Applications Now Open | The City of Columbus Launches Accelerate Columbus

Accelerate Columbus is a joint initiative of the City of Columbus, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, and six additional Entrepreneur Support Organizations

COLUMBUS, OH – The City of Columbus is proud to announce the launch of its new Accelerate Columbus program, aimed at supporting and promoting the growth of local businesses in the area. 

Accelerate Columbus is a comprehensive initiative that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to create an environment that fosters innovation and growth. The program provides a variety of resources, including mentoring, networking opportunities, access to capital, and other critical support services to help local businesses reach their full potential. 

“Accelerate Columbus is a perfect example of how effective a program can be when intentionality meets expertise,” said Council Member Bankston, Chair of Council’s Small and Minority Business Committee. “I am thankful to all seven of our program partners for lending this program their strengths and I am proud to once again show our city’s devotion to the creation of a small business ecosystem that fosters success, community, and innovation.”

Accelerate Columbus is a joint initiative of the City of Columbus, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, and six additional Entrepreneur Support Organizations to facilitate various activities in direct relation to the needs of each small business that applies.  

“The launch of ‘Accelerate Columbus’ is a game-changer for our city’s business community,” said Don DePerro, President and CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. “It will give entrepreneurs and businesses access to the resources they need to grow and succeed and will play a vital role in driving economic development throughout our region.” 

The Columbus Chamber will offer three program cohorts in 2023. The program will include six topic-specific workshops allowing entrepreneurs to hear from and engage with fellow entrepreneurs and experts within the community. Once “graduates” of the course, business participants will continue to utilize and benefit from available Chamber resources, including connections, business solutions, diversity, equity, inclusion & access, government relations, and talent and workforce. With the support of a dedicated program coordinator, businesses will be able to navigate these member benefits to suit their growing needs. The six (6) week accelerated program will consist of an Introduction to Columbus Metropolitan Library and Business Resource Center, Business Basics, Marketing your Products and Services, Hiring and Onboarding, Networking and Connecting, and Putting it all Together. 

Businesses interested in participating in the program are encouraged to visit the Accelerate Columbus website to complete the application or contact Mallory Roth, Program Manager, at MalloryRoth@columbus.org. The first cohort begins on April 10th!  

ABOUT THE COLUMBUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 
The Columbus Chamber of Commerce is a mission-driven nonprofit organization serving more than 2,300 organizations throughout Central Ohio. The Columbus Chamber, founded in 1884, is committed to advancing a thriving Columbus Region and provides support in the areas of research, government affairs, marketing, education, and workforce development. Learn more: https://columbus.org/ 

###