Central Ohio African American Chamber Of Commerce Latest News

RISE Together Institute RFPs to Advance Economic Mobility

COAACC Administrator — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 17:37:54 GMT

RISE Together Innovation Institute Releases RFPs to Advance Economic Mobility in Franklin County

RISE Together Innovation Institute (RTII) is excited to announce the release of multiple Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to support the next phase of our work to advance economic security and mobility across Franklin County.

The RFPs released today span several core areas of organizational and community impact:

RTII aspires to work across a network of partners to align efforts, integrate learning, and advance economic mobility outcomes.

We encourage interested and qualified consultants and organizations to submit proposals for one or more RFP where there is alignment in expertise and capacity. We also welcome collaborative approaches, including organizations that partner with others to deliver complementary services.

How to Apply: RFP documents and submission instructions are available at the links above.

Proposals are due: Sunday, April 12, 2026

$100,000 Grants for Blue Collar Businesses!

COAACC Administrator — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 15:41:01 GMT

Jobber and Dymond Johns have partnered to make $100,000 grants to construction/home service businesses across the U.S. Click here to learn more: https://www.getjobber.com/grants/

Bid Opps for Members!

COAACC Administrator — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 18:42:18 GMT

Hey Members! Did you know that we post bid opportunities for you to check out on our site? Head to the Resources & Opportunities page to see what's up.

It's Our Final Week of February CA$H Mobs!

COAACC Administrator — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT

We're closing out our February CA$H Mobs with another week of COAACC members for you to shop with, sow into and help sustain.

All of the businesses featured this month are listed on GOALLBLACK.com along with hundreds of other local Black owned businesses.

Shop. Sow. Sustain.

Date

Company /

Organization

Website

Monday, February 23

Simplicity Accounting

Unlimited Possibilities for all Disabilities (UPFAD)

simplicityaccounting.co

www.UPFAD.org

Tuesday, February 24

Champion Pest & Termite Control

Forever Free Fitness

championpestandtermite

myforeverfreefitness.com

Wednesday, February 25

Raw Yoga

Guardian Care Services

rawyoga614.com

gcareservices.com

Thursday, February 26

Adaptation Financial - Ohio

InBox Virtual Associates

adaptfa.com

InBoxVA

Friday, February 27

Bond Strong Moving & Hauling

Godswill Care, LLC

bondstrong

GODSWILLCARELLC.ORG

Saturday, February 28

TMH Solutions

Columbus Empowerment Corporation

www.tmhsolutions.com

columbusempowerment

Energy Experts on Your Side

COAACC Administrator — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 18:47:01 GMT

Energy markets are complex—but you don’t have to navigate them alone.

The Chamber Energy Program serves as your energy experts, helping you secure the best product at the best price so you can focus on what you do best. Start with a free, no-obligation energy bill review: https://chamberenergyprogram.com

Web: ChamberEnergyProgram.com
Phone: 330-208-2082
Email: billreview@ceateam.com
Programs Administered by: Community Energy Advisors & Viridi

February CA$H Mob Week 3!

COAACC Administrator — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:12:21 GMT

Keep Shopping Columbus! It's Week 3 of our February CA$H Mob!

Date	Company / Organization	Website
Monday, February 16	Leading With Love Inc. Uniglobe Travel Designers	leadingwithloveinc.org uniglobetraveldesigners
Tuesday, February 17	Zora's House William Poindexter	zorashouse.com williampoindexteriii.com
Wednesday, February 18	Donna's Delicious Dozen The Willie and Vivian Gaddis Foundation	donnasdeliciousdozen.com gaddis4kids.org
Thursday, February 19	Freedom Equity 360 Painting Columbus	freedomequity.org 360painting.com/columbus
Friday, February 20	NAMI Franklin County Tactical Pack Safety Solutions, Ltd.	namifranklincounty.org tactical-pack.com
Saturday, February 21	Ohio Black Expo Thiossane West African Dance Institute	ohioblackexpo.com thiossaneinst.org
Sunday, February 22	TrubMuzik Enterprises Eye Expressions	trubmuzikenterprises.com eyeexpressionsohio.com

Date

Company /

Organization

Website

Monday, February 16

Leading With Love Inc.

Uniglobe Travel Designers

leadingwithloveinc.org

uniglobetraveldesigners

Tuesday, February 17

Zora's House

William Poindexter

zorashouse.com

williampoindexteriii.com

Wednesday, February 18

Donna's Delicious Dozen

The Willie and Vivian Gaddis Foundation

donnasdeliciousdozen.com

gaddis4kids.org

Thursday, February 19

Freedom Equity

360 Painting Columbus

freedomequity.org

360painting.com/columbus

Friday, February 20

NAMI Franklin County

Tactical Pack Safety Solutions, Ltd.

namifranklincounty.org

tactical-pack.com

Saturday, February 21

Ohio Black Expo

Thiossane West African Dance Institute

ohioblackexpo.com

thiossaneinst.org

Sunday, February 22

TrubMuzik Enterprises

Eye Expressions

trubmuzikenterprises.com

eyeexpressionsohio.com

February CA$H Mobs (Week 2)

COAACC Administrator — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 21:42:53 GMT

Date

Company /

Organization

Website

Monday, February 9

Portia J. Bell, DDS, Inc.

Dos Hermanos

www.drportiabell.com

doshermanoscolumbus

Tuesday, February 10

Accounting Solutions

of Ohio

William H. Adams Youth Foundation

https://asohio.com

whadamsfoundation.org

Wednesday, February 11

Flavor 91 Bistro

EnVision Proven Success

https://flavor91.com/

envisionprovensuccess

Thursday, February 12

Bake Me Happy LLC

Restoring Our Own Through Transformation (ROOTT)

www.bakemehappygf.com

www.roottrj.org

Friday, February 13

Z Promotions

PJP Locksmiths

www.zp-a.com

WWW.PJPLocksmiths.com

Saturday, February 14

Black Survivors Of Sexual Assault Institute

E.E. Ward Moving & Storage

https://bssainstitute.org

http://www.eeward.com/

Sunday, February 15

Aventi Enterprises, LLC

S&M Cigars

aventienterprises.com

smcigars

February CA$H Mobs

COAACC Administrator — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:38:53 GMT

Each time we shop with Black-owned businesses and sow into Black-led organizations, we keep our dollars moving in alignment with our values. Our dollars strengthen what was built for us, by us. How we spend today is an investment in the future we are shaping together.

This is how legacy becomes momentum; how community becomes power.

Shop. Sow. Sustain.

This February, we're highlighting COAACC member businesses and nonprofits to CA$H Mob! Week 1!

Date	Company / Organization	Website
Monday, February 2	SugaringNYC – Gahanna Le Bleu Central Ohio	www.sugaringNYC.com https://aquapure
Tuesday, February 3	Liberty Tax Service #2970 Law Office of Maritza S. Nelson	www.libertytax.com msnlawoffice.com
Wednesday, February 4	Intelligent Office Family Adolescent Child and Community Engagement Services	www.intelligentoffice.com https://thefacces.org
Thursday, February 5	Chaussures LLC Sharks and Lilies	yourchaussures.com www.sharksandlilies.com
Friday, February 6	Too Good Eats The Gift Box	https://toogoodeats.com thegiftbox
Saturday, February 7	Marlow's Cheesesteaks Maroon Arts Group	marlowscheesesteaks.com maroonartsgroup.com
Sunday, February 8	Alexis Pantry City Heights Volleyball Club	alexispantry.com www.cityheightsvc.com

Date

Company /

Organization

Website

Monday, February 2

SugaringNYC – Gahanna

Le Bleu Central Ohio

www.sugaringNYC.com

https://aquapure

Tuesday, February 3

Liberty Tax Service #2970

Law Office of Maritza S. Nelson

www.libertytax.com

msnlawoffice.com

Wednesday, February 4

Intelligent Office

Family Adolescent Child and Community Engagement Services

www.intelligentoffice.com

https://thefacces.org

Thursday, February 5

Chaussures LLC

Sharks and Lilies

yourchaussures.com

www.sharksandlilies.com

Friday, February 6

Too Good Eats

The Gift Box

https://toogoodeats.com

thegiftbox

Saturday, February 7

Marlow's Cheesesteaks

Maroon Arts Group

marlowscheesesteaks.com

maroonartsgroup.com

Sunday, February 8

Alexis Pantry

City Heights Volleyball Club

alexispantry.com

www.cityheightsvc.com

Upcoming Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Webinars: Resources Built for Your Success

COAACC Administrator — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 16:36:49 GMT

Free Webinars in December

The Secure Small Business: Empowering Your People to Protect Your Data

Thu, Dec 4, 2025│ 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM PT

Cybersecurity starts with your team. This webinar explores practical ways to train employees, strengthen daily security habits, and safeguard sensitive business data. Learn how to reduce risks, prevent common threats, and build a culture of awareness that keeps your small business resilient, protected, and prepared.

5 Ways to Starve Imposter Syndrome as an Entrepreneur

Mon, Dec 8, 2025 │11:00 AM - 1:00 PM PT

Imposter syndrome can limit your confidence, decisions, and growth. This webinar shares five practical strategies to silence self-doubt, strengthen your mindset, and lead with clarity. Learn how to reframe fear, own your expertise, and show up fully as the entrepreneur your business needs.

The Power of Impactful Presentations

Tue, Dec 9, 2025 │12:30-2:30 PM PT

Effective presentations and facilitation spark understanding, action, and connection. This webinar covers strategies to design engaging content, guide meaningful discussions, and deliver with confidence. Learn how to capture attention, adapt to diverse audiences, and create experiences that inspire participation and drive impactful outcomes.

Avoiding Predatory Lending in a Shrinking Market

Wed, Dec 10, 2025│12:30 PM - 1:30 PM PT

Learn how to recognize and avoid predatory lending practices as access to capital tightens. This webinar equips entrepreneurs with practical strategies for evaluating loan terms, identifying red flags, and protecting their business from high-risk financing—empowering you to secure funding safely and sustainably in a contracting market.

From Manual to Modern: Financial Tools for Today’s Entrepreneur

Thu, Dec 11, 2025│11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PT

Discover how to streamline your finances with modern tools that save time, reduce errors, and support smarter decision-making. This session walks entrepreneurs through essential digital solutions for invoicing, cash flow management, budgeting, and reporting—helping you modernize operations and build a stronger, more efficient business.

The Future of SEO in 2026: How Small Businesses Stay Discoverable in the AI Age

Fri, Dec 12, 2025│11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PT

Explore how AI-driven search is reshaping discoverability for small businesses. This webinar breaks down emerging SEO trends, new search behaviors, and practical optimization strategies to keep your brand visible. Learn how to adapt, compete, and thrive as search technology evolves in 2026 and beyond.

Measure & Maximize Your ROI

Mon, Dec 15, 2025│9:00 AM - 11:00 AM PT

Unlock smarter decision-making by understanding what truly drives returns in your business. This webinar covers practical methods for tracking performance, analyzing marketing and operational investments, and identifying high-impact opportunities. Learn how to measure ROI accurately and implement strategies that increase profitability, efficiency, and long-term growth.

New contract opportunities with Columbus City Schools & City of Columbus

COAACC Administrator — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:48:50 GMT

Join key representatives from Columbus City Schools and the City of Columbus Office of Diversity and Inclusion to learn about upcoming contracting and bid opportunities for small local businesses. Bid opportunities may include:

Demolition
Landscape
Roofing
HVAC
Electrical
Plumbing

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, December 11th, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Location: Columbus COED, 1890 E Main St. Columbus, OH, 43205

RSVP Deadline: Friday, December 5th, 2025

Additional Information:

Pre-registration is required, space is limited. Dinner will be provided.

Access Capital via COAACC!

COAACC Administrator — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 14:59:14 GMT

COAACC is thrilled to announce that we have recently partnered with ROK Financial, a trusted name in business financing, to offer you a wide array of lending products exclusively available to our network of business owners. With connections to over 75+ lenders, we're confident that we can compare every option out there to get you the highest offers, best rates, and most favorable terms that are available to your business.

We now have the ability to provide even more customized solutions to you and your business including working capital loans, lines of credit, equipment financing, commercial real estate loans and much more.

Minimum Qualifications for Funding:

4 Months in Business
Business Checking Account
$5,000+ Gross Revenue/Month
NO Minimum FICO on select products!

Click here to learn more about the products.

Click here to see if you're pre-approved in minutes!

Bid Opps for Members!

COAACC Administrator — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 19:32:04 GMT

This just in! There is now a Resources & Opportunities page just for members! Click here to check out upcoming bid opportunities! If you have something to share with members, email team@coaacc.org to have it added for free!

Work with the LPGA! Vendor Opportunities for the 2026 Founders Cup

COAACC Administrator — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 19:30:11 GMT

Work with the LPGA at the 2026 Fortinet Founders Cup

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) is excited to announce the launch of LPGA VendorMatch for the 2026 Fortinet Founders Cup, hosted at Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club in Menlo Park, California.

Through LPGA VendorMatch, local, small, and diverse-owned businesses are invited to participate in procurement opportunities across golf’s $102 billion supply chain. This initiative reflects their ongoing commitment to supplier inclusion and community engagement.

Sourcing suppliers in 10 key categories:

Audio Visual Services
Credentials
Floral & Landscape
Food & Beverage Products
Furniture Rental
Laundry Services
Lodging
Photography
Portable Restrooms
Transportation

How LPGA VendorMatch Works:

Register by December 9, 2025 at www.vraconnect.org/lpga-vendormatch to be considered.
Prospective suppliers meeting our product and service needs will be contacted by early January 2026 to schedule in-person meetings.
Meetings will take place in mid-January 2026, and selected suppliers will be notified afterward.

Business owners are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to work with the LPGA and play a role in delivering an exceptional championship experience.

Registration closes December 9, 2025.

Click to learn more

Building a Bid Proposal Workshop

COAACC Administrator — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 18:00:00 GMT

Hensel Phelps | Elford will be holding a Virtual Educational Session on Building A Bid Proposal as related to the GMP9A Public Safety Building Bid Packages releasing on December 1^st. This Virtual Educational Session will be held on December 10^th, 2025 from 10AM-12PM.

You may access the meeting by clicking on the ‘Live Session Link’ button on the Outreach Events page at https://cmhterminal.henselphelps.com/outreach-events/.

Save on Health Insurance with the SOCA Benefit Plan!

COAACC Administrator — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:30:00 GMT

January 1 renewals are approaching.

SOCA Benefit Plan

The health plan designed exclusively for small businesses like yours

As a small business, you may be looking for a cost-saving benefits solution for 2026. The SOCA Benefit Plan offers predictable rates and competitive benefits to groups that are members in good standing with a chamber of commerce that is qualified to offer the SOCA Benefit Plan. These chambers must belong to one of the following alliances or associations:

Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA
Northern Ohio Area Chambers of Commerce (NOACC)
Central Ohio Chambers of Commerce (COCC)
Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce (DACC)
Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber (YWRC)

Eligible businesses join together to share in the overall claims risk, and by being part of a larger, self-funded pool, they have financial protection backed by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s stop loss coverage.

What you get with the SOCA Benefit Plan

Competitive rates
Predictable monthly payments
A variety of plan options for your business and budget
Popular dental and vision plans
Anthem’s broad Blue Access preferred provider organization (PPO), Essential Rx formulary, and BlueCard program (care away from home)
A one-time credit to your medical premium equivalent when you add new dental and/or vision coverage
And more!

NEW for 2026!

Virtual Access Plus plans
Virtual Access Plus includes features of Alternative Health Plans, like a copay design and free virtual primary care visits. Please note that some existing all-copay plans have been converted to Virtual Access Plus plans, including HSA-compliant all-copay plans.

Clear Choice plans
Clear Choice is Anthem’s alternative health plan that provides a straightforward and cost-effective healthcare experience. It features a simple copay design and preferred benefits for high-value providers, making it more affordable and convenient to access care.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Basic
Our voluntary EAP Basic program offers employees and their household members complimentary and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services. This initiative addresses a wide spectrum of personal and work-related challenges, and provides financial and legal consultations, as well as child and elder care resources.

PreventiveRx Basic Plus
The PreventiveRx Basic Plus drug list covers certain Tier 1 and Tier 2 drugs on the Essential formulary with unique copays and no deductible. Conditions that PreventiveRx Basic Plus drugs treat include heart health and high blood pressure, osteoporosis, asthma, diabetes (including certain insulin products), mental health, and high cholesterol.

Tier 1 preventive drug copay:
$15 Level 1 pharmacy | $25 Level 2 pharmacy | $30 mail order

Tier 2 preventive drug copay:
$45 Level 1 pharmacy | $60 Level 2 pharmacy | $113 mail order

Questions?

Contact our broker for more information about the SOCA Benefit Plan - Dehan Enterprises, (614) 238-3520

Ohio: Columbus Enacts Pay Transparency Law

COAACC Administrator — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 19:31:23 GMT

Via Mineral & Gusto:

Ohio Law Alert

NOVEMBER 17, 2025

Ohio: Columbus Enacts Pay Transparency Law

Employers with 15 or more employees in Columbus will be required to include pay ranges in all job postings. While the law is effective December 3, 2025, the city doesn’t expect to actively enforce it until January 1, 2027.

Job postings are defined broadly and include any communication that describes a position or its qualifications. Job postings for internal transfers and promotions are excluded.

The posting should include a pay range that’s a reasonable estimate of what the employer expects to pay for that particular position as well as other types of monetary compensation, like commissions and bonuses. The salary range should be based on factors specific to the position, such as:

Budget for the role
Expected years of experience
Cost of living

If an employer plans to pay an exact amount (rather than within a range), that should be included in the posting.

Action Item
Ensure job postings include the necessary compensation information.

Technology Fee for Employers

COAACC Administrator — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:13:20 GMT

Via Ohio Department of Jobs & Family Services:

"Starting in January 2026, we are introducing a new technology fee of 0.15% for taxable wages paid per employee. This fee will play a crucial role in supporting the continuous improvement and expansion of our technological infrastructure. Our goal is to ensure that you have access to the latest tools, resources, and innovations that will empower you to achieve even greater success. The technology fee will be in effect until December 2027.

The funds collected from this fee will be directly invested in the following key areas:

Upgraded unemployment insurance benefit system: To provide you with state-of-the-art tools and applications that enhance productivity and engagement.

Improved cybersecurity measures: To continue to protect your data and ensure a safe and secure digital environment.

We understand that any additional fee can be a concern. This investment in technology is designed to benefit all members of our community, fostering more connected, efficient, and innovative unemployment systems.

We are confident that this new technology fee will bring significant positive changes and help us continue to meet your needs in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Thank you for your understanding, support, and collaboration.

If you have questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us at 614.466.2319.

Sincerely,

Matt Damschroder

Director

2025 Report on Employer Firms: Findings from the 2024 Small Business Credit Survey

COAACC Administrator — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 15:23:46 GMT

"The 2024 Small Business Credit Survey (SBCS) data suggest that employment growth, along with expectations for revenue and employment growth, held steady between the 2023 and 2024 surveys. But for the first time since the 2021 survey, firms were more likely to report that revenues decreased rather than increased in the prior 12 months. Regarding financing, the share of firms that applied for loans, lines of credit, or merchant cash advances remained stable year over year, as did approvals. However, applicants' satisfaction with their lenders decreased." Learn more and read the report here: https://www.fedsmallbusiness.org/reports/survey/2025/2025-report-on-employer-firms