Columbus Supports Emerging Businesses in City Center

Columbus’ Ground Floor Buzz

Welcome to Columbus, where the city council is playing matchmaker for empty downtown spaces and budding entrepreneurs. They’ve got this snazzy thing called the Ground Floor Growth Initiative, specifically designed for women, minority, and veteran-owned businesses. So, what’s the fuss all about?

Breathing Life Into Downtown

Columbus is serious about transforming its downtown from a ghost town to a bustling hub. As Nick Bankston from the City Council puts it, they want to knock down the walls that keep small businesses from making it big. This initiative is not just about handing over the keys to a storefront. They offer a full renovation package, rental support, and the wisdom of seasoned mentors.

A Steady Lifeline for Three Years

Imagine opening a shop and knowing you’ve got someone to foot part of the rent for three whole years. That’s what the Ground Floor Growth Initiative promises. The city doesn’t just hand out this support blindly—they’re banking on a future that involves thriving businesses.

More Than Just A Business

“When businesses open,” muses Bankston, “it ripples out. You employ people, generate income tax, and create opportunities.” Let’s talk about one such ripple: Black Kahawa Coffee.

Black Kahawa Coffee: More Than a Brew

Meet Douglas Buckley, who’s bringing a slice of East Africa to Columbus with his coffee—excuse me, Kahawa—shop. After spending over a decade in East Africa, Douglas returned home with a vision. He wanted his hometown folks to sip on coffee while absorbing tales of its historical journey from the continent. Now, thanks to the initiative, Douglas is serving up his passion and barely containing his excitement about its future impact.

“To share coffee…and tell a story that is important and unique means a lot,” explains Buckley.

Who’s In and What’s Next?

Currently, five businesses are riding the wave of Phase One of this fabulous initiative. Keep your eyes peeled, Columbus; there’s talk of adding three to five more businesses before the year’s out. This means more potential favorite spots for locals to hang out and more success stories in the making.

The “Boomtown” Effect

Indeed, this rollout is part of the 10TV Boomtown initiative, spotlighting the many facets of Columbus’ fast-paced growth. Whether it’s telling the tales of existing ventures or seeking out solutions to everyday hiccups, Columbus is buzzing with promise.

Table of New Businesses:

So, Columbus folks, keep your ears to the ground. The Ground Floor Growth Initiative is more than just boosting businesses. It’s about making Columbus a city where dreams and reality walk hand in hand. Cheers to new beginnings and aromatic coffee tales!