Columbus City Schools (CCS), the largest school district in Ohio, is actively creating opportunities for local and economically disadvantaged businesses to engage in a burgeoning vendor ecosystem. Senior Chief Operating Officer Maurice Woods explained the district's dedication to this cause, stating, "We are open for business, committed to equity, and focused on making sure our many diverse local and small businesses have real access to opportunity," as published on the CCS website.
In line with this commitment, CCS has seen its Local Economically Disadvantaged Enterprise (LEDE) vendor spending reach a record $41.5 million in fiscal year 2025. Superintendent/CEO Dr. Angela Chapman has set the bar even higher, aiming for 20% local business participation through the LEDE initiative, which has demonstrated continuous growth over the past four years. Dr. Chapman encourages potential vendors to "get certified in this system so they get notified to bid on future contracts," according to CCS, an official statement.
The district's push for inclusivity and growth was evident at a recent Procurement Outreach Event, which facilitated direct interactions between small business owners, like MyGuy's Anthony Bowling, and district leaders. "Honestly, it’s been very accessible," Bowling told the CCS website. His experience highlighted CCS's efforts to streamline the process and offer practical opportunities for local vendors to thrive.
CCS collaborates with Aventi Enterprises to assist vendors with the procurement process. Deonna Barnett, director of consulting at Aventi Enterprises, emphasized the importance of removing uncertainty for businesses. "Our role is to remove uncertainty from the process," she mentioned, in a statement obtained by CCS, highlighting that their services provide education on LEDE certification, one-on-one guidance, facilitation of introductions, and gathering feedback to improve ongoing engagement.
Through the LEDE strategy, CCS seeks to reinforce its vision of nurturing stable communities that underpin student success. This approach aligns with their greater objective of supporting students not just academically, but also through community partnerships that ensure a well-rounded education. With a clear path forward, CCS’s LEDE initiatives are not just transactional, but form part of a larger effort to build sustainable partnerships, strengthen economic and neighborhood vitality, and invest directly in the future of their students and communities.
For local businesses interested in participating in CCS's procurement programs, resources and steps to apply for LEDE certification can be found on the CCS website. With a focus on buying local and promoting diverse vendors, CCS continues to embrace the challenge of enriching its student body and community through dedicated engagement and support of local enterprises.
