In 2019, the City of Columbus launched Accelerate Columbus Small Business as part of a branded set of small business training, technical assistance, mentoring, and advisement programs targeting aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small business owners. Initially offered as a pilot program, the goal of the program was to provide structured as well as on-demand training, one-on-one advisement, and technical assistance to both aspiring and existing entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Given the success of the program in its pilot year as well as the strategic role the program plays in meeting gaps identified in the Small Business Ecosystem Assessment and resulting Columbus Small Business Agenda, the City of Columbus is seeking implementation of this program targeting small businesses beginning March 1, 2023 free of charge to all small businesses that commit to attending any given program.

The City has chosen seven (7) ESO’s (Entrepreneur Support Organizations), to facilitate various activities in direct relation to the needs of each small business that applies. Each applicant is allowed to choose up to their top four (4) programs, in order of preference, and based on availability, they will be placed in one (1) of those which they have selected. The list of programs can be found at: https://www.columbus.gov/accelerate/