Columbus OH
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Assistance for Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs

AmeriCorps & ServeOhio

Federal agency for service and volunteerism. They offer a variety of work programs for adults age 18+ to receive educational scholarships and other benefits in exchange for service. Service opportunities include NCCC environment & disaster response, VISTA alleviating poverty, and much more. Initiatives in Ohio include Teach for America, Ohio State University Extension Public Health, and other programs aimed at improving education, economic prospects, and health in Ohio. Community-based organizations can apply for AmeriCorps grant opportunities.
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 728-2916
ServeOhio: serveohio.org
National Service: (800) 942-2677
americorps.gov

Central Community House and TRANSIT ARTS

Community center serving the Near East neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. They can help families navigate resources to get help with food, healthcare, employment and housing. They offer housing/rent assistance, soft skills training, employment assistance, financial education, and parenting workshops for adults. Programs for youth include after-school programs, Summer Challenge Day Camp for Grades K-5, and childcare through partnership with Columbus Early Learning Centers. The Village Central Senior Program provides transportation services, wellness programs, and social events for adults ages 60+.  ACE, Academy for Community Entrepreneurs, offers technology and professional development classes. TRANSIT ARTS provides free, year-round cultural arts workshops such as dance crew, music, and fine arts for ages 12-21.

  • Central Community House: 1150 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
    (614) 252-3157
    cchouse.org
  • Transit Arts Studio: 294 Wilson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
    Studio Office: (614) 732-0198
    Program Registration: (380) 265-1775
    transitarts.com

Central Ohio Public Libraries

Visit your local library to get access to free books, music, movies, documentaries, games, and more. Many libraries offer free community events, group reading times for children, homework help, job and business help, and more. Librarians can often help you get connected to local resources in your community, even if they are not offered directly by the library. Contact your local library for details.

Ohio

Franklin County

Delaware County

Fairfield County

Hocking County

Licking County

Madison County

Morrow County

Perry County

Pickaway County

Union County

City of Columbus Neighborhood Pride Centers

Neighborhood Pride Centers are one-stop shops to access city services in one place. Neighborhood Liaisons serve as a direct link to city services to help address neighborhood issues and help Columbus neighborhoods thrive. They can help residents find programs for New Americans, sanitation services, supportive services for families, job fairs, community events, and more.

  • West Side: 1186 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
    (614) 935-6375
  • South Side: Reed Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43207
    (614) 645-5220
  • Near East: 1393 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
    (614) 645-7131
  • North: 248 East Eleventh Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
    (614) 724-1900 or (614) 724-5566
  • Far East: 2500 Park Crescent Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43232
    (614) 724-0100

Columbus Department of Neighborhoods Office: (614) 645-1993
311 Customer Service Center: (614) 645-3111
columbus.gov/Community/Department-of-Neighborhoods/Area-Commission-Map/Neighborhood-Liaisons

Columbus Chamber of Commerce

Provides advocacy and support for businesses local to the Columbus region. Membership benefits include business connections and networking opportunities, advertising, customized market research, consultation services, small business support, and more. Contact the organization for fee details.
150 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 221-1321
columbus.org/membership

Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML)

CML is an award-winning library and amazing resource in the community. With 23 locations throughout Franklin County, they provide a lot more than just books, including lots of free online resources, story times for kids, and community events. Programs include:

  • Adaptive Services: Request accommodations, adaptive audio and visual equipment, and large print reading materials.
  • Adult Education:  ESOL and GED referrals; free technology business, and coding classes; history and genealogy experts, Digital Navigator staff can help you access hardware and software, and Excel Adult High School allows adults to get their high-school degree in an online, self-paced program.
  • Business & Nonprofit Resource Center: Visit Main Library for access to co-working space, specialized professional help, access to community partners, tools, and resources.
  • Culture Pass: Use your library card to check out a Culture Pass for free admission to a variety of Columbus organizations and events; including Columbus Museum of Art, Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus Clippers, Columbus Symphony, and more.
  • Kindergarten Readiness: Find Storytimes, Play to Learn, and Kindergarten readiness classes for ages 0-5. They also have Skill Builder videos with activities you can do together at home.
  • Notary Service: Free basic notary service with an Ohio Notary Public at most library locations. Schedule an appointment online.
  • School Help: K-12 students can get after-school homework help, K-3 students can get extra reading practice with Reading Buddies in person or online, HelpNow offers 24/7 online homework help and test prep, and some locations host After School Snacktimes.
  • Teen Programs: YouMedia Discord for ages 13-17 to work on music, podcasts, videos, and more with skilled mentors; homework and test prep help, and monthly Teen Spotlight videos.

(614) 645-2275
All Library Locations: columbuslibrary.org/library-locations
Upcoming Events: events.columbuslibrary.org/events?
Website: columbuslibrary.org

Columbus Urban League (CUL)

A community‐based organization that works to empower Black and urban communities through economic, educational and social progress with programs, classes and services. Their many programs include:

  • Career Services: Provides comprehensive support for job seekers, including workforce readiness training for ages 14-19 and individual coaching for all ages.
  • Re-Entry HUB: Reentry support and workforce development for individuals with prior justice system involvement.
  • Minority Business Assistance Center: Empowering small and minority businesses through access to capital, technical and professional assistance. These services are available in 18 Ohio counties.
    (614) 266-0897
  • I Am My Brother’s Keeper: Mentorship program for young men of color in middle and high school throughout the school year and summer. The program offers safe and healthy ways to have fun while building career, artistic, academic, professional, and physical strengths. Participants may be placed with internships, hands-on learning experiences, drug, alcohol and violence prevention activities depending on their individual needs. Participants must be ages 9-15 whose families meet income eligibility. Call for enrollment.
  • Homebuyer Education: Educates families on how to budget, save, and improve credit to qualify for home loans.
  • Housing Accelerator: Eligible participants receive financial assistance for housing deposit, financial coaching to increase credit scores, and increased access to job opportunities.
  • My Brother’s Closet: Provides a free suit and professional coaching for income-eligible men. Call to make an appointment.
  • STEP: An 8-week intervention program for families with children 11-17 years old on the cusp of entering the justice system.
  • Young Engineer’s Society: Afterschool and summer STEAM program for ages 10-14
    3443 Agler Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219
    (380) 239-1474
  • Find all programs by category here: www.cul.org/our-initiatives/#all-initiatives

788 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 257-6300
cul.org

Conscious Community Collectives

Provides an online resource directory for families in Central Ohio to find consciously chosen resources. Their resources include education and tutoring, childcare, pregnancy, mental health providers, fun activities, and more. Small business owners can join the Business Collective to be added to their directory and access professional support services. Families can call the number below for free concierge services to help them get connected to the resources they are looking for.
PO Box 1655, Delaware, Ohio 43015
(614) 315-1851
consciouscommunitycollectives.com

Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI)

Provides services for entrepreneurs regardless of where they came from, their gender, or their lineage. ECDI Business Resource Centers provide free mentoring, training, and other wraparound services for small business owners. They offer small business loans for entrepreneurs to access business capital and financial resources. Food Business Services include consulting, liaising with regulatory agencies, industry certification courses, and access to kitchen storage and prep spaces. They also have specialized programs for women-owned and veteran-owned businesses. ECDI is based in Columbus but services are also available in Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, Portsmouth, Toledo, Kentucky, and Indiana.
1655 Old Leonard Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 559-0115 or (888) 210-3039
ecdi.org

ELLA: Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy

Professional development organization empowering Latinas in Central Ohio. Their six-month program brings together Latinas in a variety of career stages and includes professional mentorship, culturally relevant workshops and civic engagement. Applications are generally due in April, with sessions running through the summer and fall. Go online to sign up as a mentee or mentor.
7385 State Route 3, Westerville, OH 43082
ellacolumbus.org

Excel Easy

A free resource for anyone to master Microsoft Excel. The website has step-by-step tutorials and examples for beginners and pros alike to improve Excel skills. Just visit the website to get started.
excel-easy.com

Femergy

Provides life-skills training, career exploration, college readiness, wellness management, and direct mentorship opportunities for girls, women, and families. GHRO Your Future offers academic and leadership development for girls ages 12-18 through bi-weekly workshops. Applications typically open in August. Femergy Chica Camp is a free week-long, overnight summer camp for middle and high school girls. The GHRO Afterschool program offers free academic support for middle and high school girls once a week. They also offer professional development opportunities for women. The Femergy Center offers a space for professional and personal events, a co-working space, and Zen room for families and entrepreneurs.
49 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 653-8454
femergy.org

Franklin County Food Business Portal

A free, one-stop collection of resources, information and services to help Franklin County entrepreneurs successfully plan, launch, and grow their food business. Online resources include creating a business plan, legal compliance, government contracts, professional services, financial planning, and more for all kinds of companies. They also offer no-cost advising for business and farm owners. Visit the website to contact the organization or request advising.
fcfoodbusinessportal.org

Franklinton.org and Hilltop.org Community Resource Guides

These websites offer hyperlocal online resource directories for the Hilltop and Franklinton neighborhoods. Hilltop includes resources for zip codes 43204, 43222, 43223, 432123, and 43228. Franklinton includes resources for zip codes 43223, 43215, and 43222. Resources are divided into 10 categories: emergency services, health & social services, food, housing, education, business & workforce, faith, youth & family, recreation & arts, and government services. The Community Resource Guides are managed by Franklinton Development Association.
(614) 636-3644
Franklinton Website: franklinton.org
Hilltop Website: hilltopusa.org

Hispanic Chamber of Columbus

Empowers and supports Hispanic businesses and professionals. They offer technical assistance, legislative advocacy, networking opportunities, cultural events, and more.
150 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 225-6902
hccolumbus.com

Jewish Family Services (JFS)

Helps individuals and families achieve economic self-sufficiency. Services include job search assistance, mental health counseling, and case management to help clients find jobs, stable housing, and wellness resources. Business services include recruitment and referral of job candidates, networking opportunities, and cultural competency counseling. They offer 1:1 digital coaching, Digital Skills Hub courses, and digital skills workshops to help clients navigate technology. The Financial Empowerment Center offers free one-on-one financial counseling in-person or online for adults in Central Ohio. Confidential mental health counseling is available with licensed therapists; they accept private insurance, self-pay, Medicare, and Medicaid. They also offer specialized services for refugees, New Americans, Holocaust survivors, and older adults/senior citizens. JFS is open to the Jewish and non-Jewish communities.
1070 College Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 231-1890
jfscolumbus.org

Ohio Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)

Offers integrated services for small business owners and individual entrepreneurs. Services include free 1:1 business advising,  workshops and training programs, financial analysis, market research, technical assistance, and more. The Columbus SBDC is based at Columbus State Community College and serves Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Licking, Logan, Madison, Pickaway and Union counties. Visit the link below to find locations across Ohio.
112 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 287-5294
Columbus SBDC: sbdccolumbus.com
All Ohio Locations: clients.ohiosbdc.ohio.gov/Mapresults.aspx

Ohio.gov – Business Resources

This website provides information about starting, managing, and growing your business in Ohio with resources from Ohio Development Services Agency (ODSA), Ohio Business Gateway, and the Ohio Department of Administrative Services (ODAS). Find information on licenses and permits, government contracts, taxes, hiring, and more.
business.ohio.gov

Rising Appalachia RAW Camp

Rising Appalachian Warriors (RAW) Camp is a summer day camp for youth ages 6-17 years old to enjoy outdoor play, develop leadership and team-building skills, and learn about local ecosystems. Families can apply online for scholarships to cover camp costs, and the organization strives to provide services to all interested youth. Rising Appalachia also offers land-based business apprenticeships for Dover Township residents, no-cost consultation services for land-based projects, tree plantings, and other ecological projects.
13262 Liars Corner Road, Millfield, Ohio 45761
(740) 818-6196
risingappalachia.org/raw-camp

SCORE Columbus – Business Mentorship

Provides advising and resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses. They offer a free mentorship program that matches businesses with volunteer mentors to provide individualized resources and strategies. They also offer free webinars and workshops on business finance, technology, marketing, and more. The website has helpful small business tools, templates, and business tips. Ohio counties served include Franklin, Delaware, Union, Athens, Coshocton, Fairfield, Guernsey, Licking, Madison, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pickaway, Richland, and Washington.
65 East State Street, Suite 1350, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 664-7267
columbusoh.score.org

Social Enterprise Accelerator (SEA) Change

Serves social entrepreneurs who want to their business to do well financially while doing good in the world. They offer a free, 16-week course that includes business model design, financial modeling, marketing and communication, strategic partnerships, mentorship, and more. Interested participants must apply to join an upcoming cohort. Applications typically open in February and class is held in the spring and summer.
(614) 515-0919
seachng.org

St. John Community Center

Faith-based community center operated by Holy-Rosary-St. John and St. Dominic Catholic Church offering a variety of services. Click here for a program flyer.

  • St. John Food Pantry: Walk-through and drive-through service once per week.
    (614) 252-5926, ext. 3
    facebook.com/stjohnpantry
  • Community Kitchen: Soup kitchen providing breakfast and lunch throughout the week. They provide hygiene items and personal care packages when available. They also offer community events and special meals for the winter holidays.
    (614) 252-6428
    communitykitchencolumbus.org/home.html
  • St. John Learning Center: Provides ongoing GED classes and ESL/ESOL classes. They also offer free workshops on starting your own business, financial literacy, and mental health awareness. Visit the website for upcoming classes.
    (614) 547-2171
    stjohnlearning.wordpress.com
  • Order of Malta Center of Care: Offers a free, weekly health clinic. Dental clinic is offered twice a month. Health resources and supplies are given when available. Call in advance for an appointment.
    (614) 530-8643

640 South Ohio Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
stjohncommunitycenter.wordpress.com

The Columbus Foundation

A philanthropic organization working to fund non-profits, arts programs, and other community initiatives. Individuals and organizations can use their website to apply for grants, small business funds, and a scholarship directory for high school and college students. They also offer a fellowship program for college students. Go online to find details and apply.
1234 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio
(614) 251-4000
columbusfoundation.org/students/scholarships

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Federal office supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs. Visit the website to register your business, find contract and funding opportunities, get business insurance, file for disaster or government assistance, and more. They website has many resources for business owners such as managing finances, paying taxes, and marketing.
409 Third Street, Southwest, Washington, DC 20416
(800) 827-5722
Additional Contacts: sba.gov/about-sba/sba-locations/headquarters-offices
Main Website: sba.gov

Women’s Small Business Accelerator (WSBA)

Supports women business owners, regardless or net worth or education level. They provide support for business owners from starting, growing, to scaling a business. Programs include matched mentorship, networking opportunities, and educational opportunities. They have a tiered membership model from free to $35/month.
25 North Street, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 414-2449
wsbaohio.org

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