📣 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
More than 50 businesses and service providers logged in for the recent ODOT DBE Recertification Session hosted by the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC). The strong turnout reflects the urgency surrounding current DBE recertification requirements and the need for accurate, timely information.
The session featured Lorraine Stevens, who provided a wealth of information on ODOT’s updated DBE certification and recertification process. Attendees received practical guidance, clarification on key requirements, and insight into what firms should prioritize to remain compliant and competitive.
For those who were unable to attend live, the session was recorded and is available for viewing at OHBDC.org.
In addition, supporting materials and helpful resources related to the session are available in the OBDC Resource Folder:
📁 OBDC Resource Folder:
https://bit.ly/3MAq8Tj
OBDC remains committed to ensuring small businesses and service providers have access to trusted information, resources, and support as they navigate certification and contracting opportunities.
Columbus City Schools – Asphalt Repair & Replacements at Multiple Sites
Due: December 15, 2025
https://ohiombe.com/archives/25909
Franklin County – Home Delivered Meals for Seniors
Due: January 9, 2026
https://ohiombe.com/archives/25906
Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority – Canals Edge Renovations
Due: December 18, 2025
https://ohiombe.com/archives/25855
Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) – 2026 Agency Plans Release
CMHA has released a significant amendment to its 2026 Annual Plan, available at www.cmhanet.com.
A public hearing is scheduled for January 23, 2025. For information on how to attend, please contact Anitra Lomax at alomax@cmhanet.com or 614-421-6410.
Understanding ODOT’s New DBE Certification Rules
🗓️ Tuesday, December 16 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Online (Zoom)
👉 Register via Zoom
Cleveland SBA – Intro to Selling to the Federal Government
🗓️ Friday, December 19 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 Online (Zoom)
Learn how your business can compete for federal contracts as a prime or subcontractor.
December 2025 OhioMBE Procurement Fair is SOLD OUT — but you can still participate!
The December 2025 OhioMBE Procurement Fair is officially SOLD OUT. Thank you to the many small businesses who registered for the final Fair of the year.
If you didn’t secure an appointment, you can still plug in and take advantage of the resources available on-site.
Franklin County Resource Pop-Up Fair
Franklin County will host a Resource Pop-Up Fair during the event, featuring B2B partners, business resource organizations, and support services for small businesses. It’s a perfect opportunity to network, gather information, and connect with organizations that can help your business grow.
The Resource Pop-Up is free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged.
➡️ Register for the Resource Pop-Up
Stay tuned to OhioMBE.com for upcoming events, news, and 2026 Procurement Fair dates.
The OBDC Construction Academy video library is now open! Watch recorded sessions on demand.
Topics Include:
Free for members. Small fee for public. Watch at OHBDC.org.
Why the LEDE Program Should Matter to the CCS Board
Read the full column
How the Angela Chapman Administration Broke a 20+ Year Supplier Diversity Program
Read the full column
Giving Tuesday may be over — but you can still support the Ohio Business Development Center.
The Ohio Business Development Center has spent years helping entrepreneurs secure contracts, get certified, access financing, and build stronger businesses across Ohio.
If OBDC has supported your journey in any way — through a referral, a class, advocacy, a connection, or hands‑on assistance — we invite you to give back.
Your contribution helps us continue providing:
Every gift, large or small, powers our mission.
👉 Donate today at Givebutter.com/OBDC
Thank you for supporting small business growth across Ohio.
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.
merry&Black is live!
Shop Black-centered holiday joy at merryandblackshop.com – greeting cards, candles, journals, and mugs that celebrate our stories all season long.
Promote your business, event, or service in the OhioMBE Bid Board Classifieds.
For rates and deadlines, email rbarber@ohiombe.com.
The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) is hosting a FREE online informational session to help small businesses understand ODOT’s updated DBE certification rules and what they mean for firms seeking or maintaining certification.
This session is designed to break down the new requirements in plain language and help businesses avoid missteps that could delay or impact certification.
This session is ideal for DBE-certified firms, businesses considering certification, and any company working on or pursuing ODOT-funded projects.
Registration is FREE.
Visit OHBDC.org for details and to register.
Stay informed. Stay compliant. Stay ready for opportunity.
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 step up and support the next generation of builders, makers, and problem-solvers.
🔧 Donate New or Gently Used Tools
💵 Monetary donations are also welcome
Your contribution will support students training in essential fields, including:
Every tool helps open a door. Every donation helps shape a future.
Learn more or support the drive at TradesOfFaith.org.
Let’s invest in our youth and strengthen our skilled-trade pipeline—together.
Strategic HR Planning for Optimized Project Delivery & Client Satisfaction**
OBDC is hosting a FREE online class tonight at 6 PM, and there’s still time to join.
This session will help small business owners strengthen their teams, improve communication, and run smoother projects. Whether you’re a contractor, service provider, or a growing entrepreneur, you’ll learn practical strategies you can use right away.
👉 Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/lvGcj94fTaKFAnr3Lgyqig
Join a diverse group of business owners for a real conversation about improving workflow, boosting client satisfaction, and building stronger internal systems.
Learn today. Apply it tomorrow.
Small business owners, don’t miss today’s FREE online class designed to help you close out your 2025 financials with confidence.
🗓️ Today
🕦 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM EST
💻 Online via Zoom
This session will walk you through how to organize your year-end documents, avoid common tax mistakes, and get prepared for a smoother filing season. It’s perfect for new business owners, sole proprietors, and anyone looking for extra guidance before tax time.
👉 Join the class by registering here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/0N-OO3BbRXO5ICc5_G1sNg
Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay connected with OhioMBE.
The December 2025 OhioMBE Procurement Fair is officially SOLD OUT!
Thank you to the many small businesses who registered for the final Fair of the year.
If you didn’t secure an appointment, you can still plug in and take advantage of the resources available on-site.
Franklin County will host a Resource Pop-Up Fair during the event, featuring B2B partners, business resource organizations, and support services for small businesses.
It’s a perfect opportunity to network, gather information, and connect with organizations that can help your business grow.
The Resource Pop-Up is free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged.
➡️ Register for the Resource Pop-Up:
https://form.jotform.com/242885475236063
Stay tuned to OhioMBE.com for upcoming events, news, and 2026 Procurement Fair dates!
The new OhioMBE Bid Board is out! This week’s edition is packed with fresh contracting opportunities, upcoming business trainings, and important public notices to help you stay informed and contract-ready.
🔹 New bid notices from CCS, Franklin County, and CMHA
🔹 A public notice on CMHA’s 2026 Agency Plan
🔹 Registration reminders for OBDC’s December classes
🔹 Updates for the December 18 OhioMBE Procurement Fair
🔹 Publisher’s Notes on CCS’ LEDE Program and supplier diversity
🔹 Plus: our Giving Tuesday thank-you and ways to continue supporting OBDC
🔹 And a spotlight on the new merry&Black holiday collection
Stay connected. Stay prepared. Stay in the loop.
Read the full Bid Board now at OhioMBE.com.
#OhioMBE #BidBoard #SupplierDiversity #SmallBusinessOhio #OBDC #ContractOpportunities #MinorityBusinessSupport
Wednesday, December 10
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM EST
Get your books in order before the year wraps! Join us for a helpful, straightforward session designed to make tax season easier for small business owners. We’ll cover what to prepare, what to avoid, and how to finish 2025 organized and confident.
Registration is FREE — sign up at OHBDC.org
Don’t wait… secure your spot and start the new year ahead of the game!
The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) will host two online learning sessions on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, designed to support small business owners as they prepare for year-end reporting, tax readiness, and stronger operational planning heading into 2026.
These virtual classes are part of OBDC’s ongoing commitment to providing accessible, practical business education to Ohio’s small and minority-owned businesses.
Wednesday, December 10
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM EST
Online (Zoom)
This session will help business owners wrap up their 2025 financials, organize important documentation, avoid common tax mistakes, and prepare for a smoother filing season. Participants will receive guidance tailored to the needs of small companies and new business owners.
Wednesday, December 10
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM EST
Online (Zoom)
This class focuses on how intentional HR planning can improve team performance, strengthen workflow, and support better client outcomes—especially important for construction, service-based, and growing businesses. Attendees will learn how effective HR strategies directly impact project success and business reputation.
Class registration will open soon at OHBDC.org.
The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting small and minority-owned businesses through training, consulting, certification support, construction education, and business development resources. OBDC helps entrepreneurs gain the skills and connections needed to build sustainable, successful companies.
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