Councilmember Bankston held the 2nd Annual Small Business Round-Up on April 4th. . If you were unable to attend the event or would like to rewatch the presentation please click the YouTube link below to access the recording.
Small Business Round-Up Presentation: https://youtu.be/blP3Pj3ijpg?si=vMhfJ73hGRgILYDj
Additionally, here are the resources. Please note that the programs and offerings are organized by office/department.
Columbus City Council
- Capacity-Building Micro-Grants
- Emerging small businesses who are ready to grow may be eligible for up to $5,000 under this program.
- Applications open on April 15th, 2024.
- Contact: Ariana Ulloa-Olavarrieta – ADUlloa@columbus.gov
- Ground Floor Growth
- Cohorts of diverse, local small businesses are matched with a commercial space in downtown Columbus, connected to a business support organization, and receive both rental and tenant improvement assistance.
- The first cohort is currently in the match-making process; no new slots are open at this time.
- Contact: JP Dorval – JPDorval@columbus.gov
Department of Development: Economic Development Division
- Accelerate Columbus
- Small businesses can receive free training and resources through 10 unique programs from entrepreneurial support organizations.
- Applications are open NOW, learn more at: columbus.gov/accelerate/
- Contact: Ariana Ulloa-Olavarrieta – ADUlloa@columbus.gov
- Power of One
- Local businesses in urban corridors can receive up to $15,000 in support to beautify the exterior of their business.
- 2024 application information will be available at power1cbus.org.
- Contact: programs@columbusndc.org (Neighborhood Design Center)
- Columbus Small Biz Hub
- The Columbus Small Biz Hub is the one-stop-shop for Columbus’ small business community, connecting business owners to both support-organization resources and to each other for B2B opportunities.
- Website: cbussmallbizhub.com
Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI)
- ODI offers free business certifications which allows businesses the chance to participate in bid opportunities, business networking and educational programs. ODI hosts Business Certification and Networking Events to create opportunities for businesses to engage with City Departments and local agencies to learn the benefits of becoming certified with the City of Columbus. It’s also an opportunity to network 1-on-1 with professionals and take your business to the next level.
- Business Certification information or questions contact: DiversityCertifications@columbus.gov
- Information on ODI: https://new.columbus.gov/Government/Mayors-Office/Office-of-Diversity-and-Inclusion
