Columbus Chamber Hosts Successful Small Business Resource Event Despite Cold Weather

On January 22, 2025, the coldest and most blustery day of the month, Franklin University became a hub of warmth, opportunity, and entrepreneurial spirit as it hosted the highly anticipated Seeds for Growth small business resource event. Sponsored by leading national SBA lender Huntington Bank and organized in collaboration with the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Seeds for Growth drew a large crowd of enthusiastic participants eager to explore the world of small business development.

The event featured a series of dynamic and informative sessions designed to empower small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Highlights included a fireside chat with the event’s sponsor, offering valuable insights into the financial landscape for small businesses, as well as a panel discussion featuring alternative finance community partners—including Freedom Equity, KIVA, ECDI, and Wright-Patt Credit Union—who explored accessible capital avenues. Additionally, a panel of local small business owners shared their experiences and strategies for growth, providing attendees with firsthand knowledge and inspiration.

To ensure attendees were well cared for throughout the event, breakfast, lunch, and an assortment of beverages were provided, featuring offerings from Black Kahawa Coffee, E & E Tea Co., and pastries from Freedom a la Cart. Adding to the excitement, attendees received event-branded currency, allowing them to shop at a marketplace showcasing local businesses, further highlighting the region’s diverse and innovative entrepreneurial community.

One of the most anticipated moments of the day was the awarding of eleven $1,000 mini-grants to deserving small business owners. Selected by a dedicated review committee, these grants aim to support and stimulate further growth and innovation within the local small business ecosystem.

Beyond celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of central Ohio, Seeds for Growth underscored the importance of community support and accessible resources in fostering economic development and sustainability. The generous sponsorship by Huntington Bank, coupled with the strategic organization by the Columbus Chamber, played a pivotal role in the event’s success—marking a significant milestone in the collective effort to empower small businesses.

For more information about Seeds for Growth and upcoming Columbus Chamber small business initiatives, please contact Abiona Harper at abionaharper@columbus.org.

About the Columbus Chamber of Commerce: The Columbus Chamber of Commerce is a mission-driven nonprofit organization that serves more than 2,400 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

About Huntington Bank: The Huntington National Bank and its affiliates provide consumers, small and middle-market businesses, corporations, municipalities, and other organizations with a comprehensive suite of banking, payments, wealth management, and risk management products and services. Our Strategic Community Plan reflects our commitment to strengthen small businesses and foster economic justice in under-resourced communities in the areas of Racial and Social Equity, Small Business, Home & Consumer Lending, and Community Development Lending & Investing. http://huntington.com