The excitement is building for the upcoming OhioMBE Procurement Fair on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium — and we’re thrilled to announce that SSA Group, the official food and beverage operator for the Zoo and Zoombezi Bay, will be in attendance!

SSA Group oversees a wide variety of food service and retail operations, offering potential contracting and partnership opportunities for local businesses — especially in catering, food products, event services, and more.

“We’re creating spaces where small businesses can get in front of decision-makers and make real connections that lead to contracts,” said Ronda Watson Barber, Publisher of OhioMBE and organizer of the fair. “Having SSA Group participate opens the door for vendors in the food, hospitality, and event industries to access opportunities they may not have had before.”

The July 17 event is expected to be one of the largest fairs of the year, featuring scheduled 15-minute appointments with:

• Columbus Zoo (Facilities, Marketing, Purchasing, and HR)
• SSA Group (Food & Beverage at the Zoo and Zoombezi Bay)
• Franklin County Purchasing
• City of Columbus
• State of Ohio
• And more agencies joining daily

Businesses from across Ohio attend to introduce their goods and services, build relationships, and compete for public and private contracts. Space is limited and appointments are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

📍 Event Info:
🗓️ Thursday, July 17, 2025
🕛 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📌 Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
🎟️ Register at OhioMBE.com

Whether you’re in construction, catering, marketing, consulting, or professional services — this is your chance to get your business in front of major buyers.

Don’t wait — register today, and get ready to make meaningful connections that can grow your business!

COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce (OWCC) proudly announces its 2025 statewide conference, SheLeads OH – Voices. Vision. Victory., taking place on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at the Quest Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio.

This dynamic event will unite women in business, leadership, and entrepreneurship from across Ohio for a powerful day of strategy, celebration, and connection.

This year’s conference will also feature a special edition of the OhioMBE Procurement Fair, providing attendees with direct access to procurement officers, supplier diversity professionals, and business development resources. This unique collaboration offers unmatched opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses to make meaningful contracting connections.

“We are intentionally combining inspiration and opportunity,” said Ronda Barber, Executive Director of OWCC. “By including the OhioMBE Procurement Fair in the SheLeads OH Conference, we’re making sure women leave empowered — and with leads, contracts, and resources to grow.”

Event Highlights Will Include:

• Inspirational Keynote Speakers
• Interactive Workshops & Strategy Sessions
• Small Business Vendor Marketplace
• Statewide Networking & Professional Development
• OhioMBE Procurement Fair – Meet Buyers & Prime Contractors
• Resource Connections & Business Certification Support

Why Attend?

SheLeads OH is designed to amplify women’s voices, shape future visions, and celebrate victories at every stage of the entrepreneurial and leadership journey. Attendees will leave with tools, connections, and inspiration to lead boldly in their communities and industries.

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 Save the Date:
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
 Quest Conference Center | Columbus, Ohio

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Registration, vendor opportunities, and sponsorship details will be announced soon. Visit www.womeninohio.com to sign up for updates and be first in line when registration opens.

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About the Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce:
The Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce (OWCC) is a statewide, membership-driven organization that supports, connects, and empowers women business owners and professionals. Through advocacy, education, and economic development programs, OWCC advances equity and opportunity for women across Ohio.

About the OhioMBE Procurement Fair:
The OhioMBE Procurement Fair is a signature networking event that connects small, minority-, and women-owned businesses with large institutions and government agencies seeking suppliers. Hosted monthly, the fair has helped hundreds of businesses make meaningful contracting connections.

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Free Online Class – Wednesday, July 16 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

OBDC invites entrepreneurs, contractors, and small business owners to join us for a free virtual training on how to use ChatGPT to create clear, persuasive, and professional quotes that help you save time and win contracts.

Whether you’re submitting estimates for construction projects, service proposals, or responding to RFPs, this session will show you how to use AI to support your business writing and streamline your workflow.

✅ Participants will learn how to:

• Use ChatGPT to write and format quotes and proposals
• Customize AI responses to match your services and tone
• Save time without sacrificing quality
• Avoid common mistakes and make AI work for you

Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: FREE for OBDC Members
🔗 Register now at OHBDC.org

This class is part of OBDC’s commitment to helping small businesses build smarter and grow stronger. Space is limited — reserve your spot today!

Legal Notice: IFB 2025- 014 Carpet Cleaning  

The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority is seeking Request for Proposal (IFB) for the  procurement of Carpeting Cleaning Services. The response deadline is 2:00pm on Thursday July 31^st, 2025. 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. 

Explore new bid notices and events that help grow your business.
🔗 View now: https://bit.ly/4khvvBK

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🛠️ Current Contracting Opportunities:

🔥 Fire Damages & Related Work at Darrow Road Apartments – Due July 9
🚨 Fire Alarm Upgrades – Package II at Multiple Sites – Due July 7
💧 Village of Granville – WWTP Improvements (Rebid) – Due July 8
🅿️ Parking Lot Construction – Details available on the Bid Board

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🌍 Upcoming Events – July 2025:

🌱 July 3 | Bronzeville Growers Market – Community Backyards Workshop
📍 OSU African American & African Studies Center
🕓 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

📋 July 8 | Certification 101 (Online) – Learn how to get certified
🕥 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
🔗 Register: https://OHBDC.org

♿ July 13 | 11th Annual All Disabilities Festival
📍 Dorrian Green Park (Behind COSI) | 🕐 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

🤖 July 16 | OBDC Construction Academy: Using ChatGPT to Write Your Quote
🕕 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | 🔗 Register: https://OHBDC.org

🦁 July 17 | OhioMBE Procurement Fair – Hosted by the Columbus Zoo
📍 Columbus Zoo | 🕦 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
🎟️ Register: https://buytickets.at/the912group

💉 July 19 | First Stick Phlebotomy and IV Summit
🕗 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

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📌 Submit Your Event for FREE on OhioDiversityNetworks.com
Make sure your event is seen by business and community leaders across Ohio!
🔗 Submit: https://forms.gle/y7hbZPjfHv49iC4f8

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👩🏾‍💼 Women-Owned? Add your business to the OWCC Directory!
Join a network that supports women-led entrepreneurship with a Pay What You Can membership.
🌐 Learn more: WomenInOhio.com

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📰 This Week’s Must-Reads on OhioMBE.com

• Westerville Hosts Sold-Out OhioMBE Procurement Fair

• The Audit Is In: Columbus City Schools Must Do Better

• Congratulations to Shinae White on Her Grand Opening

• Speak at the OWCC Summer Conference

• Just My Thoughts: Election Day Reflections

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📬 Visit OhioMBE.com to explore more bid notices and events.
📢 Do you like the Bid Board? Share it!

The next OhioMBE Procurement Fair will take place on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This impactful event offers small and minority-owned businesses the opportunity to schedule 15-minute appointments with purchasing representatives from major public and private organizations.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is proudly hosting the event and will have representatives available from several key departments, including Facilities, Marketing, and Purchasing. Businesses from across Ohio are expected to attend, seeking connections that can lead to new partnerships and contracting opportunities.

“People are making real connections and securing contracts,” said Ronda Barber, publisher of OhioMBE and organizer of the event. “The Procurement Fair creates intentional networking moments that open doors for diverse suppliers. It’s about access, opportunity, and growth.”

The OhioMBE Procurement Fair is known for its efficient, one-on-one meeting format that allows business owners to directly introduce their services and learn how to become vendors. Past participants have gone on to build lasting relationships and secure contracts with attending organizations.

Registration is open and space is limited. To secure your appointment schedule, visit https://buytickets.at/the912group

The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) is excited to announce a dynamic lineup of free virtual classes for July 2025 — all designed to help entrepreneurs, contractors, and small business owners sharpen their skills and grow their businesses.

Whether you’re working toward certification, improving your quotes and contracts, or looking to turn social media engagement into paying clients, these sessions offer practical, real-world strategies to help you succeed.

🗓️ July 2025 Class Schedule:

✔️ Certification 101
Date: Tuesday, July 8 | Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Learn how to become a certified MBE/WBE/EDGE business and tap into government and corporate contract opportunities.

✔️ Using ChatGPT to Write Your Quote
Date: Wednesday, July 16 | Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Explore how AI tools like ChatGPT can help you create clear, persuasive quotes that save time and win contracts.

✔️ Post. Pitch. Profit. (Hosted by the Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce)
Date: Wednesday, July 23 | Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
This special edition of Pitch & Connect focuses on using social media to drive real business results. Includes live pitches and marketing tips.
🌟 OWCC members receive priority pitch spots.

✔️ What to Include in General Conditions (OBDC Construction Academy)
Date: Wednesday, July 23 | Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Learn what belongs in your General Conditions section — and why it’s key to protecting your profit on construction projects.

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🎓 All classes are free for OBDC members
💻 Held online via Zoom
🔗 Register now at OHBDC.org

New bid notices, events & resources to grow your biz!

🛠️ Darrow Rd. Fire Repairs – Due 7/9
🔔 Fire Alarm Upgrades – Due 7/7
🏗️ WWTP Improvements (Rebid) – Due 7/8
🚧 Trinity Baptist Church Parking Lot

📅 Don’t miss:
👷‍♂️ Job Costing Class – June 18 @ 6PM
🤝 Pitch & Connect: June 25 @ 11:30AM
📍 OhioMBE Procurement Fair – June 24 @ 12:30PM

🔗 View full Bid Board: https://bit.ly/3FJlGyx
#OhioMBE #BlackBusiness #BidBoard #SupportLocal #ProcurementFair #Construction #OWCC #Networking #OHBDC #WomenInBusiness 💼💪🏽

The June 24 OhioMBE Procurement Fair just got even bigger! With three new organizations confirmed, this will be the largest OhioMBE Procurement Fair of 2025 — and it’s happening at the beautiful Everal Barn & Homestead, hosted by the City of Westerville.

Join us for an afternoon of focused networking and intentional business matchmaking. Small, minority-, and women-owned businesses will meet one-on-one with procurement professionals for 15-minute appointments designed to open doors and generate real opportunities.

✅ Expanded Lineup of Confirmed Participants:

• City of Westerville (Host)
• City of Columbus
• Huntington Bank
• Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (Resource Partner)
• Westerville Chamber of Commerce
• Franklin County Purchasing
• Elford Construction
• Westerville City Schools
• Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA)
• State of Ohio
• Columbus Zoo
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)
• Ohio Department of Public Safety

📍 Location: Everal Barn & Homestead, 60 N. Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43081
🕧 Time: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
💵 Admission: $25 per person
🎟️ Register at: https://buytickets.at/the912group

“We’re not just hosting another event—we’re building real, intentional opportunities for small businesses to connect, grow, and thrive.”
— Ronda Watson Barber, Publisher, OhioMBE

Don’t miss the biggest supplier diversity networking event of the year!

The Franklin County Purchasing Department is the latest organization to confirm attendance at the upcoming OhioMBE Procurement Fair, hosted by the City of Westerville on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Everal Barn & Homestead.

This event is a key opportunity for small, minority-, and women-owned businesses to connect directly with public agencies and corporate buyers through scheduled 15-minute matchmaking meetings. Businesses can introduce their products and services, learn about procurement processes, and build relationships that lead to contracting opportunities.

✅ Updated List of Participating Organizations:

• City of Westerville (Host)
• City of Columbus
• Huntington Bank
• Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (Resource Partner)
• Westerville Chamber of Commerce
• Franklin County Purchasing

📍 Location: Everal Barn & Homestead, 60 N. Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43081
🕧 Time: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
💵 Admission: $25 per attendee
🎟️ Register at: https://buytickets.at/the912group

Don’t miss your chance to connect, contract, and grow your business at the OhioMBE Procurement Fair.