Published on March 31, 2026
Franklin County Board of Commissioners
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners approved a $130,000 grant to the Ohio Business Development Center to expand business development programming for small, minority-owned, and disadvantaged businesses across Central Ohio.
OBDC, founded in 2013, served 632 unique businesses in 2025 through training, certification assistance, financial referrals, and one-on-one technical support. The organization delivered 40 classes and more than 1,500 client interactions at a cost of $181 per client.
Founder and CEO Ronda Barber told commissioners OBDC helped 40 businesses gain certification last year. She said the organization responded in real time when the Trump administration decertified all Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, holding forums to help small businesses understand the new process and prepare required personal narratives.
The 2026 program includes Build Smart mentoring, a Construction Academy, an online training library, certification readiness support, and the Small Business Legal Aid program. Commissioner Crawley asked about bid preparation support, and Barber confirmed it is part of the Build Smart program.
Client Shanae White of National Natural Green Cleaning Services told commissioners she gained five contracts through OBDC's procurement fairs. Deputy County Administrator Joy Bivens noted that White's company hires young people from the community and has paid summer opportunities available.