Columbus, Ohio, has cultivated a dynamic environment for entrepreneurs and small business owners, offering a variety of resources to support business growth and innovation. This guide highlights several key programs and initiatives available in the region.
Accelerate Columbus
Offered by the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Accelerate Columbus is a comprehensive initiative designed to foster innovation and growth among local businesses. The program provides mentoring, networking opportunities, access to capital, and other critical support services to help 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.
Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI)
ECDI serves as a one-stop shop for entrepreneurial resources, offering funding, training, mentoring, and more. Their services include small business loans, specialized food industry resources, and programs tailored for women-owned and veteran-owned businesses. ECDI operates business centers in Columbus and other Ohio cities, providing accessible support for entrepreneurs statewide. Discover ECDI’s offerings.
Techstars Columbus Powered by The Ohio State University
In partnership with Ohio State University, Techstars Columbus is an accelerator program that selects 10-12 startups every six months. Participants receive intensive training, mentorship from top software experts, and access to extensive networks. The program focuses on helping founders define their product, core customer, market, and go-to-market strategy, as well as support in raising venture capital funding. Explore Techstars Columbus.
IncubateHer by the Columbus Urban League
IncubateHer is a free incubation program targeting early-stage entrepreneurs and those in the growth phase of existing businesses. Participants receive a tailored growth curriculum, peer-to-peer mentoring, networking opportunities, and access to industry-specific mentors. The 16-week program covers essential topics such as business planning, marketing, and financial management. Find out more about IncubateHer.
JobsOhio Small Business Grant
JobsOhio offers Small Business Grants to support entrepreneurs in the Columbus Region. These grants provide up to $50,000 in financial assistance for equipment purchases, facility improvements, or industry-specific software. In 2025, the program supported 11 companies across four counties, leading to 57 new jobs and increased local investment. Read about the impact of JobsOhio Small Business Grants.
Columbus Financial Empowerment Center
In partnership with the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, the Columbus Financial Empowerment Center offers specialized support services for women small business owners and entrepreneurs. Launched in May 2022, the center 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 Columbus Financial Empowerment Center.
These resources exemplify Columbus’s commitment to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. By leveraging these programs, local entrepreneurs can access the support needed to navigate challenges and achieve sustainable growth.