Columbus City Schools Connects with Local Businesses to Prepare for the 2026–2027 School Year

On Friday, June 26, 2026, more than 100 local business owners, entrepreneurs, and community partners gathered at the Columbus Main Library in downtown Columbus, OH for the Columbus City Schools (CCS) Summer Vendor Outreach Event to learn how to do business with one of Central Ohio's largest school districts and to connect directly with the academic and administrative departments that purchase goods and services throughout the year.

Presented by the Columbus City Schools Office of Outreach Services under the leadership of Duane Parks and hosted by Aventi Enterprises, the event provided businesses with valuable insight into upcoming partnership opportunities for the 2026–2027 academic year while building meaningful relationships with the departments responsible for purchasing decisions.

The event welcomed distinguished guests including CCS Board Member Dr. Tina Pierce, Ryan Cook, Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer, and Kevin O'Connor, Internal Auditor, who joined district representatives in showcasing Columbus City Schools' commitment to expanding access and engagement with the local business community.

Representatives from academic and administrative departments shared information about their operational priorities, upcoming projects, and vendor needs for the new school year. Businesses had the opportunity to ask questions, introduce their capabilities, and begin building relationships that can lead to future contracting opportunities and partnerships. Departments in attendance included Employee Benefits Administration, Office of IT, Career-Technical Education & Workforce, Purchasing Department, Early Childhood Education, Whole Child School Educator Community, Special Education, and more. Additionally, small business resource providers were showcased to support the local businesses in attendance including the City of Columbus Office of Diversity & Inclusion, Aventi Enterprises, J.P. Morgan Chase Small Business Coaching Program, Ohio Bureau of Worker's Compensation, and the Minority Business Assistance Center.

A local business owner in attendance shared: "One of the most valuable things I learned was that each department has its own contracting opportunities. That [information], along with meeting department representatives, made the event incredibly worthwhile."

According to Deonna Barnett, Director of Consulting at Aventi Enterprises, the response from local businesses showed the amount of support the District has from the community.

"Our local business community genuinely wants to invest in the success of Columbus City Schools. They aren't just looking for contracts. They're looking for opportunities to contribute their expertise, strengthen our schools, and help create the best possible outcomes for our students."

CCS has an ongoing commitment to working with local businesses through the Local Economically Disadvantaged Enterprise (LEDE) program as well as creating opportunities for businesses of all sizes to help serve students across the community. Businesses interested in working with the Columbus City Schools District are encouraged to learn more about the District's vendor resources, registration process, and procurement opportunities by visiting the CCS Vendor Services at https://www.ccsoh.us/our-district/departments/vendors.

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