Columbus Empowerment Corporation’s mission is to provide economic development through the creation of assets. Columbus Empowerment Corporation (CEC), established in 1995, continues to help local small businesses grow and supports the revitalization of central Ohio through real estate investments.
Accelerate Columbus 2024 Columbus Empowerment
Image from Columbus Underground
Columbus Empowerment Corporation partners with Columbus City officials in support of The Downtown Ground Floor Growth initiative which is designed to support small minority- and/or woman-owned businesses locate in Downtown Columbus. This program will provide rental support for three years (50% for the first year, 30% for the second year, 10% for the third year) and tenant improvement funds, not to exceed $40/sq ft. The financial support will be supplemented with required, ongoing business counseling. The area of the potential spaces are East of Front St., West of N. Fourth St., South of Spring St., and North of Broad St. t.aims to assist existing small businesses ready for their brick and mortar space into Downtown Columbus (relocating or expanding). The business can already have a brick and mortar location.
There are three key components:
Graduated Rent Support and Risk Mitigation Fund
Tenant Renovation Fund
Technical Assistance
“CEC takes your vision and links you to the right resources. Thank you for being one of my biggest champions.”
~Dr. Robin Washington, Owner, Simply Dreamy LLC
