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Franklin County Economic Development and Planning Department
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Franklin County Loan Fund

Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI)

The Franklin County Loan Fund was established to help entrepreneurs create jobs and spur growth in the region. We're offering small business loans at only 1% interest on the first $10,000 - and competitive rates up to $500,000.

​To be eligible, the address of business or applying business owner must be in Franklin County, outside of Columbus city limits. If this highly affordable loan funding would help your business expand, learn more and inquire today: ecdi.org/franklin-county

Guide to Internet Plans for Low and Fixed-Income Households

Find out if you or a member of your household qualify for a discount on internet, free computers, and resources to stay connected at home: https://www.inmyarea.com/resources/guide-internet-low-income-customers
 
Franklin County – KIVA Microloans

KIVA: Small Business Development Center at Columbus State Community College

Franklin County is partnering with the Columbus Small Business Development Center to revitalize the community-based KIVA lending program for our smallest of entrepreneurial loan needs.

Kiva is a character-based, community-backed lender. Kiva provides funding opportunities for entrepreneurs who do not fit into the box of traditional conventional financing.  Kiva loans are 0% interest, up to $10,000. The loans offer 6 – 36 month terms with no late fees or prepayment penalties for paying off your loan early. The SBDC is here to assist you in navigating the application process and to champion community support.
 
Contact us to see if KIVA is right for your business today: [email protected]
Ellen Harvey
Kiva Columbus Capital Access Manager
[email protected]
 
Franklin County COVID19 Business Technical Assistance
 
Franklin County Quick Strike Fund for Minority and Women-owned Small Businesses – Columbus Urban League’s Resiliency Focus Project (“RFP”)

The Columbus Urban League will create a Resiliency Focus Project for Minorities, Women & Small Businesses which will provide clients with access to counseling; technical assistance and information regarding available financial products specifically targeted for small businesses owned by minorities and small businesses.

For assistance or information on this program please call Melinda Carter (614) 736-9255 or [email protected] or visit https://www.cul.org/mbac/.

Franklin County COVID19 Workforce “Skills Boost” Training

Franklin County Quick Strike Fund for Recently Unemployed – Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio

Franklin County is partnering with the Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio to assist residents whose employment has been suspended or terminated due to efforts to mitigate the COVID 19 virus. The Workforce Development Board will engage residents in opportunities to acquire additional skills and credentials. Up to $250 dollars of benefits will be available to each applicant.

Recently unemployed residents work the Workforce Development Board for a minimum of two weeks on various trainings and career-readiness counseling and then are eligible for a $250 stipend for assistance in the immediate few weeks after being furloughed or laid-off. For assistance or information on this program please reach out to: [email protected] or https://www.wdbco.org/contact-us.