By Elevate Northland has announced the launch of its Tier 1 Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC), a State of Ohio-funded initiative designed to support entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Central Ohio.
The State of Ohio has selected Elevate Northland to operate the Tier 1 Minority Business Assistance Center during State Fiscal Year 2027.
As a Tier 1 MBAC, Elevate Northland will serve as a trusted entry point for entrepreneurs seeking to start, stabilize, and grow their businesses. Through one-on-one business advising, entrepreneurial training, business assessments, technical assistance, and strategic referrals, the Center will help entrepreneurs build strong business foundations and connect to opportunities for long-term success.
The service area includes Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Knox, Licking, Marion, Morrow, Pickaway, and Union counties. The region encompasses a diverse mix of urban, suburban, and rural communities, creating opportunities to expand access to entrepreneurial resources while strengthening connections across Central Ohio’s business support ecosystem.
“This designation is a transformative opportunity for Elevate Northland and the entrepreneurs we serve,” said Lynnise Smith, Executive Director of Elevate Northland. “Small businesses are critical drivers of job creation, economic mobility, and community prosperity. Through the Tier 1 Minority Business Assistance Center, we will help entrepreneurs navigate the early stages of business ownership, access critical resources, and build the foundation necessary for long-term success.”
The Minority Business Assistance Center will provide personalized guidance on business planning, business formation, operational readiness, financial management, marketing strategies, and other foundational business functions. The Center will also connect entrepreneurs to specialized partners and advanced resources, including certification readiness, access to capital, procurement opportunities, supplier diversity programs, and other growth-focused services available through Ohio’s broader entrepreneurial support ecosystem.
Elevate Northland builds on a strong foundation of entrepreneurial support through programs such as B.E.G.I.N. (Building Entrepreneurs in Northland Growth Network), which has helped aspiring and existing business owners access training, resources, connections, and business development opportunities. The MBAC will expand these efforts by providing entrepreneurs throughout Central Ohio with greater access to personalized business support and pathways to growth.
A key focus of the Center will be ensuring that entrepreneurs who face barriers related to language access, business navigation, access to capital, and limited professional networks are connected to the resources needed to succeed. Through partnerships with community organizations, lenders, educational institutions, and business support providers, Elevate Northland will help entrepreneurs build the capacity necessary to launch and sustain successful businesses.
“We are proud to see a Northland organization leading the way for the region,” said Christine Osero, president of the Northland Community Council. “Elevate Northland will be providing opportunities for small businesses in the entire Central Ohio area, from right here at Morse Road and I-71.”
Elevate Northland is a 501c3 nonprofit and a CDC (Community Development Corporation) founded in 2019 by community leaders in the Northland region of Columbus, stretching from Worthington to New Albany on Columbus’ north side.
“By investing in early-stage businesses, we are helping to create opportunities for entrepreneurs to build stronger businesses, strengthen local economies, and achieve long-term success,” said Alice Foeller, Board Chair of Elevate Northland.
The successful launch of the Tier 1 Minority Business Assistance Center is supported by a coalition of community, corporate, and institutional partners committed to expanding economic opportunity throughout Central Ohio. Financial commitments totaling $70,000 were provided by First Merchants Bank, Fifth Third Bank, and the Northland Area Business Association (NABA), demonstrating strong confidence in Elevate Northland’s ability to serve entrepreneurs across the region.
Elevate Northland’s application was further supported by a broad coalition of partners, including The Ohio State University, Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services (ETSS), Freedom Equity, the Bhutanese Community of Central Ohio (BCCO), the New African Immigrants Commission, the Northland Alliance, the Northland Community Council, the Morse Road Special Improvement District, MLW Solutions, Kitchen Delicious, and other community leaders committed to strengthening entrepreneurship and economic opportunity throughout the region.
Business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs interested in learning more about MBAC services are encouraged to contact Elevate Northland for information regarding business advising, training opportunities, and upcoming programs.
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