City of Columbus Department of Development

The buyer seeks proposals from Entrepreneur Support Organizations to implement the Accelerate Columbus 2025 program. The program aims to provide structured training, advising, and technical assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs in Columbus. The buyer intends to establish contracts with multiple organizations to administer the program. The goal is to nurture a pipeline of entrepreneurs and small businesses that reflects the talent and diversity of Columbus.

• 7/11/2024 - Questions Due
• 7/25/2024 - Proposal Due Date
• 8/31/2024 - Notice of Award
• 10/31/2024 - Grant Agreement Executed
• 12/31/2024 - Notice to Proceed
• 2/1/2025 - Programming Begins
• 12/31/2025 - Programming Completed

• Business is not debarred by any federal, state, or local governmental entity
• Business is registered with the Ohio Secretary of State to do business in Ohio

• Design and deliver support programs for small businesses and entrepreneurs
• Provide structured training, advising, and technical assistance
• Implement recruitment and screening process for program participants
• Collect and report key metrics on business growth and program impact
• Establish partnerships with local business resources and organizations
• Market and promote the program to potential participants
• Ensure program targets businesses with 15 or fewer W-2 employees
• Develop sustainability plans for program continuation
• Participate in periodic meetings with City Program Manager
• Submit quarterly reimbursement requests and program reports