OhioMBE Weekly
Ohio’s Source for Contracts, Capital & Connections
July 6, 2026
A publication of The 912 Group • Publisher: Ronda Watson Barber
Welcome to The OhioMBE Weekly — Ohio’s source for contracts, capital, connections, advocacy, and business news. Visit OhioMBE.com to read current and archived issues.
Inside This Week’s Issue
• Columbus City Schools issues rebid for fire alarm upgrades
• Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority seeks bids for rehabilitation project
• Akron SBDC hosts business plan workshop
• Publisher’s Notes: Accountability, transparency, and public spending
• Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce certifies its first women-owned business
• Banker’s Hour returns with two free business financing sessions
• OBDC July training and membership resources
New Contracting Opportunities
View All Contracting Opportunities
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NEW: Columbus City Schools Issues Bid Notice for Fire Alarm Upgrades – Rebid
Bid Date: July 17, 2026
Read Full Notice -
NEW: Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority Seeking Bids for Rehabilitation Project
Read Full Notice
OhioDiversityNetworks.com – Upcoming Events
July 8 • 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Akron SBDC — How to Write a Business Plan
Bounce Innovation Hub
526 S. Main St, Akron, Ohio
How to Write a Business Plan covers the importance and mechanics of writing the business plan, small business loans, and lines of credit.
Cost: Free
Publisher’s Notes
The More They Explain, the More Questions I Have
Questions remain about accountability, transparency, and how public dollars are being managed.
Read the Full Publisher’s Note
Public Records Were Produced. Accountability Wasn’t.
Public records may answer some questions, but they often raise larger concerns about oversight and responsibility.
Read the Full Publisher’s Note
Silence Is Also an Answer
When leaders refuse to respond clearly to community questions, that silence speaks loudly.
Read the Full Publisher’s Note
When Columbus Won’t Hire Columbus
Local dollars should create local opportunity. The question is why Columbus continues looking elsewhere.
Read the Full Publisher’s Note
Business News
Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce Certifies Its First Women-Owned Business
The Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce has certified its first women-owned business, marking an important milestone for the new certification program.
Banker’s Hour Returns This July with Two FREE Business Financing Sessions
OBDC’s Banker’s Hour returns this July with two free sessions focused on SBA loans, credit, and access to capital for small businesses.
Ohio Business Development Center
Pricing for Profit
Are You Charging Enough to Grow Your Business?
Many small businesses are busy—but not necessarily profitable. If you’re guessing at your prices or simply matching the competition, you could be leaving money on the table.
Join the Ohio Business Development Center for Pricing for Profit, a practical online workshop designed to help entrepreneurs and contractors understand the true cost of doing business and develop pricing strategies that support long-term growth.
Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM EDT
Location: Online
What You’ll Learn:
• How to calculate your true costs
• The difference between markup and profit margin
• Common pricing mistakes that reduce profits
• Building pricing that supports growth
• Strategies to improve your bottom line
OBDC Members Attend Free
Banker’s Hour: SBA Loans That Can Help Grow Your Business
Presented by industry expert Jerome Jones.
Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM EDT
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Learn about SBA loan programs that can help small businesses access capital, grow, and prepare for future opportunities.
Banker’s Hour: Understanding Credit for Business Success
Business and personal credit go hand in hand. Learn how to improve your credit profile and better prepare for financing opportunities.
Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM EDT
Location: Online
Cost: Free
OBDC Membership – Just $25/Year
Members receive access to training, mentoring, certification assistance, business support services, and online resources.
OBDC Services Include:
• Business Mentoring & Coaching
• Certification Assistance
• Construction Training
• Procurement & Contracting Support
• Access to Capital Resources
• Networking & Matchmaking Events
• Online Training & Replay Library
• OWCC Women Business Programming
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The 912 Group • Publisher: Ronda Watson Barber
Columbus, Ohio
OhioMBE.com
614.522.9122
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