OBDC announces fundraising page

📣 Exciting News! We’re thrilled to announce that the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) now has an official fundraising page. Support minority and small businesses in Ohio by making a donation today. Every contribution helps us empower more entrepreneurs. Check it out: OBDC Fundraising Page 🌟

#OBDC #SupportSmallBusiness #EmpowerEntrepreneurs

The January 27 OhioMBE Bid Board is live

OhioMBE Bid Board Preview
January 27, 2026
OhioMBE Logo
A publication of The 912 Group
Ronda Watson Barber, Publisher
Connecting small and minority businesses to cash, contracts, and connections across Ohio. Review bid notices at OhioMBE.com.
Bid Opportunities
NEW New this issue CLOSING SOON Bid date within 14 days
  • Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) – Lawn Care Maintenance Services
    Locations: Colonial Hills, 795 Patterson Ave, Martin P. Lauer, Valley View
    Bid Date: February 18, 2026View bid notice
  • Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) – Lawn Care Maintenance, Landscape Enhancements & Related Work
    Locations: William E. Fowler, 681 Payne Ave, Bon Sue Apartments, Saferstein Towers 1 & 2
    Bid Date: February 18, 2026View bid notice
  • Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) – Lawn Care Maintenance, Landscape Enhancements & Related Work
    Locations: Edgewood Village (Phases I, II/III, IV, V)
    Bid Date: February 18, 2026View bid notice
  • Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) – RFP: Snack & Beverage Vending Machines at Senior Hi‑Rise Buildings NEW
    Bid Date: February 19, 2026View RFP
  • Columbus City Schools – Accessibility Upgrades at Ridgeview MS (Pkg 1) CLOSING SOON
    Bid Date: February 3, 2026View bid details
  • Columbus City Schools – Accessibility Upgrades at Ridgeview MS (Pkg 2: Safety Glazing Replacement) CLOSING SOON
    Bid Date: February 3, 2026View bid details
  • Columbus City Schools – Building Envelope at Multiple Sites NEW
    Bid Date: February 11, 2026View bid details
  • Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) – RFP: Yardi Consultant & Services CLOSING SOON
    Bid Date: January 30, 2026View RFP
  • Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) – RFP: Income Verification Software Platform
    Bid Date: February 6, 2026View RFP
OhioDiversityNetworks.com – Upcoming Events

🎉 Calling All Black History Month Events!
Hosting a Black History Month event, program, panel, exhibit, or celebration? Make sure your community knows about it.

👉 Share your event on OhioDiversityNetworks.com and reach a wider audience of businesses, nonprofits, educators, and community leaders across Ohio.

✅ Free event submissions
✅ More visibility
✅ One central place to find Black History Month events statewide

Let’s celebrate our history, honor our legacy, and show up—together.

Looking for business, training, and community events across Ohio? Visit OhioDiversityNetworks.com for full details and additional listings.

SBA Cleveland – QuickBooks Essentials: Organize Your Business Finances
🗓️ January 28 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 Online (Zoom)
Learn how to navigate the fundamentals of QuickBooks to manage financial statements and make informed business decisions.
Free

SBA Cleveland – Cracking the Code: Import Tariffs Explained
🗓️ January 29 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 SBDC Lakeland Community College, Chesterland, OH
A practical, in-person workshop covering importing fundamentals, tariffs, and cost-control strategies.
Free

Cleveland SBA – ECDI’s WBC Cleveland: Boots to Business (In-Person)
🗓️ January 29 | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 ECDI VBOC, 1974 E. 66th St., Cleveland, OH
Entrepreneurial training for active-duty service members, veterans, and spouses focused on launching and growing businesses.
Free

Free Black History Month Programs – Ohio Statehouse
🗓️ February 3 – February 24 | Various times
📍 Ohio Statehouse Atrium, Columbus, OH
A series of educational and cultural programs celebrating Black history, preservation, and truth.
Free

Cleveland SBA – Small Business Orientation
🗓️ February 3 | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Online (Zoom)
An introductory session for aspiring entrepreneurs covering planning, legal considerations, and available resources.
Free

OBDC – Preserving Your Legacy: Building Financial Power That Lasts
🗓️ Tuesday, February 25 | 11:30 AM
💻 Online
As part of Black History Month, the Ohio Business Development Center is hosting an educational session focused on how intentional banking relationships and financial structure support long-term business sustainability and generational impact. The session will be led by Jeffery Washington of Wright-Patt Credit Union and will provide practical insights for startups and established businesses.
Topics include: Choosing the right banking partner, structuring business accounts, building banking relationships, preparing for financing, and aligning decisions with long-term legacy goals.
👉 Register at OHBDC.org

Apply Now: Small Business of the Week (2026)

OhioMBE is now accepting applications for our 2026 Small Business of the Week feature.

Each week, one Ohio small business will be highlighted across the OhioMBE platform — including a feature on OhioMBE.com, placement in the OhioMBE Bid Board, and promotion across OhioMBE social media channels.

What selected businesses receive:

  • A featured spotlight on OhioMBE.com
  • Inclusion in the OhioMBE Bid Board
  • Social media promotion across OhioMBE platforms
  • Exposure to thousands of readers statewide

Investment: $150 (one business featured per week; space is limited).

👉 Apply for Small Business of the Week

Publisher’s Notes

When the Excuses Arrive: Why “Good Faith” Without Proof Isn’t Good Enough
Read the full column

Reflecting on Dr. King’s Legacy: What Does Accountability Look Like When Power Is Ours?
Read the full column

Kwanzaa and the Courage to Claim What’s Ours
Read the full column

2026: Grow Your Business. Defend Your Access.
Read the full column

Quiet Corrections Aren’t Transparency
Read the full column

Classifieds

Community Announcement

Trades of Faith – Tool Drive for Future Trades Professionals
Trades of Faith is hosting a Tool Drive to help young people launch successful careers in the skilled trades. We’re calling on our community to support the next generation of builders, makers, and problem-solvers.

🔧 Donate new or gently used tools
💵 Monetary donations are also welcome

Training areas supported: Concrete, Electrical, Plumbing, PPE & Safety, HVAC, Carpentry, Automotive

Every tool helps open a door. Every donation helps shape a future.

🔗 Learn more or support the drive at TradesOfFaith.org

merry&Black is live!

Celebrate Black history, culture, and everyday excellence with the Making Black History Everyday lined journal by Ronda Watson Barber. Designed for reflection, planning, and daily intention, this journal centers our stories and reminds us that Black history isn’t confined to a month—it’s lived, built, and made every day.

📘 Purchase on Amazon


Promote your business, event, or service in the OhioMBE Bid Board Classifieds.

For rates and deadlines, email rbarber@ohiombe.com.

Know another business owner who could benefit from these opportunities? Please share the OhioMBE Bid Board.

Columbus City Schools issues bid notice for Building Envelope at Multiple Sites

LEGAL NOTICE BUILDING ENVELOPE AT MULTIPLE SITES

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 Wednesday, February 11, 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.

Preserving Your Legacy: Building Financial Power That Lasts

Black History Month Business Series

As part of Black History Month, the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) is hosting Preserving Your Legacy: Building Financial Power That Lasts—an educational online session focused on how banking relationships and financial structure support long-term business sustainability and generational impact.

Too often, businesses are launched without the banking foundation needed to grow, access capital, or prepare for the future. This session is designed to help entrepreneurs better understand how intentional banking strategies strengthen businesses and help preserve what they are building.

The session will be led by Jeffery Washington of Wright-Patt Credit Union, and will provide practical insights for both startups and established businesses.


Event Details

📅 Tuesday, February 25
🕦 11:30 AM
💻 Online


Session Topics Include

  • Choosing the right banking partner for your business
  • Structuring business accounts for credibility and growth
  • Building and maintaining strong banking relationships
  • Preparing your business for financing and expansion
  • Aligning banking decisions with long-term legacy goals

Who Should Attend

  • Small business owners and entrepreneurs
  • Startups preparing for growth or access to capital
  • Established businesses seeking stronger financial structure
  • Business owners focused on sustainability and succession

This Black History Month session centers ownership, planning, and financial empowerment—because building a business is one thing, but building something that lasts requires intention.

👉 Register at OHBDC.org


AMHA issues new RFP for vending services

The Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority at 100 West Cedar Street, Akron, Ohio 44307 will receive proposals until 4:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Provide, Maintain and Service SNACK and BEVERAGE VENDING MACHINES at AMHA SENIOR HI-RISE BUILDINGS Within Summit County, Ohio

Specifications are available at SE Blueprint, 520 South Main Street, Suite 2411, Akron, Ohio  44311.   (330) 376-1689 or at   seblue@seblueprint.com

An email link for the above mentioned specifications is available at the Subcontractors Association NEO, 637 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, Ohio; Akron Urban League, Minority Business Assistance Center, 440 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, Ohio; the Builders Exchange of Canton, 5080 Aultman Rd., North Canton, Ohio; Builders Exchange of Cleveland, 9555 Rockside Road, Suite 300, Cleveland, Ohio; and the Ohio Construction News, 7261 Engle Road, Suite 304, Cleveland, Ohio.  

A Pre-Proposal meeting will be held on Thursday February 5th, 2026 at 9AM at 1159 Exeter Road Akron, Ohio 44306. To be considered, Proposals must be received by AMHA at 1159 Exeter Road, Akron, Ohio 44306 no later than 4:00 p.m. (local time) on Thursday February 19th, 2026. Questions contact Pat Edwards, Purchasing Manager 330-253-1391.

Persons with disabilities needing assistance are asked to contact AMHA’s ADA Coordinator, 100 West Cedar Street, Akron Ohio 44307, 330-762-9631 or Ohio Relay at 800-750-0750 at least seven (7) days in advance.

Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority
Herman Hill
Executive Director

Columbus City Schools issues new bid notice for Auditorium & Gymnasium Updates at Multiple Sites

New Bid Opportunity – Columbus City Schools 🚨

The City School District of Columbus is accepting electronic bids for Auditorium & Gymnasium Upgrades at Multiple Sites.

🗓 Bid Deadline: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Submission: Via Public Purchase
📄 Plans & specs available through Franklin Imaging

🔗 Full details available at the district RFP page.

#OhioBids #PublicSectorContracts #ConstructionBids #OhioContractors #SchoolConstruction #BidOpportunity #ColumbusOhio #SupplierDiversity #PrimeAndSub #OhioMBE

AMHA issues bid notice for Lawn Care Maintenance Services, Landscape Enhancements and Related Work at William E. Fowler, 681 Payne Ave, Bon Sue Apartments, Saferstein Towers 1, Saferstein Towers 2,

INVITATION TO BID B26002 

The Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority at 100 West Cedar Street, Akron, Ohio 44307 will receive sealed bids until 2:00 p.m. local time on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at which time and place bids will be publicly opened and read aloud for:

Lawn Care Maintenance Services, Landscape Enhancements and Related Work at William E. Fowler, 681 Payne Ave, Bon Sue Apartments, Saferstein Towers 1, Saferstein Towers 2,

PRE-BID will be held on Wednesday, February 4th 2:00PM Located at AMHA, 100 West Cedar Street, Akron, Ohio 44307

Specifications can be purchased at SE Blueprint, 520 South Main Street, Suite 2411, Akron, Ohio 44311. (330) 376-1689 or at seblue@seblueprint.com

An email link for the above mentioned specifications is available at the Subcontractors Association NEO, 637 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, Ohio; Akron Urban League, Minority Business Assistance Center, 440 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, Ohio; the Builders Exchange of Canton, 5080 Aultman Rd., North Canton, Ohio; Builders Exchange of Cleveland, 9555 Rockside Road, Suite 300, Cleveland, Ohio; and the Ohio Construction News, 7261 Engle Road, Suite 304, Cleveland, Ohio.

To be considered Bids must be received by AMHA no later than 2:00 p.m. (local time) on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Questions contact Michele Kindler, Assistant Contracting Officer at 330-376-7792.

Persons with disabilities needing assistance are asked to contact AMHA’S ADA Coordinator, 100 West Cedar Street, Akron Ohio 44307, 330-762-9631 or Ohio Relay at 800-750-0750 at least seven (7) days in advance.

Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority 
Herman Hill
Executive Director

AMHA issues bid notice for Lawn Care Maintenance Services at Colonial Hills,795 Patterson Ave, Martin P. Lauer, Valley View

INVITATION TO BID B26001

The Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority at 100 West Cedar Street, Akron, Ohio 44307 will receive sealed bids until 2:00 p.m. local time on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at which time and place bids will be publicly opened and read aloud for:

Lawn Care Maintenance Services, Landscape Enhancements and Related Work at Colonial Hills,795 Patterson Ave, Martin P. Lauer, Valley View

PRE-BID will be held on Wednesday, February 4th 2:00PM Located at AMHA, 100 West Cedar Street, Akron, Ohio 44307

Specifications can be purchased at SE Blueprint, 520 South Main Street, Suite 2411, Akron, Ohio 44311. (330) 376-1689 or at seblue@seblueprint.com

An email link for the above mentioned specifications is available at the Subcontractors Association NEO, 637 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, Ohio; Akron Urban League, Minority Business Assistance Center, 440 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, Ohio; the Builders Exchange of Canton, 5080 Aultman Rd., North Canton, Ohio; Builders Exchange of Cleveland, 9555 Rockside Road, Suite 300, Cleveland, Ohio; and the Ohio Construction News, 7261 Engle Road, Suite 304, Cleveland, Ohio.

To be considered Bids must be received by AMHA no later than 2:00 p.m. (local time) on Wednesday, February 19, 2026. Questions contact Michele Kindler, Assistant Contracting Officer at 330-376-7792.

Persons with disabilities needing assistance are asked to contact AMHA’s ADA Coordinator, 100 West Cedar Street, Akron Ohio 44307, 330-762-9631 or Ohio Relay at 800-750-0750 at least seven (7) days in advance. 

Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority 
Herman Hill 
Executive Director 

CMHA issues RFP for Income Vertification Software Platform

Legal Notice: RFP 2026-005 Income Verification Software Platform

The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority is seeking Request for Proposal (RFP) for the procurement of Income Verification Software Platform. The response deadline is 2:00pm February 6 th , 2026. Specifications may be obtained by visiting our website, www.cmhanet.com or by contacting the Purchasing Department of the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority at 880 E. 11th Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43211 or by calling 421-4434, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, Monday – Friday.

The January 12 OhioMBE Bid Board is live

OhioMBE Bid Board Preview
January 11, 2026
OhioMBE Logo
A publication of The 912 Group
Ronda Watson Barber, Publisher
Connecting small and minority businesses to cash, contracts, and connections across Ohio. Review bid notices at OhioMBE.com.
Bid Opportunities

Columbus City Schools – Accessibility Upgrades at Ridgeview MS (Pkg 1)
https://ohiombe.com/archives/26020

Columbus City Schools – Accessibility Upgrades at Ridgeview MS (Pkg 2: Safety Glazing Replacement)
https://ohiombe.com/archives/26023

Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) – RFP: Yardi Consultant & Services
https://ohiombe.com/archives/26042

OhioDiversityNetworks.com – Share Your Upcoming Event

Have an upcoming business, procurement, or community event? Get it in front of Ohio’s small business and supplier diversity community.

Add your upcoming event to OhioDiversityNetworks.com
📧 Email jc@ohbdc.org to submit your event.

This Week’s Events

For full details, additional events, and updates, visit OhioDiversityNetworks.com.

Cleveland SBA – Financial Series 1: Basic Finances for Your Business
🗓️ January 15 | 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
📍 Online (Zoom)
This session helps small business owners understand how sales volume, fixed costs, and variable costs impact profitability.
Free

January 2026 OhioMBE Procurement Fair (Virtual)
🗓️ January 22 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
💻 Virtual
This online procurement fair connects small businesses with public agencies and organizations from Cleveland and Akron.
$40

Cleveland SBA – Financial Series 2: Using Financial Data to Manage Your Business
🗓️ January 22 | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
📍 Online (Zoom)
Learn how to use financial data to improve cash flow, reduce costs, and maximize profits.

Save the Date: January 2026 OhioMBE Procurement Fair (Virtual)

Mark your calendar! The January 2026 OhioMBE Procurement Fair is going virtual on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

This online procurement fair will connect small businesses with public agencies and organizations from Cleveland and Akron, offering direct access to buyers and supplier diversity representatives.

Event Details
📅 Thursday, January 22, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
💻 Virtual
💵 Registration Fee: $40

🔗 OhioMBEProcurementFairs.com

Apply Now: Small Business of the Week (2026)

OhioMBE is now accepting applications for our 2026 Small Business of the Week feature.

Each week, one Ohio small business will be highlighted across the OhioMBE platform — including a feature on OhioMBE.com, placement in the OhioMBE Bid Board, and promotion across OhioMBE social media channels.

What selected businesses receive:

  • A featured spotlight on OhioMBE.com
  • Inclusion in the OhioMBE Bid Board
  • Social media promotion across OhioMBE platforms
  • Exposure to thousands of readers statewide

Investment: $150 (one business featured per week; space is limited).

👉 Apply for Small Business of the Week

Publisher’s Notes

Kwanzaa and the Courage to Claim What’s Ours
Read the full column

2026: Grow Your Business. Defend Your Access.
Read the full column

Quiet Corrections Aren’t Transparency
Read the full column

Classifieds

Community Announcement

Trades of Faith – Tool Drive for Future Trades Professionals
Trades of Faith is hosting a Tool Drive to help young people launch successful careers in the skilled trades. We’re calling on our community to support the next generation of builders, makers, and problem-solvers.

🔧 Donate new or gently used tools
💵 Monetary donations are also welcome

Training areas supported: Concrete, Electrical, Plumbing, PPE & Safety, HVAC, Carpentry, Automotive

Every tool helps open a door. Every donation helps shape a future.

🔗 Learn more or support the drive at TradesOfFaith.org

merry&Black is live!

merry&Black is a curated lifestyle brand celebrating culture, creativity, and everyday joy. From thoughtfully designed greeting cards to journals, candles, and mugs, each item is created to reflect our stories, our voice, and the moments that matter.

🛍️ Shop merry&Black at merryandBlackshop.com


Promote your business, event, or service in the OhioMBE Bid Board Classifieds.

For rates and deadlines, email rbarber@ohiombe.com.

Know another business owner who could benefit from these opportunities? Please share the OhioMBE Bid Board.

FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SELECT JOHN O’GRADY AS BOARD PRESIDENT FOR 2026

At their first meeting of the year, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners selected Commissioner John O’Grady to serve as President of the Board for 2026.

Each year, the Commissioners choose one of their own to serve as Board President, a role that includes presiding over weekly General Session and Briefing meetings and serving as the primary spokesperson for the Board at community events, meetings, and with the media. The Board of Commissioners is the administrative arm of Franklin County government, overseeing county agencies and adopting a budget which exceeds $2 billion.

As President, Commissioner O’Grady will focus on advancing affordable housing, economic development, and workforce development, with a strong emphasis on supporting local entrepreneurs through the County’s Office of Economic Engagement and Community Development. His priorities also include maintaining fiscal responsibility during challenging economic times and working closely with community partners to ensure critical resources are delivered to residents who need them most.

“I’m grateful to my colleagues for the opportunity to lead the Board this year,” said Commissioner O’Grady. “Franklin County continues to grow and evolve, and with that growth comes great responsibility. My focus will be on making thoughtful, fiscally sound decisions that expand access to affordable housing, strengthen our workforce, and support the small businesses and entrepreneurs who drive our local economy. By working closely with our community partners, we can ensure resources are used wisely and reach residents where they can make the greatest impact.”

In addition to his local leadership, Commissioner O’Grady is actively engaged at the national level through the National Association of Counties (NACo). He serves on NACo’s Board of Directors, is a member of the Large Urban County Caucus, and is currently Vice-Chair of the Finance, Pensions and Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee, positions that help elevate Franklin County’s voice on federal policy and funding issues affecting counties nationwide.

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners holds General Session meetings each Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. and Briefing meetings each Thursday at 9:00 a.m. All meetings are open to the public and available online.

Meeting information and access details can be found at: www.commissioners.franklincountyohio.gov/public-meetings.

A full biography of Commissioner O’Grady is available here.

Ohio Business Development Center

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