The 2026 OhioMBE Awards
Join us as we recognize outstanding minority-owned and women-owned businesses, community advocates and organizations creating greater access to cash, contracts and connections.
October 22, 2026
Presented by the Ohio Business Development Center. Proceeds support OBDC programs serving Ohio small businesses.
Recognizing excellence, leadership and impact.
The OhioMBE Awards brings together business owners, corporate leaders, public agencies, elected officials and community advocates for an afternoon of recognition and meaningful connections.
The event highlights entrepreneurs and organizations that demonstrate excellence, perseverance, innovation and a commitment to creating opportunities throughout Ohio.
Explore the 2026 AwardsCelebrate
Recognize outstanding businesses, nonprofit organizations and community leaders.
Connect
Build relationships with business owners, decision-makers and supplier diversity advocates.
Inspire
Share success stories that encourage entrepreneurs to grow, compete and lead.
Support
Strengthen programs serving Ohio small and minority-owned businesses.
Choose how you will be part of the celebration.
Partnerships and reserved tables receive priority before general individual ticket sales. Tables seat eight, and attendance is limited to 325 guests.
Become a Partner
Put your organization in the room, gain meaningful visibility and support programs that help Ohio small businesses grow and compete.
View PartnershipsReserve a Table
Bring your team, clients or business partners. Each reserved table seats eight guests at Huntington Park.
Reserve a TableAttend the Awards
Celebrate Ohio’s outstanding entrepreneurs and organizations at one of the region’s signature small-business events.
Buy a TicketPut your organization in the room.
The OhioMBE Awards connects your organization with small-business owners, corporate leaders, purchasing professionals, public agencies and community advocates from across Ohio.
The Awards are presented by the Ohio Business Development Center. Proceeds benefit OBDC training, technical assistance, construction programs and business-development services.
Request Partnership InformationYour partnership supports:
- Small-business training and technical assistance
- Construction education and planroom services
- Certification assistance and procurement readiness
- Women-owned and minority-owned businesses
- Access to cash, contracts and connections
Presenting Partner
Exclusive premier visibility before, during and after the Awards.
- Recognition as Presenting Partner
- Two reserved tables for 16 guests
- Premier table placement
- Full-page advertisement in the event program
- Featured recognition in OhioMBE
- Logo on event materials and website
- Recognition from the stage
- Opportunity to provide brief welcome remarks
Champion Partner
High-visibility recognition and priority access to the event.
- One reserved table for eight guests
- Priority table placement
- Full-page advertisement in the event program
- Logo on event materials and website
- Recognition from the stage
- Recognition in OhioMBE
- Email and social media recognition
Advocate Partner
Strong community visibility with a full reserved table.
- One reserved table for eight guests
- Partner table placement
- Half-page advertisement in the event program
- Logo on event signage and website
- Recognition during the program
- Social media recognition
Community Partner
$1,500Four reserved tickets, logo recognition, quarter-page program ad and social media recognition.
Small Business Partner
$750Two reserved tickets, business listing, program advertisement and social media recognition.
Program Partner
$500Quarter-page program advertisement, website listing and event recognition. Tickets are purchased separately.
Partnership tables receive priority placement.
Only 325 guests can attend. Early partnership commitments receive the strongest seating availability and the greatest promotional value.
Contact Ronda About PartnershipsBring your team or reserve your seat.
Tickets and tables are available through the Ohio Business Development Center. Tables seat eight guests.
Reserved Tables
Bring your leadership team, clients, staff members or business partners to the 2026 OhioMBE Awards.
- Reserved seating for eight guests
- Organization or business name displayed on the table
- Corporate and small-business table options
Individual Tickets
Attend the celebration and connect with entrepreneurs, purchasing professionals, public agencies and business advocates.
- Admission to the awards luncheon
- Networking with business and community leaders
- Recognition of Ohio’s outstanding businesses
Meet this year’s award recipients.
The 2026 honorees, keynote speaker and award categories will be announced as we move closer to the event.
Honoree announcements are coming soon.
Follow OhioMBE for award announcements, featured business stories and additional event updates.
Visit OhioMBE.comYour participation supports year-round business development.
The 2026 OhioMBE Awards are presented by the Ohio Business Development Center, a nonprofit organization providing professional business services to Ohio entrepreneurs.
Proceeds from the Awards support OBDC programs designed to help businesses prepare, connect, compete and grow.
Learn More About OBDCConstruction Academy
Practical training, technical assistance and replay resources for construction businesses.
BuildSmart Mentoring
Guided business-development support for contractors and growing companies.
Certification Assistance
Help navigating business certifications and procurement readiness.
Business Connections
Access to training, contracting opportunities, lenders and decision-makers.
2025 OhioMBE Awards
The 2025 OhioMBE Awards at Huntington Park celebrated exceptional businesses, nonprofit organizations, advocates and corporate partners helping strengthen Ohio’s business community.
Keynote Speaker
-
Jeanna Hondel
President and CEO, Ascension Construction Solutions
Top MBE
- Natural Green Cleaning Services
- To Go For Your Soul
Top FBE
- Exclusively BA
- Melanated PR Plug
- Makeup by Ahshia
Best Nonprofit
- Autism Society of Ohio
- Help for Homelessness and Beyond
Publisher’s Award
- Fortuna Bank
Frank W. Watson Advocacy Award
-
Felix Garcia
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Legends Award
- Smoot Construction
Thank you to our sponsors.
Presenting Sponsor
- Franklin County Board of Commissioners
Advocate Sponsors
- City of Upper Arlington
- Wright-Patt Credit Union
Supporter Sponsors
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
- Elford Construction
- Ascension Construction Solutions
- Gilbane Building Company
- Hensel Phelps
- Kokosing
- Natural Green Cleaning Services
- Smoot Construction
- FCBank
Relive the 2025 OhioMBE Awards
View photos from the celebration and see the businesses, advocates and community partners who made the event memorable.
View the 2025 Photo GalleryBefore you join us.
When are the 2026 OhioMBE Awards?
The Awards will be held Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Where will the event be held?
The 2026 OhioMBE Awards will be held at Huntington Park in Downtown Columbus.
How many people can attend?
Attendance is limited to 325 guests. Partnership tables are assigned before general ticket sales.
How many guests are seated at a table?
Each reserved table seats eight guests.
Where do I purchase tickets or tables?
Tickets and tables are available through the Ohio Business Development Center at OHBDC.org.
Who benefits from the event?
Proceeds support OBDC programs that provide training, technical assistance and business-development services.
Be in the room on October 22.
Become a partner, reserve a table or purchase your ticket for the 2026 OhioMBE Awards at Huntington Park.