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Upcoming events

    • Thu, October 10, 2024
    • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Ross Auditorium at Franklin University, 301 E. Rich St., Columbus, Ohio, 43215

    Candidate Forum

    Registration for this event has closed. There are a limited amount of tickets available. 

    Please email  arien@nawbocolumbusohio.com to attend.

    Amplify your voice, connect with policymakers, and ensure your business has a seat at the table!

    Join NAWBO Columbus and our community partners to connect with your 2024 candidates from across the ballot! Our October Monthly Meeting is a non-partisan Candidate Forum designed to connect you with policymakers and give you insight into how this year's election could shape and affect your business. 

    NAWBO members and Ohio businesses are diverse in many ways, including the size of their business, the sectors and communities they serve, the stage of business development, race, ethnicity, geographic business areas, and political leanings that determine policy views. We recognize the ever-present need to represent all members while creating the avenue and environment to build sustainable women-owned and diverse businesses. Join us to connect with and hear from this election's candidates.

    Agenda Highlights (Subject to Change):


    Meet the Candidates:

    • The 2024 U.S. Senate candidates, 2024 Ohio House & Ohio Senate candidates representing Central Ohio have been invited to attend. Participation will be confirmed when received.


    The following candidates have confirmed their participation: (subject to change): 

    • Adam Miller (D) - 15th US Congressional District
    • Beth Liston (D) - OH Senate District 16
    • Besa Sharrah [R] - OH Senate District 16
    • Dontavius Jarrells (D) - OH House District 1
    • Latyna Humphrey (D) - OH House District 2
    • Beryl Brown Piccolantonio (D) - OH House District 4
    • Jason Allevato [R] - OH House District 4
    • Allison Russo (D) - OH House District 7
    • Munira Abdullahi (D) - OH House District 9
    • Mark Sigrist (D) - OH House District 10
    • Crystal Lett (D) - OH House District 11
    • Stephanie Kunze (R)-  OH House District 11


                Connect with Other Community Organizations:

                • Network with several community organizations who represent and elevate businesses throughout Ohio and beyond.


                Get Involved:

                • Find out how your non-partisan Public Policy Committee is working to level the playing field for your business and hold policymakers accountable, and how you can get involved.

                  Registration closes Friday, October 4th at noon. 

                  To view boxed lunch choices click HERE

                  Click HERE for October Monthly Meeting Event Sponsorship Opportunities. Support the mission of NAWBO Cbus and gain exposure for your business!

                  Thank You to Our Event Sponsors


                  Presenting Sponsor 



                  Community Partners





                  The Columbus Minority Business Assistance Center










                  Meet our MODERATOR: Mandy Minick,  Minick Public Relations


                  Over more than 20 years, Mandy has acquired public relations and communications acumen from nearly every angle - as a reporter for the Warren Tribune-Chronicle covering local government and business, as the press secretary for the Ohio Senate, as the communications director for a non-profit association representing Ohio’s small businesses, and as press secretary and chief communications officer for the Ohio Department of Education. In this most-recent role she served two state superintendents of public instruction as they navigated a statewide school-building closure and helped to guide and support the education system through the challenges and aftermath of the COVID-19

                  pandemic.


                  Mandy holds bachelor’s degrees in English/Journalism (B.A.) and Mass Communication/Public Relations (B.S.) from Miami University. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Mount Carmel

                  College of Nursing and was privileged to serve oncology patients at The Ohio State University James Cancer Hospital.


                  Mandy enjoys making improvements to her Clintonville-area home, baking, reading biographies and listening to podcasts.


                  About our Caterer: FoodSouls’ Cuisine

                  COOKING IS FOR THE SOUL! NAWBO Member, Anne Nguimbous is the founder of Passion Of Soul and owner of FoodSouls'Cuisine. Learn more at: https://www.foodsoulscuisine.com

                  • Tue, October 15, 2024
                  • 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
                  • Zoom
                  Register


                  Our Member Orientation is an opportunity for all members and those interested in membership to meet other NAWBO members as well as our board members and NAWBO Columbus Staff. During the meeting you will learn how to best utilize your membership and how to take advantage of all of the value and benefits that NAWBO Columbus provides.

                  Additionally, you will be introduced to the board of directors, learn how to navigate the website and sign up for programs and events, and discuss how you can get involved in a committee!

                  Once registered, the zoom link will be sent with your confirmation email.




                  • Wed, October 16, 2024
                  • 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
                  • COhatch Polaris 1554 Polaris Pkwy #325, Columbus, OH 43240
                  Register



                  Join us for a casual evening of wine and connection!

                  NAWBO Columbus is happy to bring you an evening of networking, food and wine at our highly anticipated Women, Wisdom and Wine event! 

                  Women, Wisdom & Wine is an excellent event for everyone! Members and partners join us to connect and network. Guests join us to meet and mingle with current members in a fun, welcoming environment and learn more about the benefits of belonging to one of the largest NAWBO chapters in the country. Hear from our members about the value of a NAWBO membership and meet the women who make up NAWBO Columbus! Members, please invite your guests today.

                  Registration includes: 2 glasses of wine and light bites.

                  Registration Closes Monday, October 14, 2024

                  NAWBO Columbus is proud to support WBOs! Women, Wisdom & Wine will feature women owned food and exhibitors.

                  Exhibitors




                  Twinkling Tresses Fairy Hair



                  NAWBO Columbus is proud to support women owned businesses!

                  CHRISTINE PINKERTON

                  Come back into balance with Reiki Energy Healing.

                  Reiki is a gentle touch, (or no touch) energy healing practice. Whether you’re looking to release stress, to feel more relaxed, or to get better sleep—a Reiki session will help you to re-align mind, body and spirit.


                  The Glitter Express

                  The Glitter Express will make your glitter dreams come true! They offer glitter cosmetics & entertainment for parties, special events and festivals.
                  Their glitter services offer a stylish festival glitter flair to your event with glittery eyeshadow designs & face and body art designs.


                  Kendra Scott 

                  Kendra Scott products are thoughtfully crafted in their Austin, Texas studio, pushing the boundaries of design and innovation while staying true to their principles: color, shape, material, and value.

                  A portion of their annual sales directly supports women and youth in the areas of health & wellness, education, and entrepreneurship.


                  Twinkling Tresses Fairy Hair

                  Twinkling Tresses Fairy Hair provides a unique service and experience for customers by tying individual sparkling extensions throughout the natural hair.

                  • Thu, October 17, 2024
                  • 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
                  • Zoom
                  Register


                  Our New Member Chat is an opportunity for all members and those interested in membership to have a virtual meet and greet with the NAWBO Columbus VP of Membership, Alison Forche and VP of Roundtables, Molly Kane. 

                  Bring your questions, connect and learn more about NAWBO membership and roundtables. 

                  Once registered, the zoom link will be sent with your confirmation email.

                  • Thu, October 17, 2024
                  • 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
                  • Fabtique, 1657 W Lane Ave, Upper Arlington, OH 43221
                  Register


                   NAWBO Cbus “Be A Boss" Events

                  NAWBO members, guests and partners join us for our October Be A Boss at Fabtique. Connect with the NAWBO Columbus Community and support women-owned!

                  Be A Boss Days are casual, come as you are, come when you can events that are held monthly for our NAWBO Community!

                  There is no cost to attend, we do ask for an RSVP for staffing & refreshments.



                  About Fabtique:

                  Inspired by the desire to help women feel confident in their own style, Pat Barker and Amber Wilson opened Fabtique in 2016 at the Shops on Lane Avenue in Upper Arlington, Ohio.

                  Longtime friends, they combined their love of fashion with their professional experiences — Amber managed several White House/Black Market stores for almost a decade and Pat owned a small business as well as served as marketing director for the Ohio Tourism office.

                  Their passion, as well as that of Fabtique’s team of amazing stylists, is to provide personal, honest customer service, and a variety of unique clothes that help women look and feel fantastic.

                  • Fri, October 18, 2024
                  • 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
                  • Virtual
                  Register


                  connect with NAWBO Columbus & Boost your Business!

                  NAWBO Boost: SBA Lending 

                  SBA lending can help with a multitude of business needs, from start up, expansion, partner buy out and more! Join NAWBO Columbus and Corporate Partner, KeyBank, a preferred SBA lender, for this Boost for education and to prepare your business for its lending needs.


                  October Boost Key Take Aways:

                  • What is the SBA
                  • Types of SBA lending
                  • Documentation needed for SBA lending


                    About Boost:

                    Each month a NAWBO member or partner will facilitate and share an area of expertise. Attendees will have the opportunity to introduce themselves learn from our facilitator and bring business challenges to the group. Similar to the NAWBO National Empower Hour. This open-forum mastermind allows for a small-group setting, connection, discussion and the opportunity to work ON your business. Join whenever you are able. 

                    Non-members may attend up to two times before deciding if NAWBO is the right community for you.

                    Once registered the Zoom link will be sent in a registration confirmation email.

                    Are you a subject matter expert interested in facilitating a NAWBO Boost? Members and Partners complete the form HERE

                    Meet our Facilitator: Erin Ressa, KeyBank

                    With nearly 15 years of experience in banking, Erin has dedicated the majority of her career to KeyBank, where she excels as a Business Banking Relationship Manager. Her passion lies in partnering with small businesses, providing tailored solutions that support their growth and evolution.

                    As a Co-Chair for the KeyBank Key4Women initiative, Erin is committed to advocating for, connecting, and empowering women business owners. She takes pride in fostering community connections and regularly highlights inspiring women through Key4Women events. Erin is also dedicated to supporting local nonprofits, including New Directions Career Center, LifeCare Alliance, and Families Flourish, and serves on the board of Small Biz Cares.

                    • Tue, November 12, 2024
                    • 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
                    • Zoom
                    Register


                    Our Member Orientation is an opportunity for all members and those interested in membership to meet other NAWBO members as well as our board members and NAWBO Columbus Staff. During the meeting you will learn how to best utilize your membership and how to take advantage of all of the value and benefits that NAWBO Columbus provides.

                    Additionally, you will be introduced to the board of directors, learn how to navigate the website and sign up for programs and events, and discuss how you can get involved in a committee!

                    Once registered, the zoom link will be sent with your confirmation email.


                    • Wed, November 13, 2024
                    • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
                    • The Flourish Studio, 655 North Cassady Ave Columbus, OH 43219

                    connect at NAWBO Cbus “Be A Boss" Events

                    NAWBO members, partners and guests let's connect and gather for some floral fun! Join us to get hands-on with flowers and learn about Petals That Inspire and it's founder, Amanda Greenwood.

                    How it works:
                    - Bring your own vase
                    - Bring your own beverage if you would like!

                    Amanda, the Founder of Petals that Inspire will walk guests through the flowers available for the evening and the rest of the night is yours to design your own arrangement and network. Amanda will be happy to provide some design tips as well but this is a night of creativity and relaxation!

                    Space is limited! The cost to attend is $40.

                    Please Register HERE and use the password NAWBO



                    About Petals That Inspire:



                    This "experience-driven" floral studio is a space to welcome members of the community to experience the joy of floral design. Join them for a floral design class, an open studio night or for "Floral Fridays" to pick up a bouquet.

                    • Thu, November 14, 2024
                    • 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
                    • Zoom
                    Register


                    Our New Member Chat is an opportunity for all members and those interested in membership to have a virtual meet and greet with the NAWBO Columbus VP of Membership, Alison Forche and VP of Roundtables, Molly Kane. 

                    Bring your questions, connect and learn more about NAWBO membership and roundtables. 

                    Once registered, the zoom link will be sent with your confirmation email.

                    • Tue, November 19, 2024
                    • 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
                    • Virtual
                    Register


                    WBE Training 

                    Learn how to become a certified woman-owned business and gain access to government and corporate contracts and capital.

                    About this event:

                    Learn how contracts can significantly add to your company's sales volume and how to leverage diversity certifications to acquire contracts.

                    In this webinar, we will discuss:

                    • Major certifications available to Ohio-based businesses (including MBE, WBE, EDGE, DGE and SBA certifications)
                    • Certifying agencies
                    • Basic eligibility requirements of each certification
                    • How to use certifications as a competitive advantage


                    "There is opportunity with no limit for success for women business owners!" ~ Merry Korn, President & CEO,  Pearl Interactive Network.

                    Watch Merry's video to learn more on certifications and contract opportunities and advice she has for WBOs.




                    "Share your certifications and credentials to let your client know that you have made an investment in your company  and the market that you serve." ~ Theresa Harris, President & CEO, TMH Solutions 

                    Watch Theresa's video for her tips on government and corporate contracts.


                    Seats are limited. Register for this event to reserve your spot. Feel free to email anna@aventienterprises.com with any questions. We look forward to meeting you!

                    Hosted by NAWBO Columbus & Presented by Aventi Enterprises


                    • Tue, November 19, 2024
                    • 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
                    • Virtual
                    Register


                    Ohio WBE Update with NAWBO Columbus

                    This meeting is an opportunity for NAWBO Cbus members to engage with the the Minority Business Development Division and to learn information on any changes or updates on the Ohio WBE program and other State resources for women business owners.


                    About the Women Business Enterprise Program (WBE):

                    The state of Ohio’s Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) program is designed to assist women-owned businesses in obtaining contracts for goods and services, construction, architecture, engineering, information technology, and professional services. The WBE program does not apply a procurement goal or set-aside target for state government contracts. The state of Ohio developed the program because it recognized the need to encourage, nurture, and support the growth of women-owned businesses to foster their development and increase the number of qualified competitors in the marketplace. Learn more HERE.







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