City of Cincinnati Department of Economic Inclusion

06/02/2026

🚨Now Open: Maintenance, Repair, & Operations Contract Supplier Opportunity🚨

The City currently has its Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO) contract out for solicitation, offering a rare, multi-year opportunity for qualified suppliers across several essential commodity areas.

🗓 Virtual Pre-Submission Meeting: Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
📌 RSVP Deadline: Monday, June 1, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. (via Bonfire portal)

A virtual pre-submission meeting will be held via Microsoft Teams. A meeting link and calendar invitation will be provided to those who RSVP by the deadline.

This contract supports critical operational needs across multiple areas, including:
🔹 Janitorial supplies (paper products, plastics, disposable items)
🔹 Paint, coatings, varnish, wallpaper, and related accessories
🔹 Electrical parts and equipment (excluding cable and wire)
🔹 HVAC systems, parts, and accessories
🔹 Plumbing supplies, fixtures, and fire hydrant components

🔗 Search for 265X901150 to find solicitation details here: https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/noncms/cmgr/business-opportunities/
🔗 Bonfire portal: https://cincinnati-oh.bonfirehub.com/portal

We encourage all qualified suppliers to review and consider this opportunity to support essential City operations.

05/28/2026

Find us at these upcoming June 2026 events! Our outreach team will be available to answer questions, share resources, and provide guidance on business certification and doing business with the City.

Upcoming Events:

Minority Business Assistance Center - Cincinnati Virtual Certification Workshop Day 1
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
*Must attend Day 1 to attend Day 2.
🔗 http://bit.ly/3ZNK4VR

Minority Business Assistance Center - Cincinnati Virtual Certification Workshop Day 2
Thursday, June 11, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
*Must attend Day 1 to attend Day 2.
🔗 http://bit.ly/3ZNK4VR

Minority Business Assistance Center - Cincinnati’s Contacts to Contracts Conference
Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Word of Deliverance Ministries for the World, Inc.
693 Fresno Road
Cincinnati, OH 45240
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/contacts-to-contracts-cincinnati-tickets-1985816020173

🔗 Learn more about our outreach and engagement efforts here: https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/inclusion/outreach-engagement/

05/14/2026

Join us in celebrating the graduation of the second cohort of the Women of Color: Access to Capital Bootcamp!

Over the past several weeks, these business owners have invested in strengthening their financial knowledge, building connections, and preparing to access capital and grow their businesses. Congratulations to each participant on this incredible accomplishment!

As we celebrate Cohort II, we’re also excited to announce that applications are now open for Cohort III, beginning July 9. Interviews for the next class will begin soon, and we look forward to welcoming another dynamic group of entrepreneurs into the program.

This initiative, in partnership with the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, continues to create opportunities for women of color business owners to access the tools, resources, and networks needed to thrive.

🔗 To learn more and apply, click here: https://www.ulgso-ec.org/programs/women-of-color-access-to-capital-bootcamp-program/

05/08/2026

🚨Now Open: Human Resources Strategic Plan Proposal Opportunity🚨

The City of Cincinnati is now accepting proposals for the Human Resources Strategic Plan project.

🗓 Proposal Deadline: Thursday, May 14 at 12:00 p.m.

The City is seeking qualified firms to objectively evaluate its current HR operating model and develop a forward-looking Human Resources Strategic Plan. This engagement will identify future-state options for HR service delivery and organizational structure, assess associated benefits and tradeoffs, and recommend a preferred path forward that supports the City’s operational needs, governance expectations, and long-term workforce strategy.

🔎 Learn more & apply:
Search “Human Resources Strategic Plan” on the City’s Business Opportunity Page: https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/noncms/cmgr/business-opportunities/

Support the future of workforce strategy and organizational excellence for the City of Cincinnati - submit your proposal today!

05/08/2026

Not sure where to start when it comes to business certification? Looking for support in learning how to do business with the City?

Come connect with us at one of the events we’ll be attending in May 2026! Our outreach team will be available to answer questions, share resources, and help you navigate the next steps to get started.

Upcoming Events​:

Virtual LCP Tracker Training
Wednesday, May 6th, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cincinnati Children's Direct Connect
Thursday, May 7th, 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
​Cincinnati Children's Sabin Auditorium
3333 Burnet Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45229

City of Cincinnati Bring Your Kids to Work Day
Friday, May 8th
Cincinnati Police Training Facility
800 Evans Street
Cincinnati OH, 45204

Hamilton County, Ohio Small Business Day
Monday, May 18th, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Road
Cincinnati OH, 45246​

Certification Day​
Thursday, May 21, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
805 Central Avenue, Suite 610
Cincinnati OH, 45232
*Available by appointment only, email [email protected]

🔗 https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/inclusion/outreach-engagement/

05/04/2026

Join us for our upcoming Certification Day and fast-track your small, minority-, or women-owned business certification application! Book a one-on-one appointment with a certification expert by contacting certification lead Crystal Robertson by email at [email protected].

Event Details:
🔹 Thursday, May 21, 2026
🔹 Appointments at 10 AM and 1 PM
🔹 805 Central Avenue, Suite 610, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Reminder: This is an appointment-only event, no walk-ins are permitted.

Contact [email protected] to register and complete required pre-screening and preparation.

🔗 To learn more about the City's certification program, check out our Business Certification page here: https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/inclusion/business-certification/

04/29/2026

🚨 Now Open: Graffiti Abatement Bid Opportunity 🚨

The City of Cincinnati is now accepting bids for Solicitation : Graffiti Removal Within City Limits – Private Property. Join us at the Pre-Bid Info Session to learn more!

📍 Pre-Bid Info Session
🔹 Friday, May 1
🔹 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
🔹 805 Central Ave, Suite 500, Cincinnati, OH 45202

🗓 Proposal Deadline: Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
📊 MBE Goal: 8%

The Department of Buildings & Inspections is seeking qualified independent contractors to provide on-call, as-needed graffiti abatement services. Contractors will supply all personnel, materials, equipment, and supervision needed to remove or cover graffiti in accordance with industry standards and all applicable laws - including work at high-frequency vandalism locations.

🔎 Learn more & apply:
Search 261W906040 on the City’s Business Opportunity Page:
https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/noncms/cmgr/business-opportunities/

Help keep Cincinnati clean while growing your business - submit your bid today!

04/22/2026

Reminder: Don’t miss our upcoming LCP Tracker Training!

Join the Economic Inclusion team to sharpen your skills and stay on track with compliance. Whether you're just getting started or looking for a refresher, this session will cover key features, reporting requirements, and best practices to help you feel confident on your projects.

📅 May 6, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Microsoft Teams (link shared after registration)

To register click here: fd8af00a-cdbb-4cf1-a5de-7326feb931f2@6f55bfd1-3669-41fd-a0e3-c98d56adb39f" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/fd8af00a-cdbb-4cf1-a5de-7326feb931f2@6f55bfd1-3669-41fd-a0e3-c98d56adb39f

For any questions please reach out to [email protected]

Stay informed. Stay compliant. Stay ahead.

04/15/2026

As we recap on our celebration of National Women’s History Month, we’re proud to highlight our very own Certified Woman Owned Business (WBE), O'Rourke Wrecking Company and the leadership making a lasting impact both on and off the job site.

With decades of experience, O’Rourke Wrecking has played a key role in demolition and environmental remediation projects across our region, helping transform spaces and support safe, sustainable development. But just as important is their commitment to people.

On our latest episode of The Gateway to Economic Inclusion, CEO, Michele O'Rourke shares how she is helping pave the way for more women to succeed in construction, breaking barriers, mentoring others, and creating more inclusive opportunities in the industry.

Her advice is real, practical, and something every subcontractor should hear.

Want to hear more? Watch the full interview to learn how O’Rourke Wrecking is building both projects and opportunities in our community.

Congratulations to O’Rourke Wrecking Company on being our March 2026 Business of the Month!

Link to full Interview: https://vimeo.com/1181340572

03/06/2026

Today we celebrate National Women’s Empowerment Day and recognize the women who lead, innovate, and strengthen our communities every day.

Empowering women means creating opportunities, supporting leadership, and ensuring every voice has the chance to be heard.

Here’s to the women making a difference today and inspiring the next generation!

Happy Women’s History Month!

To the women in leadership and at every level of City Government, thank you for all that you do to lift Cincinnati up.