About this Event
Ohio Department of Transportation is proud to announce the 2025 Ohio Small Business Opportunity Expo!
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) will host the 2nd Biennial Ohio Small Business Opportunity Expo at the Greater Columbus Convention Center on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. This event will feature up to 150 booths from state agencies, local governments, and private sector corporations to highlight their opportunities, programs, and services for Small Businesses.
Please visit Ohio Small Business Opportunity Expo | Ohio Department of Transportation to learn more information about this event.
EVENT INFORMATION:
Where: Greater Columbus Convention Center
400 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43215
When: Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Untitled agenda
🕑: 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Vendor Booth Hours
Info: Registered booth attendees will consist of the following: Federal & Local Government Agencies, State Agencies/Boards & Commissions, Private Sector Corporations, and Small/Medium/Large Businesses.
🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Open Registration Hour
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:20 AM
Welcome & Opening Session
Info: National Anthem. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (video greeting). Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose (video greeting). Ohio Department of Transportation Director greeting.
🕑: 10:20 AM - 10:45 AM
Panel Discussion w/ 3 successful SBEs
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Break/ Booth Visits/ Transition to morning workshops
Morning Workshops (select one)
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Workshop- Finding State and Federal Opportunities & How to Submit Bids
Info: Location: Room C170. Finding State and Federal Opportunities & How to Submit Bids: An Overview of Ohio Buys & System for Award Management (SAM).
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Workshop- Get to know the Ohio Minority Business Development Division
Info: Location: Room C171. Get to know the Ohio Minority Business Development Division: MBE EDGE WBE VBE Certification Overview and Financial Incentive Program Overview for Small Businesses.
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Workshop- Doing Business with Municipalities
Info: Location: Room C172. Doing Business with Municipalities: How to Navigate the Bidding Process, Contracting Opportunities, and Vendor Registration.
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Workshop- Business Opportunities w/ Ohio Transit Agencies
Info: Location: Room C 180/181: Business Opportunities w/ Ohio Transit Agencies
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:40 PM
Luncheon Keynote Speaker & Awards Presentation to State Agencies
🕑: 01:40 PM - 01:55 PM
Break/ Booth visits/ Transition to afternoon workshops
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:50 PM
Workshop- Room C170: Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Opportunities and Update
Info: Location: Room C170: Doing Business with Walsh Construction & Kokosing Construction and Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Update
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:50 PM
Workshop- Room C171: Access to Capital for Small Businesses
Info: Location: Room C 171: SBA Lending Programs for Small Businesses; ECDI Lending Programs;
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:50 PM
Workshop- Disadvantaged (DBE) & Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Certification
Info: Location: Room C 172: Overview of ODOT's DBE and SBE Certification Programs
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:50 PM
Workshop- Resources for your Small Business
Info: Location: Room C180/181: Foundations of Cybersecurity for Ohio Small Businesses; The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is committed in providing the necessary resources for your small business’ success. In this session, you will learn about BWC coverage and rebate programs;
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Final Networking / Visit Booths
🕑: 03:55 PM - 04:00 PM
Event concludes
Info: Thank you for attending and making the event a success!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Columbus Convention Center, 400 North High Street, Columbus, United States
USD 0.00 to USD 30.00
