Columbus, Ohio, has cultivated a vibrant ecosystem for entrepreneurs, offering a wealth of resources to support business development and innovation. Whether you’re launching a startup or scaling an existing venture, the city provides numerous programs and organizations designed to assist at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey.
Accelerate Columbus
Accelerate Columbus is a comprehensive initiative that unites entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to foster 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: the Spring ‘Grow Your Business: Ensuring Startup Success’ and the Fall ‘Beyond the Startup,’ each tailored to different stages of business development. Learn more.
Center of Entrepreneurial Development (COED)
COED serves as a business generator for the greater Columbus area, specifically supporting Black entrepreneurs in overcoming unique barriers to building thriving businesses. The center offers a community of support, access to resources, and programs focused on transformational change, meeting business owners wherever they are in their journey. Discover more.
Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI)
ECDI provides a one-stop shop of entrepreneurial resources, including funding, training, and mentoring. Their programs cater to various industries, such as the Contractor Resource Center for small- to mid-sized contractors and Food Business Incubation Services for the food and beverage industry. ECDI’s initiatives are designed to help businesses overcome barriers and achieve growth. Explore their offerings.
Columbus Urban League’s Entrepreneurship & Small Business Services
The Columbus Urban League offers programs like AccelerateHer and IncubateHer, aimed at accelerating the growth of established businesses and supporting early-stage entrepreneurs, respectively. These initiatives provide tailored curricula, peer-to-peer mentoring, networking opportunities, and access to industry-specific mentors, fostering ventures that succeed and make a meaningful impact on society. Find out more.
Rev1 Ventures
Rev1 Ventures, Central Ohio’s largest state-funded entrepreneurial organization, has recently relocated its headquarters to Franklinton as part of an expansion effort. The new facility emphasizes communal spaces to foster collaboration and accommodate the dynamic needs of today’s entrepreneurs. Rev1 is also involved in Ohio State University’s forthcoming Carmenton innovation district, further solidifying its role in the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Read more.
These resources exemplify Columbus’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship and economic development. By leveraging these programs, local entrepreneurs can access the support and tools necessary to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape.