Building a Safety Net for Columbus Region Entrepreneurs

The Small Business Resilience Fund provides emergency financial assistance to small businesses experiencing severe, unexpected operating costs or who are faced with unmissable growth opportunities.

Through our Columbus Chamber of Commerce Foundation, we are determined to eliminate barriers to prosperity. Our members have taught us that one of their greatest challenges is access to capital, particularly when crisis hits. The Small Business Resilience Fund is our solution, a safety net for entrepreneurs who can’t move forward without a little extra help. We provide grants up to $2,500 – no need to repay.

Check Your Eligibility

Businesses are eligible to apply if they meet all of these criteria:

• Current Columbus Chamber of Commerce Member or an Alumni of Urban Business Connection or Cultivate US
• In operation for at least 1 year
• Earned less than $1 million gross annual revenue in the last calendar year
• Have never before received an award from the Small Business Resilience Fund (fka Ancillary Fund)

Meeting these criteria makes a business eligible to apply but does not guarantee an award. Eligible businesses must submit an application detailing their intended use of funds and its anticipated impact on their business. Applications will be reviewed by an awards committee to determine final grant recipients.

Preparing to Apply

The online application will collect a few details about your business to determine your eligibility, contact information, and 3 short answer questions. Responses to each question are limited to 1000 characters each. You can review the questions and our scoring rubric in advance here. 

All applications are due by Friday, August 29, 11:59pm. Late applications will not be accepted. Decisions will be announced to applicants by Monday, September 15.

Applications open August 4!

How could $2,500 make a difference in your business?

Small Business Resilience Fund grants can help you achieve an array of goals! Here are just a few projects past recipients have taken on with our support: developing a new website with ecommerce, launching a robust 3-month digital advertising campaign, covering legal fees, registering for vendor fairs and trade shows, repairing or replacing critical equipment, or funding production for high-demand stock.

Eliminate Barriers with US

Small businesses can be powerful solutions to financial insecurity, low-wages and generational poverty. Regardless of who starts them, they form the foundation and spirit of our community. Your support could build a bridge to connect entrepreneurs with the funds they need to overcome adversity. Will you invest in their future?