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

Give Back Snaps Photo Booth Now Available for Your Events!

We’re thrilled to announce that Give Back Snaps, our new photo booth rental service, is now available for bookings! Perfect for weddings, parties, corporate events, and more, Give Back Snaps brings instant fun and unforgettable memories to any occasion.

What makes us unique? Every rental supports the Ohio Business Development Center’s (OBDC) mission to empower small businesses. By choosing Give Back Snaps, you’re not only creating memories but also making a positive impact in your community.

👉 Book today and make your next event unforgettable! Visit GiveBackSnaps.com for more information.

Opportunity Alert for Minority-Owned Businesses!

The Scarborough Senior Residence project is seeking bids from Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) in various construction areas. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a significant community development while expanding your business.

Bid Areas Include:

  • Drywall
  • Flooring
  • Concrete (Structural and Flatwork)
  • Asphalt Paving
  • Landscaping

How to Apply: MBEs interested in bidding are encouraged to reach out directly for more information.

📧 Contact: Procurement@Modelgroup.net

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this impactful project. Let’s build together and support our community!

📢 Reminder: Certification 101 Class Happening Tonight!

There’s still time to join our Certification 101 class and learn how certifications like MBE, FBE, and DBE can take your business to the next level. This session is perfect for those looking to understand the certification process and unlock new contracting opportunities.

Class Details:

  • Date: Tonight, November 12
  • Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Location: Online
  • Register: OHBDC.org

Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights that can help grow your business. Register now to secure your spot!

Announcing the Upcoming OhioMBE Procurement Fair – November 21!

Join us on November 21, 2024, for the OhioMBE Procurement Fair, hosted at Franklin County’s Old Memorial Hall! This is an exceptional opportunity for small and minority-owned businesses to connect with key organizations actively seeking to expand their supplier diversity networks.

Confirmed Organizations Attending:

  • Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA)
  • Franklin County
  • Columbus Chamber of Commerce
  • Gilbane Building Company
  • The Columbus Zoo

Each small business will have a 15-minute appointment with purchasing agents from these leading organizations to introduce their products and services, discuss contracting opportunities, and build valuable relationships.

Event Details:

📅 Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024
📍 Location: Franklin County’s Old Memorial Hall, 280 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
💲 Cost: Please visit OhioMBE.com for registration details and fees.

Space is limited! Don’t miss your chance to make new contracting connections and grow your business.

Register Today: Reserve your spot at OhioMBE.com and take the next step in building your network and opportunities.

For additional information, email rbarber@ohiombe.com.

#OhioMBE #SupplierDiversity #BusinessNetworking #ContractingOpportunities #SmallBusiness

The November 6 OhioMBE Bid Board is Now Available!

We’re pleased to announce that the November 6 edition of the OhioMBE Bid Board is now live! This issue is filled with key contracting opportunities, educational resources, and business insights tailored to support and uplift Ohio’s small and minority-owned businesses.

Featured Contracting Opportunities:

  • Franklin County: Don’t miss these new contracting opportunities that can help your business grow and make valuable connections in the industry.

Upcoming OBDC Classes:

Explore upcoming classes hosted by the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) to build your skills and enhance your business acumen. Whether you’re looking to improve your construction knowledge, gain financial insights, or network with other professionals, these classes are designed to set you up for success.

Spotlight on Business: Give Back Snaps Photobooth

This edition’s Spotlight on Business features Give Back Snaps Photobooth, a unique and community-focused photobooth company that combines fun with giving back. Learn more about their services and how they’re making a positive impact while capturing memorable moments.

Stay Connected:

Don’t miss these valuable opportunities and resources. Get your FREE subscription to the OhioMBE Bid Board and stay informed on the latest contracting notices, classes, and business spotlights.

Read the Latest IssueRead the November 6 OhioMBE Bid Board

Please share this issue with other business owners who could benefit from these opportunities!

 Need Legal Advice for Your Small Business? Join our free SBLA Virtual Business Law Clinic and get expert guidance to strengthen your business’s legal foundation!

 Upcoming Clinic Dates

  • Nov 9, 9:00 AM
  • Nov 16, 9:00 AM
  • Nov 23, 9:00 AM

Each 30-minute consultation is a chance to meet one-on-one with Attorney Moses for advice on LLC formation, contracts, compliance, and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to get tailored, practical legal help—completely free!

 Register now at OHBDC.eventbrite.com

Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) Announces Free November Events: Certification, Tax Planning, Legal Support, and More

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.


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

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

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

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

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

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.

ICYMI: The October 29 OhioMBE Bid Board is live! 🌟

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

OBDC Launches Certification 101 Online Classes in November to Help Businesses Get Certified

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.

Get Free Legal Guidance for Your Business: SBLA Virtual Business Law Clinic in November

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

Ohio Business Development Center

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