Metro To Host 2024 Small Business Expo and Holiday Toy Drive
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CINCINNATI — Metro invites local businesses to explore ways to partner and engage with Metro at the upcoming 2024 Small Business Expo: Empowering Diverse Businesses and Building Stronger Community Partnerships. This event will occur on December 11, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Cintas Center.
With numerous significant projects on the horizon, including the highly anticipated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, Metro is actively seeking a diverse group of suppliers and businesses to participate in upcoming bid opportunities and become partners in shaping the future of transportation in Hamilton County.
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday, December 11, 2024
- Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Location: Cintas Center, 1624 Musketeer Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45207
- Registration: Metro 2024 Small Business Expo
Throughout the day, attendees can engage with Metro representatives, network with other potential partners, gain valuable insights into the procurement process, and discover resources available to help their businesses grow. Metro's procurement team will be on hand to provide guidance and answer questions related to bidding, contracting, and certification requirements.
A special focus of this year's event will be Metro’s upcoming BRT system and Procurement Program, which aims to empower small businesses to position themselves as contractors for upcoming BRT opportunities. Attendees will have access to one-on-one matchmaking sessions for BRT and its procurement teams, offering direct engagement and potential business opportunities.
"We’ve made a deliberate effort to expand partnerships with small, disadvantaged, and diverse vendors," said Brandy Jones, Metro’s Chief Communications and Marketing Officer. "We recently doubled our spending with diverse vendors, and these expos provide all local businesses an opportunity to connect with our team, understand our procurement process, and enhance their chances of securing contracts."
Attendees who bring toys to help Metro Stuff-a-Bus for kids in need during the holiday season will be entered into a drawing to receive a free Metro bus wrap advertisement ($14,000 value). Participants will receive one entry for every toy donated. Donated toys will be distributed to a local elementary school to help brighten the holidays for children in need.
The expo and parking are free, open to all types of enterprises (certified or not), and includes a complimentary breakfast and lunch. Those interested in attending may register here.
