Columbus, Ohio, has emerged as a vibrant hub for entrepreneurship, offering a wealth of resources to support small businesses and startups. Whether you’re launching a new venture or looking to expand, the city provides numerous programs designed to foster growth and innovation.
Accelerate Columbus
Accelerate Columbus is a comprehensive initiative that unites entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to create an environment conducive to innovation and growth. The program offers mentoring, networking opportunities, access to capital, and other critical support services to help local businesses reach their full potential. It includes two cohorts: ‘Grow Your Business: Ensuring Startup Success’ for early-stage businesses and ‘Beyond the Startup’ for more established enterprises seeking scalability. Learn more about Accelerate Columbus.
LEAP: LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program
LEAP’s mission is to educate and empower members of the LGBTQ+ community, especially those more marginalized, to become successful entrepreneurs through education, mentorship, and meaningful connections while building self-esteem and confidence along the way. Discover more about LEAP.
Techstars Columbus Powered by The Ohio State University
Techstars, the largest pre-seed investor globally, has partnered with Ohio State University to launch an accelerator program aimed at driving growth in Columbus and the surrounding region. Every six months, the program selects 10-12 startups from a pool of applicants, providing intensive training, mentorship, and access to extensive networks. This initiative helps founders refine their products, identify core customers, and develop go-to-market strategies. Explore Techstars Columbus.
Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI)
ECDI serves as a one-stop shop for entrepreneurial resources, offering funding, training, mentoring, and more. Their business incubation programs include specialized services for contractors and food businesses, providing workshops, bid support, and access to commercial commissary kitchens. Find out more about ECDI’s services.
Columbus Financial Empowerment Center
In partnership with the national Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, the Columbus Financial Empowerment Center offers specialized support services for women small business owners and entrepreneurs. This initiative provides professional one-on-one financial counseling as a free public service, aiming to strengthen the economic fabric of the community. Learn more about the Financial Empowerment Center.
These programs, among others, underscore Columbus’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. By leveraging these resources, local entrepreneurs can navigate the challenges of business ownership and contribute to the city’s economic vitality.