Franklin County – Home Delivered Meals for Seniors
Due: January 9, 2026
https://ohiombe.com/archives/25906
Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) – 2026 Agency Plans Release
CMHA has released a significant amendment to its 2026 Annual Plan, available at www.cmhanet.com.
A public hearing is scheduled for January 23, 2025. For information on how to attend, please contact Anitra Lomax at alomax@cmhanet.com or 614-421-6410.
The final OhioMBE Procurement Fair of 2025 was a huge success!
We welcomed 30 small business owners from across Ohio who came ready to make new contracting connections and grow their networks.
Throughout the event, participants took full advantage of 15‑minute one‑on‑one appointments to introduce their products and services, ask questions, and begin building relationships with organizations committed to supplier diversity.
Attending Organizations
- Franklin County Purchasing
- Upper Arlington City Schools
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)
- Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
- Gilbane
- Elford Construction
- Ruscilli Construction
- Prometrics Construction
A special thank you to our hosts, the Franklin County Office of Economic Engagement & Community Development and COED, for providing a welcoming space that made these connections possible.
“Leadership is about creating access — not just talking about opportunity, but building real pathways for small businesses to connect, be seen, and compete,”
— Ronda Watson Barber, Publisher of OhioMBE
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we build on this momentum, small business owners can take advantage of a special early‑access offer before our 2026 price increase:
🎟️ Attend SIX OhioMBE Procurement Fair sessions for just $99
👉 https://bit.ly/4alS72R
We’re proud to close out 2025 strong and look forward to creating even more opportunities for small businesses across Ohio in 2026. Stay connected at OhioMBE.com.
ODOT Recertification Session Draws Strong Turnout
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.
Supporting materials and resources related to the session are also available in the OBDC Resource Folder:
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.
🏆 OhioMBE earned major email marketing awards this year.
- 505,565 emails sent
- 99.9% deliverability rate — inbox placement matters
- 223 campaigns sent with consistency
- Just 0.13% unsubscribe rate — our audience stays engaged
These honors from MailerLite validate what we work toward every day: building a trusted, engaged audience for Ohio’s business community.
Thank you to our readers, subscribers, and partners for opening, reading, and staying connected. We’re proud of what we’ve built — and we’re just getting started.
📬 Not subscribed yet? Join the OhioMBE community.
The OBDC Construction Academy video library is now open! Watch recorded sessions on demand.
Topics Include:
- Subcontractor Bidding
- Coordinating Subcontractors
- Change Orders
- Cleaning & Quality Control
- Prevailing Wage
- Hauling & Logistics
Free for members. Small fee for public. Watch at OHBDC.org.
Why the LEDE Program Should Matter to the CCS Board
Read the full column
How the Angela Chapman Administration Broke a 20+ Year Supplier Diversity Program
Read the full column
Giving Tuesday may be over — but you can still support the Ohio Business Development Center.
The Ohio Business Development Center has spent years helping entrepreneurs secure contracts, get certified, access financing, and build stronger businesses across Ohio.
If OBDC has supported your journey in any way — through a referral, a class, advocacy, a connection, or hands‑on assistance — we invite you to give back.
Your contribution helps us continue providing:
- Practical business training
- Construction industry education
- Certification support
- Capital readiness
- Vendor advocacy
- Community‑centered programming
Every gift, large or small, powers our mission.
👉 Donate today at Givebutter.com/OBDC
Thank you for supporting small business growth across Ohio.
Community Announcement
Trades of Faith – Tool Drive for Future Trades Professionals
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 support the next generation of builders, makers, and problem-solvers.
🔧 Donate new or gently used tools
💵 Monetary donations are also welcome
Training areas supported: Concrete, Electrical, Plumbing, PPE & Safety, HVAC, Carpentry, Automotive
Every tool helps open a door. Every donation helps shape a future.
merry&Black is live!
Shop Black-centered holiday joy at merryandblackshop.com – greeting cards, candles, journals, and mugs that celebrate our stories all season long.
Promote your business, event, or service in the OhioMBE Bid Board Classifieds.
For rates and deadlines, email rbarber@ohiombe.com.
Discover more from Ohio Business Development Center
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