Business Development

At the Columbus Empowerment Corporation, we imagine a community where small businesses have the resources needed to grow stronger and spur job growth. We understand that small businesses are an important job provider and bring basic services and goods needed to balanced communities. We provide services and access to resources to assist in overcoming various barriers to growth; providing assistance in stabilization and tools for future growth management.

“A [CEC] community-focused mindset with the vision to understand some of the cultural challenges that certain business face with funding…businesses that may not qualify for traditional project financing.”

~ Keith Stevens, former Columbus Compact client

“Banks lend based on revenue. In areas where we work, there are equity gaps. Having access to lenders that understand that, is important.”

~ Jonathan Beard, former President/Executive Director, Columbus Compact

“Valuable economic development is the goal of all recommendations approved by the board of the Columbus Empowerment Corporation (CEC). As a 501c3 organization, the CEC board members rank ethics, employment, and economic stability as requirements for every project launched and completed. I am proud to be a board member and will continue to look for opportunities to add value to the CEC role in Central Ohio.”

~Dr. Iris "I" Cooper, CEC Board Member

ACCELERATE COLUMBUS 2025

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