Columbus Chamber Celebrates Accelerate Columbus Spring Cohort Graduation

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce, supported by the City of Columbus, is excited to share the successful conclusion of its Spring small business accelerator program, Accelerate Columbus, now in its third year. Kicking off on March 12th, the program welcomed 24 eager entrepreneurs to its roster. 

Over a span of 16 weeks, participants engaged in eight bi-weekly classes held at the downtown Metropolitan Library. Under the guidance of Abiona Harper, a proven business development consultant, the curriculum covered essential topics such as organizational management, operational efficiency, securing funding, and leveraging AI for marketing and website enhancement. 

An exciting highlight of this year’s program is the awarding of four $1,000 mini grants throughout the 2025 programming year, underscoring the City and Chamber’s commitment to removing barriers to business education and support. The program wrapped up with a graduation ceremony and reception on June 3rd and June 4th, where small business owner participants had the opportunity to celebrate their journey and accomplishments alongside their peers and the esteemed speakers from the cohort. In addition, all graduates were gifted complimentary professional headshots from Toi Tucker Photography, further elevating their professional presence. 

“It’s been an incredible honor to guide this inspiring group of entrepreneurs through their journey,” said Abiona Harper, Programming and Membership Specialist at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. “Their commitment, creativity, and resilience embody the very spirit of Columbus’ small business community. Accelerate Columbus is more than a program – it’s a launchpad for bold ideas and lasting impact.” 

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce and its partners take pride in the Spring accelerator program’s impactful results. With anticipation, we look forward to launching another series of cohorts in the Fall of 2025. Registration for the upcoming Fall session is now open, inviting a new cohort of entrepreneurs to seize this unparalleled opportunity.   

Our dedication to nurturing innovation and growth within our community remains steadfast, as we support each business at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.  For more information on the program and to enroll in the 2025 Fall session, please visit the Columbus Chamber of Commerce website or contact our Programming and Membership Specialist, Abiona Harper at abionaharper@columbus.org. 

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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 2,500 organizations. Founded in 1884, the Columbus Chamber is dedicated to fostering prosperity and growth in the Columbus Region Business Community through connections, resources, and advocacy. Serving as the epicenter of the Columbus Region’s business community, the Columbus Chamber provides an interconnected ecosystem where businesses collaborate to eliminate barriers to prosperity, creating a vibrant environment for enterprises throughout the Columbus Region. Together, we make our region an exceptional business destination. Learn more: https://columbus.org