Ohio Diversity Networks
Upcoming Events
Business, supplier-diversity, professional-development and community events selected for Ohio’s diverse businesses and organizations.
Updated September 2, 2026Connect. Learn. Grow.
Events are presented in one complete chronological list. Registration, pricing and availability are controlled by each event host.
Connecting Is Key Small Business Conference
A small-business conference featuring networking, business resources, promotion opportunities and vendor connections.
Event DetailsB.A.S.E. Business Startup Workshop
The Ohio SBDC at Columbus State covers business structures, taxes, marketing, business planning, customers and financing.
Event DetailsAspire Women’s BIG Book of Business Launch
A launch celebration, visibility opportunity and networking gathering for Central Ohio women entrepreneurs.
Event DetailsLeadership reDEFYned
NAWBO Columbus presents an interactive program with Tami Chapek focused on leading authentically and effectively.
Event DetailsCertification 101
Learn how local, state and federal business certifications can improve visibility and help qualified businesses compete for contracting opportunities.
Register with OBDCCapacity Before Contracts
Lachandra B. Baker, founder and lead consultant of LBB Edutainment, helps women business owners assess whether their time, people, processes and financial resources match the opportunities they are pursuing.
Register at OHBDC.orgWBE Training
NAWBO Columbus presents an overview of women-owned business certification and access to government and corporate contracting opportunities.
Event DetailsAsk the Construction Expert
Construction business owners can receive practical guidance on a real project, estimating, contracts, operations or another current business challenge.
Reserve a SessionOhio SBDC Small Business Tax Workshop
Tax professionals explain business tax laws, legal structures, deductions and expenses for prospective and current business owners.
Event DetailsMicro-Podcasts: Be the Go-To Voice in Your Industry
NAWBO Columbus explores how short, focused podcast episodes can build trust, demonstrate expertise and strengthen business visibility.
Event DetailsOWCC Business Showcase
Organizations are invited to meet OWCC Certified women business owners as they introduce their companies, capabilities and services. Check the event page for the published start time.
Event DetailsROO Wealth Academy
A full-day financial literacy and career empowerment conference featuring credit, investing, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, estate planning, real estate and youth programming.
Learn More and RegisterOhio Manufacturing Workforce Summit
The SBA and partner organizations will help manufacturers develop talent pipelines, improve productivity, strengthen workforce teams and prepare for business transition and succession.
RegisterSola Bible Conference: Soli Deo Gloria
Word of God Community Church presents its fifth annual conference with speakers, worship, fellowship, breakfast and lunch. Registration closes October 1.
Event Details2026 OhioMBE Awards
Small-business owners, procurement professionals, corporate leaders, public agencies and community advocates gather to celebrate business excellence and build meaningful connections.
Awards InformationDisaster Preparedness for Ohio Small Businesses
Federal, state and local experts share practical guidance to help small businesses prepare for, respond to and recover from disaster situations.
Information and RegistrationRural Small Business Forum
A half-day program focused on funding, partnerships, technical assistance and practical strategies for rural prosperity across Ohio.
Information and RegistrationWOSB Federal Contract Program & Certification
Learn the eligibility requirements, designated NAICS codes and application process for the Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program.
Information and RegistrationIntroduction to Selling to the Federal Government
Ohio APEX Accelerator explains how businesses can meet federal requirements and pursue work as prime contractors or subcontractors.
Information and RegistrationWhat Is the Mentor-Protégé Program?
Review the application process, program rules and benefits available to eligible small businesses and experienced government contractors.
Information and RegistrationOhio Rural Business Initiative
Connect with agencies, capital resources and technical-assistance providers serving rural Ohio businesses.
Information and RegistrationReduce Your Risk, Protect Your Future
An SBA information session on disaster mitigation loans, eligible property improvements and reducing the risk of future damage.
Information and RegistrationVeteran-Owned Small Business Program
Learn eligibility requirements, certification steps, contracting access and resources for veteran-owned small businesses.
Information and RegistrationHow to Get an SBA Loan for Your Business
Learn which SBA loans are available, how lenders assess eligibility and creditworthiness, and how to prepare a strong loan package.
Information and RegistrationCreole Vibes: Pass the Mic
An evening of music, spoken word, comedy, food and culture presented by Creole Kitchen.
Host InformationBe a Boss
A NAWBO Columbus gathering designed to connect and encourage women entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Event DetailsLead Well, Grow Well
A practical leadership-development session for business owners and organizational leaders.
Event DetailsKBK Enterprises Senior Living Project Outreach
Elford and KBK Enterprises invite contractors and community partners to learn about participation opportunities connected with a senior-living project.
RSVPBusiness Growth Summit 2026
Exclusively BA brings together resources for business funding, advising, certifications, procurement and free small-business support.
Event DetailsSuccession Planning Workshop Two
A working session for business owners preparing for leadership transition, ownership succession and long-term continuity.
Event DetailsBeyond the Book
A free women-in-business networking and community conversation hosted with NAWBO Columbus partners.
Event DetailsBahar & Reza Grand Opening
Celebrate the newly renovated bridal and couture boutique with a ribbon cutting, open house, refreshments and an expanded collection.
Host InformationBlack Excellence & Leadership
Author Wil Haygood and the African American Leadership Academy lead a conversation about Black leadership through the lives of Adam Clayton Powell Jr., Sugar Ray Robinson and Thurgood Marshall.
Event DetailsSmall Business Breakthroughs
The Ohio SBDC at Columbus State hosts a practical conversation about current issues affecting entrepreneurs and growing businesses.
Event DetailsAnnual Reset Workshop
A full-day strategic reset for business owners and leaders preparing priorities, plans and sustainable growth goals.
Event DetailsNAWBO Columbus Candidate Forum
A nonpartisan forum connecting women business owners with candidates and public-policy issues affecting the business community.
Event DetailsB.A.S.E. Business Startup Workshop
The Ohio SBDC at Columbus State covers the fundamentals of launching a business, from structure and taxes to marketing, customers and financing.
Event DetailsKiva Columbus Information Session
Learn how Kiva’s community-backed lending model can help eligible small-business owners access zero-interest capital.
Event Details