The
OhioMBE Weekly
Cash • Contracts • Connections
August 3, 2026 | A publication of The 912 Group | Publisher: Ronda Watson Barber
Welcome to the OhioMBE Weekly—contracting opportunities, business news, training and advocacy for Ohio’s small, minority-owned and women-owned businesses.
Inside This Week’s Issue
- Two CMHA contracting opportunities
- Publisher’s Note: The $40 Million Question
- Three August business-building classes
- OWCC certified women-owned businesses
- Save the date for the 2026 OhioMBE Awards
Contracts
CMHA Seeks Database Software Proposals
CMHA is accepting proposals for RFP No. 2026-023—Database Software. Technology firms offering database systems and related services are encouraged to review the solicitation.
Pre-proposal conference: August 3 at 2 p.m.
Proposal deadline: August 13 at 11 a.m.
CMHA Seeks Property Management Services
CMHA is accepting proposals for RFP No. 2026-024—Professional Property Management Services.
Pre-proposal conference: August 11 at 10 a.m.
Proposal deadline: August 25 at 2 p.m.
Publisher’s Note
The $40 Million Question
I’m not buying the idea that Columbus City Schools’ reported $40 million health-plan overpayment is simply the fault of one mid-level employee.
Where was the oversight? Who supervised the employee, monitored the consultant and reviewed the financial reports? When did district leadership and the Board learn there was a problem?
Identifying one employee is not accountability. The superintendent and Board must explain how this happened, what safeguards failed and what is being done to recover the money.
Read the Publisher’s NoteUpcoming OBDC Classes
The Ohio Business Development Center hosts practical online classes designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses, prepare for opportunities and make better business decisions.
Business Etiquette
August 11 at 11:30 a.m. • Online
Nicki Stanley shares practical guidance on communication, networking and professional presence.
Certification 101
August 18 at 11:30 a.m. • Online
Understand business certifications, including the new OWCC Women-Owned Business Certification.
Building a Strong Online Presence
August 25 at 11:30 a.m. • Online
Meg Corso covers websites, digital branding, social media and online visibility.
Join OBDC
Business Support for Just $25 a Year
OBDC members receive access to the online Training Library, business support, contracting opportunities and free admission to many OBDC classes.
Become an OBDC MemberWomen in Business
OWCC Certified Business Directory
OWCC Women-Owned Business Certification recognizes businesses that are at least 51 percent woman-owned, operated and controlled. Certified businesses receive an online directory listing, promotional visibility and connections to organizations seeking women-owned suppliers.
Meet five OWCC Certified businesses that are visible and ready to connect:
- All League Sports
- Coffico African Beauty & Fashion
- HH&M Masonry
- High Maintenance Lifestyle
- The Keys Etiquette Consulting
2026 OhioMBE Awards
Be in the Room on October 22
The 2026 OhioMBE Awards will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Huntington Park. Attendance is limited to 325 guests. Partnerships, tables and tickets are available.
Presented by OBDC. Proceeds support programs serving Ohio small businesses.
Explore the AwardsThis Week’s Black Business Challenge
Buy from a Black-owned business. Make a referral. Share an opportunity. Black Business Month should produce more than recognition—it should produce cash, contracts and connections.
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