Is Your Business Ready for the Contract?

Winning a major contract or landing a new client can be a big moment for a small business. But getting the opportunity is only part of the equation.

The Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce (OWCC) will present Capacity Before Contracts: Is Your Business Ready for the Opportunity You Want? on Wednesday, September 9 at noon.

The interactive online business-development session will feature Lachandra B. Baker, Founder & Lead Consultant of Lachandra B. Baker Edutainment.

The session will challenge business owners to look beyond pursuing opportunities and examine whether their companies have the capacity to successfully deliver once they win.

Participants will explore critical areas including staffing, workload, business systems, financial resources, owner dependency, personal energy and the operational changes that may be necessary before taking on larger contracts or clients.

Baker will guide participants through a practical business-capacity assessment designed to help them identify where their businesses are strong, where gaps may exist and what needs immediate attention.

Participants will leave with an operational priority and a concrete action they can begin implementing immediately.

The session will include 45 minutes of interactive instruction followed by 15 minutes of Q&A.

Capacity Before Contracts

Is Your Business Ready for the Opportunity You Want?

Wednesday, September 9, 2026
12:00–1:00 p.m.
Online

Presenter: Lachandra B. Baker (she/her)
Founder & Lead Consultant
Lachandra B. Baker Edutainment

Presented by: Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce

Free for OBDC & OWCC members.

Business owners pursuing contracts, larger clients, partnerships and other growth opportunities are encouraged to participate.

Register at OHBDC.org.

Because winning the opportunity is great. Being prepared to deliver is what builds the business.

Ask the Construction Expert: Private Construction Consultations for OBDC Members

Need help with a construction project? Get expert advice—one-on-one.

Every contractor runs into questions that can’t always be answered with a Google search. Whether you’re preparing a bid, reviewing a contract, pricing a project, or trying to solve a jobsite challenge, sometimes you need to talk with someone who’s been there.

The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) is introducing Ask the Construction Expert, a new member benefit designed to give contractors direct access to experienced construction guidance through private 15-minute virtual consultations.

Unlike a traditional webinar, these are scheduled one-on-one appointments focused entirely on your business and your project.

Bring Your Questions About:

  • Preparing estimates and bids
  • Construction contracts
  • Reading blueprints and specifications
  • Responding to RFPs
  • Project management
  • Change orders
  • Working with subcontractors
  • Bonding and insurance
  • Government contracting
  • Business certifications
  • Cash flow and payment issues
  • Other construction-related challenges

Whether you’re just starting your construction business or managing multiple projects, you’ll receive practical advice that can help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

How It Works

After registering, you’ll select an available 15-minute consultation appointment.

At your scheduled time, you’ll meet privately with an experienced construction professional via Zoom to discuss your questions. While another consultation is taking place, you’ll remain in the Zoom waiting room until your appointment begins.

To ensure every participant receives dedicated attention, only five consultation appointments are available for this session.

Event Details

Ask the Construction Expert
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM EDT
Online via Zoom

Free for OBDC Members

Appointments are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reserve your consultation today! Reserve your spot!

Building a Strong Online Presence for Your Business

Tuesday, August 25, 2026
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM (Online)

Presented by Meg Corso, Founder of Exclusively BA

Your online presence is often the first impression customers, clients, and decision-makers have of your business. Is your business making the right impression?

Join the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) for this practical online workshop led by Meg Corso, founder of Exclusively BA, and learn how to create a professional online presence that builds credibility, increases visibility, and helps your business attract more customers.

Whether you’re launching a new business or looking to strengthen your existing brand, this session will provide practical strategies you can implement immediately.

What You’ll Learn

  • The essential elements of a professional online presence
  • How to build trust through your website and digital branding
  • Choosing the right social media platforms for your business
  • Optimizing your Google Business Profile to attract local customers
  • Creating engaging content that connects with your audience
  • Simple strategies to improve your visibility in online searches
  • Common online mistakes that can hurt your business—and how to avoid them

Who Should Attend

Small business owners, entrepreneurs, consultants, contractors, nonprofits, startups, and anyone looking to increase their online visibility and grow their business.

Whether your goal is to gain more customers, win contracts, or strengthen your brand, this session will help you create an online presence that works for you.

Free for OBDC Members.
Advance registration is required at https://buytickets.at/OBDC

📢 Exciting Upcoming Events at OBDC! 

📢 Exciting Upcoming Events at OBDC! 📢

Join us for a series of impactful events designed to help you and your business thrive. From project management basics to LLC repair workshops and networking lunches, there’s something for everyone.

Upcoming Events:

June 19:
📚 Project Management Basics Series (Session 2)
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
🔗 Register at: https://buytickets.at/OBDC

June 26:
📚 Project Management Basics Series (Session 3)
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
🔗 Register at: https://buytickets.at/OBDC

June 27:
👷‍♀️ Women in Construction Lunch at Pepper Construction
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
🔗 Register at: https://buytickets.at/OBDC
📢 $5 fee for Summer Training and Planroom members

June 27:
🛠️ LLC Repair Workshop: Fixing Common Mistakes with D-I-Y LLCs
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM
🔗 Register at: https://buytickets.at/OBDC

June 29:
📜 Your LLC & the Corporate Transparency Act
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM
🔗 Register at: https://buytickets.at/OBDC

📢 All classes are free for Summer Training and Planroom members (except where noted). Don’t miss these opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with industry experts and peers!

Visit OHBDC.org for Summer Training Memberships.