As we close out the year, we’re offering a limited-time opportunity for businesses ready to be intentional about procurement in 2026.

🔥 Attend 6 OhioMBE Procurement Fairs in 2026 for just $99 🔥
This End-of-Year Sale allows you to secure access to six high-impact procurement fairs before our 2026 price increase.

OhioMBE Procurement Fairs are designed to create direct, meaningful connections between small businesses, public agencies, and prime contractors. This pass is ideal for businesses that understand procurement success is built through consistency, visibility, and relationships.

What’s Included:

• 1-on-1 access to agencies and prime contractors
• Priority registration for all six events
• Major savings before 2026 pricing goes into effect

⏰ Offer ends December 30
This is a limited-time End-of-Year promotion.

👉 Visit OhioMBEProcurementFairs.com to secure your 2026 pass.

Prepare now. Show up consistently. Position your business for contracts in 2026.

As we close out the year, we invite you to support the mission of the Ohio Business Development Center.

Throughout the year, OBDC has worked to help small businesses and entrepreneurs access the resources that matter most — Cash. Contracts. Connections. From business training and technical assistance to construction education, certification support, and advocacy, our work is focused on opening doors and creating real opportunities across Ohio.

If OBDC has helped you grow your business, strengthen your capacity, or make meaningful connections, please consider making an end-of-year, tax-deductible donation.

Your support allows us to:

• Provide free and low-cost business classes
• Offer one-on-one technical assistance
• Support construction and certification readiness
• Advocate for equitable access to contracts and capital
• Serve entrepreneurs and small businesses statewide

Tax-deductible donations can be made at:
👉 https://givebutter.com/obdc

Thank you for supporting our work and helping us continue to serve Ohio’s small business community in the year ahead.

Ohio Business Development Center
Cash. Contracts. Connections.

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.

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.

📅 Tuesday, December 16, 2025

🕦 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM EST

💻 Online (Zoom)

Hosted by the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC)

Why you should attend:

• Learn what’s changed in ODOT’s DBE certification process
• Understand how the new rules may affect your business
• Get clarity on compliance, documentation, and next steps
• Avoid common mistakes that can slow approvals or trigger denials

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:

• 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.

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.

📅 Today — Thursday, Dec. 11

⏰ 6:00 PM (Online)

👉 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.

End-of-Year Tax Prep for Small Businesses

🗓️ 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 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:
https://form.jotform.com/242885475236063

Stay tuned to OhioMBE.com for upcoming events, news, and 2026 Procurement Fair dates!