Columbus Chamber and Huntington Bank Return with Small Business Seeds for Growth Event

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Huntington Bank, is proud to present the Small Business Seeds for Growth event on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. This initiative will take place at The Conference Center at OCLC from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and is designed to empower and support under-resourced small businesses across the Columbus Region. 

The Seeds for Growth program is a premier Huntington-sponsored event focused on fostering business growth through access to resources, connections, and opportunities. This year’s program introduces a more interactive and inclusive format, creating expanded ways for attendees to engage and benefit throughout the day. 

Highlights of the event include: 

Seed Money Initiative: Participants will receive Huntington “seed money” to spend in the on-site small business marketplace—providing immediate support to local entrepreneurs while helping businesses generate real-time sales and visibility. 

Programming and Marketplace: Sessions will be offered in both English and Spanish, covering topics including social media marketing, AI governance, business credit, and government contracting. Attendees can also explore a business and nonprofit resource zone alongside a curated local retail marketplace. 

Networking and Resources: Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with industry experts, fellow business owners, and community leaders, building relationships that support long-term business growth. 

“This event reflects our shared commitment to strengthening small businesses and expanding access to opportunities across our region,” said Abiona Harper, Programming and Membership Specialist with the Columbus Chamber. “By creating more ways for businesses to engage, connect, and benefit, we are helping drive meaningful economic impact where it matters most.” 

The event is free to attend, with lunch and marketplace dollars provided to all registered participants. Registration is required. 

Event Details: 

• Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 
• Time: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM 
• Location: The Conference Center at OCLC 

To register for the event or more information, please visit https://columbus.org/events/small-business-seeds-for-growth/ or contact Abiona Harper, Programming and Membership Specialist at abionaharper@columbus.org. 

Join us for a day of inspiration, opportunity, and growth as we support the backbone of our local economy – small businesses! 

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About the Columbus Chamber of Commerce: The Columbus Chamber of Commerce is a mission-driven nonprofit organization that serves more than 2,600 organizations across the Columbus Region. Founded in 1884, the Chamber serves as a strategic partner to the region’s businesses. We convene the community, advocate as the active voice for business, and navigate the insights, connections, and solutions that drive prosperity and growth. The Chamber provides an interconnected ecosystem where businesses collaborate to eliminate barriers to success, creating a vibrant environment for enterprises throughout the region. Together, we make our region an exceptional place to do business. Learn more: columbus.org.