Cultivate US | Columbus Chamber Connection | September 2024

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce (Columbus Chamber), in collaboration with the Franklin County Board of Commissioners and the Office of Diversity Equity & Inclusion, is proud to announce a new program, Cultivate US. Cultivate US is the Columbus Chamber’s sixth program, available to members of the business community. This program will support businesses within the New and Emerging Citizen communities. These communities’ growth is substantial to the Columbus Region’s economic development.

“Cultivate US underscores our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive business environment,” said Don DePerro, President & CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. “By supporting new and emerging citizen-owned businesses, we’re not only enhancing the economic landscape but also strengthening our community. A major goal of the Columbus Chamber is to integrate these businesses into the Columbus Region ecosystem, ensuring they have the access to resources and connections needed for sustained success.”

Cultivate US will support 120 small businesses within Franklin County. Through this program, a Program Navigator will be hired to facilitate conversations and business resource navigation. The program will provide support in four main categories including workforce development with young adults ages 16-24 and adults, business navigation, supplier connections, and support services. This program will help new and emerging citizens in the Columbus Region’s business community create, maintain, and expand their businesses while addressing the challenges and barriers encountered by this community.

“We are thrilled to launch Cultivate US and provide tailored support to small businesses within our New and Emerging Citizen communities,” said Mallory Roth, Director of Programming at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. “Our goal is to help these businesses thrive by offering essential resources in workforce development, business navigation, supplier connections, and support services.”

The Columbus Chamber is the epicenter of the Columbus Region Business Community. Within our interconnected ecosystem, businesses unite to eliminate barriers to prosperity, creating a thriving environment for enterprises across the Columbus Region.

For more information on Cultivate US and to apply for the program, please contact cultivateus@columbus.org. Join us in driving prosperity and growth in the Columbus Region Business Community through connections, resources, and advocacy.

Kelly Fuller 
Senior Vice President of The Columbus Chamber Foundation
KellyFuller@columbus.org