Classes for 33 Columbus residents for the Accelerate Columbus program of the City of Columbus, launched to provide a new set of small business training programs from ten entrepreneurial support organizations, will begin on Tuesday, March 19, and end May 21, 2024.

There are two different cohorts of this program: Spring (March 19-May 21) and Fall (September 20-November 5).

Accelerate Columbus is a program of The City of Columbus and The Columbus Chamber of Commerce targeting and catering to minority-owned, small businesses and solopreneurs beginning their business journey.

Utilizing the Chamber’s network of hundreds of subject matter experts that specialize in all aspects of entrepreneurship and small business, trainings will explore topics in the areas of: Community Resources, Business Management and Operations, Marketing and Branding, MBE Certification, Networking, Banking, etc.).

This twelve-week course will help determine new businesses on the path to grow and thrive. While participating as a member of the cohort, business participants will receive training, one-on-one consultative services with the Columbus Chamber staff, advocacy, and entrepreneur assistance and support.

Recently, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther told the New Americans that “back in 2019 the City of Columbus did a small business agenda after talking to a bunch of business entrepreneurs for needs in small businesses in Columbus.  There were three major areas that we identified as challenges or needs for small businesses in Columbus.”

“There was a lack of awareness for small business resources, a gap in small business training and lack of capital readiness. In response, the city piloted the Accelerate Columbus later that year.

During the pandemic, we launch in partnership with the County, the private sector, the Recovery Advisory Committee to lay out recommendations for a more dynamic and inclusive recovery.

“After the great recession, the recovery was not dynamic and inclusive. Folks that were well positioned, that have lots of access to capital resources recovered much faster than many others, particularly small, minority and new American businesses. We wanted, as we were coming back from the pandemic, and the economic fallout from the pandemic, to have a more dynamic and inclusive recovery.

“We recognise the need for continued support for businesses. Businesses were having difficulties hiring workers and qualifying for financial assistance. The same businesses were no longer receiving COVID, small business grants and adjusted interest rates started to climb and increase.

“So, we relaunched the Accelerate Columbus in 2023 providing $675,000 to seven entrepreneurial support organizations to provide training for minority owned, women owned and kind of mainstream businesses.  Seeing the success, the demand and need for Accelerate Columbus, the city increased its investment to $925,000, a 37% increase.

“From 2019 to this time, Accelerate Columbus now features programming from 10 entrepreneurial support organizations offering expertise in childcare, web development and marketing. To be eligible, businesses must be located in the city. Folks can apply on www.columbus.gov/accelerate.

If you are starting a business or starting from home, and as long as you have a Columbus address you can apply for it.”

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