Federal agency for service and volunteerism. They offer a variety of work programs for adults age 18+ to receive educational scholarships and other benefits in exchange for service. Service opportunities include NCCC climate change mitigation, VISTA alleviating poverty, Foster Grandparents, and much more. Initiatives in Ohio include Teach for America, Ohio State University Extension Public Health, and other programs aimed at improving education, economic prospects, and health in Ohio. Community-based organizations should apply for AmeriCorps grant opportunities.
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 728-2916
National Service Hotline: (800) 942-2677
AmeriCorps: americorps.gov
ServeOhio: serveohio.org
Educational nonprofit in Athens, Ohio offering a variety of camps for youth ages 6-17 years old to have fun, develop leadership and team-building skills, and learn about local ecosystems. Camp offerings include a leadership camp, outdoor survival skills, water-themed fun, and more. They do not turn families away based on cost, and scholarships are available. They offer a land-based business apprenticeship for Dover Township residents, and no-cost consultation services for land-based projects, tree plantings, and other ecological projects.
13262 Liars Corner Road, Millfield, Ohio 45761
(740) 856-6299
risingappalachia.org/raw-camp
A neighborhood-based community center that serves the near east and near south neighborhoods of Columbus, Ohio. Programs for families include soft skills training, employment assistance, financial education training, emergency housing/rent assistance, nutrition programs, utility services, health care, parenting workshops and more. They partner with Columbus Early Learning Centers to provide childcare. Programs for youth include after-school, summer day camp for kids ages 5-13, and the TRANSIT ARTS center which provides free music and art classes. Village Central Senior Program helps adults ages 60 and older maintain independence and combat isolation by providing transportation services, wellness programs, home repairs, organized social events, community engagement and more. They also have a business training program called ACE, Academy for Community Entrepreneurs.
1150 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
Front Desk/Intake: (614) 252-3157
Village Central Senior Program: (614) 545-2703
TRANSIT ARTS: (614) 732-0198
cchouse.org
Visit your local library to get access to free books, music, movies and documentaries. Many libraries also offer group reading times for children, homework help, job and business help, fun events for all ages, and more. Librarians can often help you get connected to local resources in your community, even if they are not offered directly by the library. Contact your local library to confirm what services they are currently offering.
Ohio
Franklin County
Delaware County
Fairfield County
Hocking County
Licking County
Madison County
Morrow County
Perry County
Pickaway County
Union County
Through the office of the Small Business Concierge, they offer free business resources that help with crafting a sound business and marketing plan, finding the right employees, obtaining financing, and how to properly account for a business.
111 North Front Street, 8th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-8616
columbus.gov/development/economic-development/Small-Business
Provides business support to local businesses in the Columbus region. Some membership services include business connections, market research and consultation, information on policy updates, workforce recruitment and more.
150 South Front Street, Suite 220, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 221-1321
columbus.org
Membership Benefits: columbus.org/membership
CML is an award-winning library and amazing resource in the community. With 23 locations throughout Franklin County, they provide a lot more than just books, including lots of free online resources, specialized programs, and community events.
(614) 645-2275
Locations: columbuslibrary.org/library-locations
columbuslibrary.org
A community‐based, non‐profit, advocacy organization that works to empower Black and urban communities through economic, educational and social progress with programs, classes and services.
788 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 257-6300
cul.org
Provides an online resource directory for families in Central Ohio to find consciously chosen resources. Their resources include education and tutoring, childcare, pregnancy, mental health providers, fun activities, and more. Small business owners can join the Business Collective to be added to their directory and access professional support services. Families can call the number below for free concierge services to help them get connected to the resources they are looking for.
PO Box 1655, Delaware, Ohio 43015
(614) 315-1851
villagefamilycollective.com/locations/central-ohio
Is a non-profit organization that serves low-moderate income individuals, minorities, women, immigrants, and refugees, and those otherwise precluded from funding from a traditional financial institution. They serve a one-stop resource center, offering small business loans, education and mentoring, and general business support services.
1655 Old Leonard Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 559-0115 or (888) 210-3039
ecdi.org
ecdi.org/columbus
A non-profit providing life-skills training, career exploration, college readiness, wellness management, and direct mentorship opportunities for girls, women, and families. Programs include summer overnight camp for girls grades 6-12, mentorship for girls ages 12-18, volunteering events, and professional development opportunities for women. The Femergy Center offers a space for professional and personal events, a co-working space, and Zen room for families and entrepreneurs.
49 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 653-8454
femergy.org
Is a free one-stop collection of resources, information and services to help Franklin County entrepreneurs successfully plan, launch, and grow their food business. They offer both no-cost business advising and no-cost farm advising. Visit the website for contact information. The Food Business Portal is an initiative of the Columbus & Franklin County Local Food Action Plan.
fcfoodbusinessportal.org
Key resource connecting Hispanic businesses and professionals with the Central Ohio business community. They offer career fairs, Managing Your Business trainings, networking opportunities, and more.
150 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 225-6902
hccolumbus.com
Offers a combination of job search assistance, counseling, case management, and family stabilization designed to meet the complex needs of individuals and families. Wrap-around services help clients address challenges like stable housing, financial wellness, and mental and physical health challenges. Most services are free, and mental health counseling fees are based on insurance. JFS is open to the Jewish and non-Jewish communities. They also offer resettlement services for refugees and New Americans, and specialized services for Holocaust survivors and older adults.
1070 College Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 231-1890
jfscolumbus.org
The Certified Business Advisors that staff the SBDC offer integrated services to meet the needs of experienced small business owners and individual entrepreneurs in all industries, at all stages of business development. Some of the services they provide include: free, one-on-one business advising, workshops and training programs, business planning, specialty programs for Latinos/Latinas, and more. They serve a nine county district including Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Licking, Logan, Madison, Pickaway and Union counties.
Physical Address: 320 North Grant Avenue, Suite 1062, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Mailing Address: 550 East Spring Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 287-5294
sbdccolumbus.com
This website provides information about starting, managing, and growing your business in Ohio with resources from Ohio Development Services Agency (ODSA), Ohio Business Gateway, and the Ohio Department of Administrative Services (ODAS).
business.ohio.gov
A non-profit organization that helps small business owners and entrepreneurs get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through workshops and webinars, free mentorship from volunteer mentors, and free business tools, templates and tips. They offer their services at no charge or at very low cost.
65 East State Street, Suite 1350, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 664-7267
columbusoh.score.org
Provide training to help social entrepreneurs develop sustainability, determine their meaningful social impact, and access the tools they need to successfully launch their business. Their 14-module curriculum includes topics such as business model design, financial modeling, raising funds; measuring, monitoring and communicating impact, marketing and more.
(614) 515-0919
seachng.org
Offers resources, programs, workshops and accelerators on social enterprise and acts as a primary network for social enterprise activity in Central Ohio. Visit their marketplace to find local social enterprise that applies commercial strategies to maximize improvements in human and environmental well-being.
(614) 208-5403
socialventurescbus.com
Columbus, faith-based non-profit offering free adult education, GED classes, job search support, homebuyer and small business workshops, and mental health awareness.
640 South Ohio Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 547-2171
stjohnlearning.wordpress.com
Help small business owners and entrepreneurs by providing counseling and training, capital/funding support, contracting expertise, advocacy and more.
409 Third Street, Southwest, Washington, DC 20416
(800) 827-5722 or (855) 440-4960 VP
Additional Contacts: sba.gov/about-sba/sba-locations/headquarters-offices
sba.gov
Is a non-profit business accelerator that provides education, peer support, mentoring, and accountability to help women on their entrepreneurial journey, to start and grow their own business. They also provide tools and business resources.
25 North Street, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 414-2449
wsbaohio.org