Published on June 02, 2026
Franklin County Board of Commissioners I Franklin County Office of Economic Engagement and Community Development
Thirty-seven Franklin County businesses earned minority and women-owned certification through county-backed programming last year. Sixteen of them now hold MBE, WBE, EDGES, or VPE credentials, the qualifications that open the door to county contracting opportunities.
The Board of Commissioners voted on June 2, 2026, to approve Resolution 0356-26, a $500,000 grant agreement with the Columbus Urban League to continue and expand that work through two programs: the Columbus Minority Business Assistance Center and Incubate Her.
The Minority Business Assistance Center will provide business advising, certification readiness support, procurement connections, and technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses in Franklin County. This cycle, MBAC is targeting engagement with 120 entrepreneurs through workshops, networking, and one-on-one advising, with at least 25 businesses pursuing certification applications.
Incubate Her is a 16-week cohort program serving women entrepreneurs. The program will run two cohorts during the contract year, serving a minimum of 40 participants per cycle through business development training, financial education, coaching, and procurement readiness support.
The results from the prior year are clear. Incubate Her served 49 entrepreneurs against an enrollment goal of 45, with 88 percent completing the program. Ninety days after graduating, 100 percent were still employed or running their own businesses. Through a partnership with Freedom Equity, program graduates are also eligible for working capital that most minority and women-owned businesses cannot otherwise access.
Commissioner Kevin L. Boyce abstained. Resolution 0356-26 was approved and supports Rise Together Blueprint Goals 2 and 3.
Session Date: June 2, 2026
Resolution: Res. 0356-26
Vote: Passed 2-0-1 (Boyce abstained)