Since 2012 • Ohio’s premier procurement connection event
March OhioMBE Procurement Fair
Join us for the March OhioMBE Procurement Fair, where small businesses connect directly with corporations, government agencies, and major organizations seeking qualified vendors and partners.
This event provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs and business owners to introduce their products and services, learn how to get on bidder lists, and build relationships that lead to real contracting opportunities. The OhioMBE Procurement Fair is known for creating meaningful connections between buyers and suppliers in a professional yet welcoming environment.
Date
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Time
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location
Eldorado Scioto Downs
What to Expect
- • Networking with purchasing representatives
- • Information on upcoming projects and contracts
- • Opportunities to introduce your business and capabilities
- • Valuable connections with organizations committed to working with small businesses
Who Should Attend
Contractors & Construction Firms
Meet prime contractors and agencies looking for subcontractors and project partners.
Suppliers & Vendors
Introduce your products and services to organizations actively seeking qualified vendors.
Consultants & Service Providers
Connect with agencies and companies that need professional services and support.
Participating Organizations
Organizations meeting with small businesses at the March OhioMBE Procurement Fair:
Smoot Construction
Setterlin Construction
Marker Construction
Ascension Construction Solutions
COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority)
CMHA (Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority)
Southwest City Schools
Eldorado Scioto Downs (Host Organization)
Event Host
Whether you are a contractor, consultant, supplier, or service provider, this event is designed to help you grow your business and expand your opportunities.
February OhioMBE Procurement Fair Recap
The February OhioMBE Procurement Fair, hosted by Kokosing Industrial, was a resounding success, bringing together more than 30 small businesses from across Ohio for meaningful, face-to-face contracting conversations.
Watch the February Fair in Action
Experience the energy, conversations, and access that define an OhioMBE Procurement Fair.
February Photo Highlights
A few moments from the room — prepared businesses, real conversations, and face-to-face access.
From the moment the doors opened, the energy in the room was focused and intentional. Vendors came prepared. Organizations came ready to listen, share opportunities, and build real relationships.
Several participating organizations and prime contractors expressed how impressed they were with the quality, preparedness, and professionalism of the businesses in attendance. Vendors weren’t just networking — they were making targeted connections, asking strategic questions, and positioning themselves for upcoming opportunities.
“This is my dream meeting.”
That statement says everything.
These are the moments that remind us why the OhioMBE Procurement Fair exists — to create direct access, remove barriers, and facilitate conversations that can lead to contracts, partnerships, and long-term growth.
We extend our sincere thanks to our February host Kokosing Industrial, to Josh Irvin, and to every organization that invested their time in meeting with Ohio’s small businesses. When preparation meets opportunity, results follow.
The work continues. #ohiombe
— Ronda Watson Barber
Publisher, OhioMBE
December 2025 OhioMBE Procurement Fair
The final OhioMBE Procurement Fair of 2025 was a strong close to the year — productive, purposeful, and full of real conversations.
2025 close-out recap
- ✔ 30 small business owners from across Ohio
- ✔ 15-minute scheduled one-on-one meetings
- ✔ Conversations focused on contracts, readiness, and next steps
Business owners introduced their products and services, asked direct questions, and began building relationships with organizations committed to supplier diversity.
Special thanks to our hosts
Franklin County Office of Economic Engagement & Community Development and COED.
Organizations who met with small businesses
We appreciate the time and engagement of the following organizations:
Franklin County Purchasing
Upper Arlington City Schools
Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)
Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
Gilbane
Elford Construction
Ruscilli Construction
Prometrics Construction
Ronda’s note
“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