join us at the OhioMBE Procurement Fair
📅 May 21, 2024
🏢 Hosted by the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

🦁 Purchasing Department
Got a product or service that can meet the needs of a busy zoo? Connect with our Purchasing team to explore exciting procurement opportunities. 🛒📦

🌳 Events and Promotions Department
Are you in the events industry? Meet with our Events and Promotions department to discuss how your services could shine at our events! 🎤🎉

🔨 Construction Department
In the construction or building maintenance business? Our Construction team is looking for partners like you to help enhance our facilities. 🏗️👷‍♂️

💻 IT/Tech Department
Tech innovators and service providers, our IT/Tech department is eager to meet with you to discuss potential tech solutions and collaborations. 💻🖥️

👉 Register now to secure your 15-minute appointment: OhioMBE.com

🔗 For more information, visit: OhioMBE.com
Let’s make connections that grow your business!

#OhioMBE #ProcurementFair #SmallBusiness #ColumbusZoo #Networking #BusinessGrowth #SupplierDiversity

Ohio Business Development Center Announces May 2024 Workshop Series

Ohio Business Development Center Announces May 2024 Workshop Series

The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) is excited to announce a comprehensive series of educational workshops designed to support and elevate small business owners and professionals in the construction industry. These sessions, held both online and in-person, are tailored to address the specific needs of minority and women-owned businesses in Ohio.

Upcoming Workshops:

  • Certification 101: Understand the certification landscape with our three-part online series on May 7, 9, and 20, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. This foundational course is perfect for those new to business certification processes.

  • Women in the Construction Industry Brown Bag Lunch: Join us in-person on May 16 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Marker Construction for a networking lunch designed to connect women in the construction field. Engage in discussions and share experiences that foster growth and collaboration.

  • Understanding Contracts: Enhance your knowledge of contract law through our online session on May 16 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. This workshop is ideal for anyone looking to grasp the essentials of contractual agreements.

  • LLC Repair Workshop: Correct common mistakes in DIY LLC formations at our workshop on May 23 from 6:00 PM to 7:15 PM. This session will help ensure that your business structure is solid and compliant.

  • COMING IN JUNE – Project Management Basics: Join our four-week online webinar series tailored for new contractors, covering key project management skills like planning, scheduling, and risk management. The sessions are ideal for enhancing efficiency and project outcomes in the construction industry. 

Registration: Open now! All interested participants can register for these workshops at OHBDC.org. These events are essential for any business owner looking to navigate the complexities of their industries effectively.

 

Save the Date: May 16 OBDC Women in Construction Industry Brown Bag Lunch

🛠️ Attention, ladies in construction! Get ready to build valuable connections at the OBDC Women in the Construction Industry Brown Bag Lunch. Join us on May 16 at Marker Construction for an inspiring afternoon with our special guest, Alison Marker. Dive into discussions, share resources, and network with peers who are shaping the industry. 🌟 Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your career and expand your professional network. Reserve your spot now! Tickets available here: ➡️ https://buytickets.at/OBDC #ConstructionWomen #Networking #Empowerment #OBDCEvent

Today’s CertifyOhio Sessions: Explore State Certifications and Master Single-Member LLC Board Meetings

Today’s CertifyOhio Sessions: Explore State Certifications and Master Single-Member LLC Board Meetings

Join us today, April 18th, for two impactful online sessions designed to empower small and minority-owned businesses with essential knowledge and skills.

Morning Session: Introduction to State of Ohio Certification and Loan Programs

🕙 Time: 10:00 AM 🔗 Location: Online via Zoom

Highlights:

  • Explore State Certifications: Understand the benefits of obtaining state certifications and how they can open doors to new markets and secure government contracts.
  • Learn About Loan Programs: Gain insights into state-supported loan programs that can help finance your business expansion.

Evening Session: Navigating Single-Member LLC Board Meetings

🕒 Time: 6 pm Join us online via Zoom! 🔗 Location: Online via Zoom

What You’ll Learn:

  • Effective Board Meeting Strategies: Discover how to manage and document your board meetings effectively.
  • Compliance Tips: Get tips on maintaining your business’s good standing through proper compliance.
  • Leveraging Meetings for Growth: Learn techniques to use board meetings as a tool for business growth.

Don’t miss out on these opportunities to enhance your business’s operational and strategic capabilities. Whether you are just starting out or looking to refine your existing operations, these sessions are tailored to help you succeed.

🌐 For more information and to register, please visit: OHBDC.org

See you there!

#CertifyOhio #StateCertifications #LLCManagement #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #OhioBusiness

Today Only: Master the Art of Certification Marketing with Experts Terri Wise & Judi Politi

OBDC is thrilled to invite you to a special online workshop happening TODAY at 11:30 AM – “How to Market Your Certification.” This is your opportunity to gain insights from two distinguished professionals in the field of business and certification.

Guest Speakers:

  • Terri Wise, renowned for her impactful work as the retired CCS Outreach Coordinator, will share her wealth of knowledge in community service and outreach.
  • Judi Politi, a testament to success in the entrepreneurial world, will discuss the strategic nuances of using certification to elevate a business.

This workshop is designed for anyone looking to understand the practical ways in which certifications can be utilized to enhance business visibility, growth, and success. Don’t miss out on the chance to learn from the best, network with peers, and take your business to the next level.

Please visit OHBDC.org to register and for more information.

Columbus Zoo and The Wilds Seek Vendor Quotes for Network Infrastructure Project

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, together with The Wilds, is inviting selected vendors to submit quotes for a comprehensive network infrastructure upgrade. This project encompasses the procurement and installation of network cabinets and backboards across various locations within The Wilds, located at 14000 International Rd, Cumberland, OH 43732.

Project Scope:

  • Cabinet and Backboard Installation: Vendors are expected to procure specified types of cabinets and backboards, ensuring secure installation both indoors and outdoors across designated areas.
  • Cable Management and Testing: The project includes re-terminating existing cabling, installing a 2U cable management system in network cabinets, conducting comprehensive testing to ensure signal integrity, and addressing any issues identified during testing.
  • Documentation and Quality Assurance: Vendors must provide detailed documentation of all installations and adhere to the Structured Cabling Standards. The quality of dressed cables will be subject to final approval by the Columbus Zoo technology representative.

Submission Guidelines:

  • All quotes should be a single price for the entire scope of work, specifying parts to be performed by the submitter and those to be subcontracted.
  • Proposals must be submitted electronically to Felix Garcia at felix.garcia@columbuszoo.org by 5:00 PM (EST) on April 26, 2024. Please ensure any proprietary information in your response is clearly designated.

Important Dates:

  • RFQ Distribution: April 5, 2024
  • Staff-Led Tour of The Wilds: April 8 – 19, 2024 (Contact bob.mayes@columbuszoo.org to schedule)
  • Question Period: Until April 19, 2024, 5:00 PM (EST)
  • Proposal Deadline: April 26, 2024, 5:00 PM (EST)

This is an exceptional opportunity for vendors to collaborate with the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks on enhancing their technological infrastructure. We encourage all selected vendors to carefully review the RFQ details and submit their most competitive quotes for consideration.

For further inquiries and submission details, please refer to the full RFQ documentation or contact the specified representatives. Let’s work together towards a more connected and efficient future for the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds.

The April 4 CertifyOhio Event Highlights

🚀 Today’s CertifyOhio Event Highlights 🚀

📆 April 4, 2024 – A transformative day for small and minority-owned businesses! The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) invites you to two pivotal sessions designed to propel your business forward:

1️⃣ Certification 101 – Dive deep into the world of business certifications with our online session. Learn the basics and how these certifications can serve as a catalyst for your business’s growth. 🌱 (This class meets on April 9 as well)

2️⃣ Elevate Your Business – Gain valuable legal advice and tips tailored for entrepreneurs. This online session is a must-attend for anyone looking to solidify their business’s legal foundation. ⚖️

📍 Where? Online via Zoom.

🕒 When? Today at 6pm

💡 Whether you’re exploring the certification landscape or seeking to elevate your business with expert legal advice, today’s sessions are tailored to meet your needs. Don’t miss this chance to learn from industry experts, connect with peers, and take a giant leap towards securing your business’s future.

For more details and to secure your spot, visit OHBDC.org. Let’s harness the power of certification together!

🔗 Stay Connected – Follow us for more updates and upcoming events in the CertifyOhio series. Elevate your business profile and unlock new opportunities with us!

#CertifyOhio #SmallBusiness #MinorityOwnedBusiness #BusinessCertification #Entrepreneurship