Presented by Ascension Construction Solutions

Ascension Construction Solutions will host its inaugural Women in Construction Week program, Level Up: Building Her Path, Strengthening Our Industry, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 2:00–6:00 p.m. at Brick Studio in Columbus, Ohio.

This dynamic program is designed to celebrate and elevate Women in Construction by bringing together industry professionals, emerging leaders, architects, engineers, tradespeople, and allies who are committed to strengthening the construction workforce.

The event will provide a meaningful platform for connection, inspiration, and forward-thinking dialogue focused on leadership, equity, and long-term industry growth. Attendees can expect engaging conversations and opportunities to build relationships across all sectors of the construction community.

Event Details
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Brick Studio, Columbus, Ohio

FREE Admission – Registration Required
Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/level-up-building-her-path-strengthening-our-industry-tickets-1981960471122?aff=oddtdtcreator

Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Ascension Construction Solutions is also seeking sponsors to support this important Women in Construction Week initiative. Sponsorship levels range from $4,000 to $500. Benefits may include company recognition across social media platforms, logo placement on event awards, priority seating, and additional visibility opportunities based on the selected sponsorship level.

Industry partners, construction firms, suppliers, and service providers are encouraged to attend and consider sponsorship participation to help strengthen opportunities for women across Ohio’s construction industry.

New contracting opportunities are posted — including a NEW Columbus City Schools RFQ for professional design services — plus business news that matters and upcoming events across Ohio.

And if you’ve been thinking about the Procurement Fair…
⚠️ ONLY 4 SEATS LEFT. Sold out expected today.

Inside this issue:
🔨 New bid opportunities
🎯 OBDC training sessions
📅 OhioDiversityNetworks.com events
📰 Policy + contracting updates you need to see

Don’t miss it.

👉 Read the full edition now at OhioMBE.com

#OhioMBE #BidBoard #SupplierDiversity #OhioBusiness #ContractingOpportunities #MBE #DBE #SmallBusinessSupport #OhioEntrepreneurs

In celebration of Black History Month, the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) invites entrepreneurs and small business owners to attend a powerful and informative online session featuring Jeffery Washington of Wright-Patt Credit Union.

🗓 Wednesday, February 25
⏰ 11:30 AM
💻 Online Event
🎟 FREE to Attend

This session will focus on financial empowerment, access to capital, and practical strategies to strengthen and grow your business.

What You’ll Learn:

• Building stronger banking relationships

• Preparing your business for funding

• Financial strategies for sustainable growth

• Building wealth through smart financial planning

As we honor Black History Month, this session is an opportunity to not only reflect on legacy — but to actively build economic strength within our business community.

Jeffery Washington will provide insight into what lenders look for, how to position your business for financing, and how to create a solid financial foundation for long-term success.

Whether you are an established business owner or preparing to launch, this conversation will equip you with tools to move forward with confidence.

🔗 Register today at OHBDC.org

Let’s celebrate Black History Month by empowering entrepreneurs, strengthening businesses, and building wealth.

LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
The Columbus City School District announces a Request for Qualifications for the following professional design services:

● Criteria Architect
● Architect of Record
● Landscape Architect
● Construction Manager (Construction Manager at Risk)

More information can be found on the District’s web site at http://www.columbus.k12.oh.us/rfp.

Bidding vs. Estimating – 2-Part Construction Training Series

Too many contractors win jobs and lose money.

The difference between surviving and scaling in construction often comes down to one thing: understanding your numbers.

The Ohio Business Development Center is hosting a powerful two-part online training designed to help contractors build profitable estimates and submit smarter bids.

If you’ve ever asked yourself:
• “Am I pricing this right?”
• “Why am I busy but not making money?”
• “Should I even bid this project?”

This class is for you.

📊 Session 1 – Estimating Fundamentals

Before you bid, you must understand your true cost of doing the work.

This session focuses on estimating as the foundation of profitability. Participants will learn how to break a project down into its core cost components, identify hidden expenses, and evaluate financial risk before deciding to bid.

You’ll learn how to:

• Understand the difference between estimating and bidding
• Identify all major cost components
• Calculate labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor costs
• Include overhead, profit, and contingencies
• Evaluate whether a project makes financial sense

📑 Session 2 – Smart Bidding Strategies

Now that you’ve built your estimate, how do you turn it into a winning bid?

Session 2 focuses on transforming your numbers into a competitive and compliant proposal. Learn how to review bid documents, avoid costly mistakes, and submit bids strategically — not emotionally.

You’ll learn how to:

• Use your estimate to determine a smart bid price
• Understand public vs. private bid requirements
• Avoid underbidding and cash-flow problems
• Submit bids confidently and strategically

💻 Format

Two live online sessions
Practical, real-world instruction
Designed for new and growing contractors

💵 Investment

Non-Members: $39 for both sessions
OBDC Members: Free or $10

Not a member? Annual OBDC membership is just $25 per year and includes access to classes, resources, and business support.

Contractors who understand estimating don’t just win jobs — they build sustainable businesses.

Registration details available at OHBDC.org.

Let’s build smarter.

If you’re looking for workshops, networking opportunities, or business-focused gatherings happening across Ohio, take a moment to check the updated calendar.

And here’s the important part —
If you’re hosting a business or community event, add it. Don’t keep it a secret.

OhioDiversityNetworks.com was created to make sure opportunities are visible and accessible. If it benefits the community, it belongs on the calendar.

Post it. Share it. Let’s keep Ohio connected.

#OhioDiversityNetworks #UpcomingEvents #OhioBusiness #CommunityConnections #ShareYourEvent

The February 9 OhioMBE Bid Board is LIVE! 🚨
This week’s issue includes active contracting opportunities, bids that are closing soon, upcoming events across Ohio, and the latest business news impacting small and minority-owned businesses. If you’re serious about securing contracts, staying informed, and positioning your business for growth, this is your weekly must-read.

👉 Read the full Bid Board now at OhioMBE.com
📣 And please share it with another business owner who needs to see these opportunities.

The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) is offering a series of online business training classes designed to help small businesses strengthen operations, navigate certification, and prepare for contracting opportunities.

These sessions are FREE for OBDC and Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce members and open to others for a low cost.

Certification 101: Understanding the Basics

📅 Tuesday, February 10, 2026
⏰ Multiple dates & times available
📍 Online | Zoom

An introductory class covering what business certification is, why it matters, and the different certification programs available to help businesses access public and private contracting opportunities.

Building Financial Power That Lasts

📅 Wednesday, February 25, 2026
⏰ 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
📍 Online | Zoom

A practical session focused on strengthening financial foundations, improving cash flow habits, and building long-term financial sustainability for your business.

Preparing Your ODOT Personal Narrative

📅 Tuesday, March 10, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
📍 Online | Zoom

This workshop provides step-by-step guidance on preparing the ODOT Personal Narrative, a required component for DBE certification and recertification under current federal requirements.

✅ FREE for OBDC & Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce Members
💻 All classes are held online via Zoom
🎟️ Advance registration required

🔗 Register at: OHBDC.org

Not a member? Annual membership is just $25 and includes access to free classes, business resources, and year-round support.

March 10 | 1:00 PM | Online

Recent federal changes have reshaped the DBE certification process in Ohio. This focused workshop will help businesses understand what’s required and how to prepare—with emphasis on the Personal Narrative.

Ohio Department of Transportation guidance will cover:

• Mandatory DBE firm reevaluation
• Personal Narrative requirements documenting disadvantage
• Personal Net Worth Statements and supporting documentation
• Suspension of DBE contract goals under the Interim Final Rule

Who Should Attend

DBE-certified firms, businesses preparing new applications, minority-, women-, and disadvantaged-owned businesses, prime contractors, and purchasing professionals.

Cost & Registration

✅ FREE for OBDC and OWCC Members
💵 $25 for Non-Members

Not a member? Annual OBDC membership is just $25 — attend this workshop free and get year-round access to classes, resources, and support.

📍 Register at: OHBDC.org