Celebrate Black Business Month with the Ohio Business Development Center

The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) is excited to kick off Black Business Month on August 1st! As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing professional assistance and guidance to small businesses across the State of Ohio, we are proud to celebrate the success and innovation of African-American entrepreneurs during this special month.

What is Black Business Month? Black Business Month was established in 2020 to recognize and uplift Black-owned businesses, significantly contributing to the economic landscape. This observance provides an opportunity to support businesses historically facing challenges and underrepresentation in the marketplace. From dynamic tech startups to beloved family-run restaurants, Black-owned businesses bring diversity, creativity, and innovation to various industries.

Discover Amazing Black-Owned Businesses: Throughout Black Business Month, we encourage everyone to explore and discover the incredible range of products and services Black-owned businesses offer in Ohio. Whether you’re searching for unique products, delicious food, cutting-edge services, or innovative solutions, you’ll find many options among these thriving enterprises.

OBDC’s Commitment: At OBDC, we are deeply committed to empowering all small businesses, particularly those owned by African-Americans. Our network of professionals in legal, accounting, MBE/WBE/DBE certification, marketing, and general business consulting is here to support Black entrepreneurs on their journey to success.

Join us for Special Training Programs: OBDC has developed a series of specialized training programs to celebrate Black Business Month further to provide economic opportunities and resources to Black-owned businesses. These programs will include:

Webinars: Engaging webinars on various topics, such as business strategy, marketing, financial planning, and more. Learn from experts and gain valuable insights to enhance your business.

Professional Consultations: One-on-one consultations with our experienced business consultants who can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific business needs.

Get Involved and Make a Difference: As we embark on this celebratory month, we encourage everyone to actively engage with black-owned businesses, spread the word about their excellence, and contribute to their growth and success.

Let’s Celebrate Black Business Month Together! Join us at OBDC in supporting black-owned businesses, celebrating their achievements, and fostering an inclusive and prosperous business community in Ohio.

For updates and more information about our Black Business Month training calendar, visit our website at www.obdc.org

Together, we can make a difference and create a thriving business environment for all!

Sincerely, The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) Team

Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) Construction Academy Receives Strong Backing from Franklin County Commissioners

The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) is pleased to announce that the Franklin County Commissioners and Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion have pledged their support to the OBDC Construction Academy. This collaboration aims to enhance the business skills of small and minority-owned businesses, empowering them to thrive in the construction industry. With a grant from the County, the OBDC Construction Academy will offer a 10-week business series focusing on essential topics such as blueprint reading, estimating, safety protocols, understanding contracts, and mechanic liens.

“The OBDC Construction Academy is dedicated to fostering the growth and success of small and minority-owned businesses throughout our community,” said Ronda Watson Barber, OBDC CEO/President. “Recognizing the unique challenges these entrepreneurs face, the Academy is committed to equipping them with the knowledge and expertise required to navigate the competitive landscape of the construction industry. This partnership with the Franklin County Commissioners exemplifies their  commitment to fostering diversity, economic growth, and inclusive opportunities.”

The 10-week business series offered by the OBDC Construction Academy will provide participants with invaluable skills and insights necessary for their success. Led by industry experts, these sessions will cover crucial aspects such as blueprint reading, enabling participants to understand and interpret construction plans effectively. Additionally, the Academy will focus on estimating techniques, ensuring accurate evaluation of project costs and the ability to create competitive bids.

The Ohio Business Development Center and the Franklin County Commissioners firmly believe that supporting the OBDC Construction Academy will yield significant benefits for the community. By investing in the business skills of small and minority-owned businesses, we can stimulate economic growth, foster job creation, and promote a more inclusive and prosperous construction industry.

We express our heartfelt appreciation to the Franklin County Commissioners for their unwavering support, and we encourage all eligible businesses to take advantage of this incredible opportunity. Together, we will forge a brighter future for small and minority-owned businesses in Franklin County.

For further information about the OBDC Construction Academy and how to participate in the 10-week business series, please visit the OBDC website at OHBDC.org

Setterlin Building Company is seeking bids from qualified MBE & WBE subcontractors and suppliers for three, new upcoming projects for the City of Columbus

Setterlin Building Company is seeking bids from qualified MBE & WBE subcontractors and suppliers for three, new upcoming projects for the City of Columbus. 

The first project is the Hap Cremean Water Plant Door and Lock Improvements. Bids are due on July 19th at 2 PM. Project is located at 4250 Morse Road, Columbus, OH 43230. It has a 15% MBE/WBE participation goal for the project. Scopes of work to bid include: Demo, abatement, doors and HW, aluminum doors, storefront and HW, electric and access control.

The second project is the CBDG Star House and Reeb Ave Renovations. Bids are due July 27th at 10 AM. The project is two locations: 1220 Corrugated Way, Columbus, OH 43201 and 280 Reeb Ave, Columbus, OH 43207. This project has a 10% MBE/ WBE participation goal. Scopes of work include: demo, interior walls & ceilings, finishes, electrical, technology, HVAC, glazing, furniture, kitchen equipment, casework & painting.

The last project is the CBDG All THAT Teen Center & Carol Stewart Village Neighborhood Facilities Renovation. Bids for this one are due July 28th at 10 AM. This project is also two locations: 4117 E/ Livingston Ave., Columbus, OH 43227 and 1567-1579 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43222. This project also has a 10% MBE/ WBE participation goal. Scopes of work include: roofing, door replacements, sewer and drainage upgrades, asphalt parking lot upgrades, electric and HVAC upgrades.

Drawings, specifications and future addendum can be accessed through our website at www.setterlin.com, click on the planroom button at the top right corner of the page and follow the instructions to get access. You can also reach out to Mitch Hines, m.hines@setterlin.com for additional assistance in accessing the contract documents. Mitch can also be contacted if you need to discuss bonding, financing and/or insurance.

Please send bids into Mitch Hines at m.hines@setterlin.com

Franklin County issues RFP for Dog Shelter and Adoption Center – Spay, Neuter & Vet Services

PROJECT NAME: RFP # 2023-07-25 FRANKLIN COUNTY DOG SHELTER AND ADOPTION CENTER – SPAY, NEUTER & VETERINARY SERVICES

DATE AND TIME OF PROPOSAL OPENING: August 17, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.

SUMMARY OF PROJECT/PROPOSAL: The Franklin County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of Animal Care and Control, is seeking proposals from vendors to provide Spay and Neuter and/or Veterinary Services.

Each year, the Department of Animal Care and Control rescues thousands of dogs who have been lost, discarded, abandoned, injured, or neglected. All dogs receive medical, clinical, intake, and ongoing care services at the Dog Shelter & Adoption Center. Dogs available for adoption are spayed or neutered and microchipped.

We provide compassionate care for impounded animals at the shelter, as well as adoption and lost dog services to the community. We also educate the public and teach dog owners to be more responsible citizens.

Additional Information: All amendments and clarifications will be posted on the County’s – Purchasing Department website at:  http://purchasing.franklincountyohio.gov/businesses/bid-opportunities/

Interested parties shall have the sole responsibility to monitor the Purchasing Department website for all amendments and clarifications.

Pre-Proposal Conference Date/Time: Pre-Proposal Conference is scheduled for July 26, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. Please see RFP for details.

All Questions Should Be Directed To:

Jennifer Fair, Senior Purchasing Coordinator
Franklin County Purchasing Department
Email address: jlfair@franklincountyohio.gov
Phone: 614.525.3750

Written Question Deadline: July 31, 2023, 5:00 PM

Franklin County Board of Commissioners:
John O’Grady, President
Kevin L. Boyce, Commissioner
Erica C. Crawley, Commissioner

Columbus Zoo issues bid notice for Fiber Redundancy Cable

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDDERS

Sealed proposals will be received by Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Via E-Mail by Karen Schenk, Sr. Dir. of Planning and Design karen.schenk@columbuszoo.org, until Friday, July 24th, noon / 12PM. local time.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Fiber Redundancy Cable

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (CZA) is seeking proposals to provide a complete and fully operational redundant fiber loop with various locations of termination throughout the park.

The bidding documents are available by request by contacting Karen Schenk, Sr. Dir. of Planning and Design via email, karen.schenk@columbuszoo.org or Josh Casto, Project Manager via email, josh.casto@columbuszoo.org .

Questions pertaining to this project are to be in writing / email and addressed to: Karen Schenk and Josh Casto.

A single contract will be awarded for this Construction Project.

Bidders shall also note that the Rules and Regulations on Equal Employment Opportunity (Executive Order 11246 & 11375) shall be made a part of this contract.  Each bidder must ensure that all employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, creed, color, sex, or national origin.

CRAA issues bid notice for Concrete Pavement Repairs

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Columbus Regional Airport Authority
John Glenn Columbus International Airport and Rickenbacker International Airport 
Concrete Pavement Repairs 2023-2025

The Columbus Regional Airport Authority values diversity and inclusion and the impact small and minority-owned firms have on the Central Ohio economy.  The Columbus Regional Airport Authority invites you to access the following link: www.columbusairports.diversitycompliance.com

to  register to do business with us and to view new bid opportunities and results. Email BusinessDiversity@ColumbusAirports.com for questions about the Diversity Programs at Columbus Regional Airport Authority.

Ohio Business Development Center

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