Funding Amount

$2,000,000 total ($1,600,000 in grants + $400,000 in technical assistance)

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Community Equity Fund - Minority Business Grants

Funder: Franklin County (federal CARES Act funding)

Administrator: Columbus Urban League

Status: Launched August 2020; applications opened early September 2020

Geographic Scope: Franklin County, Ohio

Purpose: Support Black-owned and other minority-owned businesses affected by COVID-19 pandemic

Fund Allocation:

  • $1.6 million: Direct grants to Black and minority-owned businesses

  • $400,000: Technical assistance for business establishment and expansion
  • Eligibility Requirements:

  • Black-owned or other minority-owned businesses

  • Experienced a minimum 25% drop in sales since mid-March 2020

  • Operating in Franklin County
  • Focus Areas:

  • Small business support during pandemic

  • Revenue recovery assistance

  • Business innovation and reimagining

  • Long-term business sustainability and growth
  • Background: Created in response to disproportionate economic impact on minority-owned businesses from COVID-19. As of September 2020, the fund received over 600 inquiries representing more than $20 million in requested funding, demonstrating significant community need. The initiative was part of a broader Business Growth and Equity Alliance.

    Contact Information:

  • Columbus Urban League

  • Phone: (614) 257-6300

  • Address: 788 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH 43203
  • How to Apply

    Application Process

    1. Submit Application: Applications were to remain open through November 2020 (note: this is a historical program from 2020)

    2. Required Information:
    - Demonstrate minimum 25% loss in revenue since March 2020
    - Business documentation
    - Ownership verification for minority-owned status

    3. Contact Columbus Urban League for application submission and eligibility verification

      Application Contact

    • Phone: (614) 257-6300
    • Website: www.cul.org

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    minority-businessesblack-owned-businessessmall-businesses

    Categories

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