Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the City Clerk to enter into a grant agreement with the Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity (Women’s CEO) in support of the Aspire Business Accelerator.
WCEO’s 2026 Aspire Economic Mobility Initiative advances business growth and economic mobility for low- to moderate-income entrepreneurs in Columbus, with a longstanding focus on women while remaining open to all in compliance with federal guidelines. Through cohort-based business development, mentorship, visibility-building, and research-informed support, WCEO helps entrepreneurs strengthen revenue systems, improve capacity, and move toward job creation and retention. In 2026, WCEO aims to serve 4,000 entrepreneurs and support 50 jobs created or retained through membership learning, cohort programs, and engagement pathways. Funding will help sustain delivery of the Amplify CEO Leadership Development and Mentoring program including structured learning, facilitation, mentoring, capital access and technology-enabled business support, while also strengthening the operational systems required for high-quality implementation at scale. The initiative is designed to help under-resourced entrepreneurs overcome barriers to capital, networks, contracting, and practical skill-building needed for long-term business stability and growth.
This ordinance authorizes an upfront payment to the Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity to support the execution of Aspire Business Accelerator. The Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity does not currently have sufficient funds on-hand to await reimbursement for expenses incurred.
Emergency Designation: Emergency action is requested as the business accelerator program began in April, and thirty-day legislation would significantly delay the City Clerk’s ability to begin reimbursing eligible expenses incurred by the Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund.
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