By Okon Ekpenyong

One can expect that a vast amount of knowledge and resourceful information will be floating in the air when great minds such as State Representative Latyna Humphrey, an accomplished author and entrepreneur, Monica Womack, Chief Minority business development officer for the Ohio Department of Development, and Alpha Tongor, a business executive involved in multiple ventures, join forces.

If you find yourself in the same room as they are, take advantage of the wisdom while it is still fresh. That is why the roundtable for small business owners hosted at the Liberian of Columbus, Inc Center by State Rep Humphrey was a success. It provided a platform for business owners to discuss and share their experiences and strategies for business success. The attendees were able to gain insight from each other and pick up valuable tips on how to grow their businesses.

Most of the attendees have business ventures ranging from running an IT company to operating a home health agency. Among the firms selected by the city of Columbus for its accelerated Columbus initiative is Tongor’s company, JPS Print. There was significant attendance at the round table discussion by most of the business owners already participating in this program with JPS Print.

Through the Accelerate Columbus Scale-Up & Grow program, JPS Print provides free business development training to New American and minority-owned businesses in Columbus. Accelerated Columbus is a program and service designed to provide support, resources, and guidance to local entrepreneurs and small businesses. They offer workshops, mentorship, and networking events to help entrepreneurs and small business owners start, grow, and thrive in the Columbus area.

Host State Rep Humphrey with guest speaker Monica Womack discuss the importance of entrepreneurship and ways to support minority-owned businesses in the state. The roundtable focuses on ways to create more access to capital and resources for minority-owned businesses, as well as how to create a supportive network for business owners. Additionally, the panel discusses how to create a more equitable environment for all business owners.

Womack highlights several services available under the minority business program at the Ohio Department of Development, including collateral enhancement programs, direct loan programs, bonding programs, Ohio capital access programs, Ohio micro-loans, loan programs for women’s businesses, and more. Obtaining state certification is another important aspect of being an entrepreneur since an LLC alone is insufficient to get you some of the private-public partnership deals referred to as contracts.

Another benefit of obtaining that certification is working with great professional advisors, which one can get under minority business enterprises, encouraging diversity growth and equality, women business enterprises, or veteran-friendly business enterprise procurement.

Small business owners also receive updates on what types of legislation lawmakers are working on at the statehouse when it comes to helping small businesses succeed from representative Humphrey.

“Everyone desires to make money and venture into their own business. The situation hits slightly differently when you do the check writing. That’s why it’s essential to be mindful of how you manage your business funds. You must ensure that you are investing back into your business and not just taking out money without putting anything in. Investing back into your business will help you to unlock more significant potential and ensure the longevity of your business,” a business owner said.

Rep Latyna Humphrey represents Ohio’s Second District, which includes Whitehall, Blacklick Estates, and Columbus East. Womack and Rep Latyna Humphrey met with each business owner one-on-one after the round table.

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