AThe Hilltop Business Association was founded in 1926 as the Hilltop Businessmen’s Association. The HBA has hosted events such as the Historic Hilltop Bean Dinner, the Greater hilltop Open, the Annual Fall Celebration, Deck the Hilltop, National Night Out Events. The HBA offers a way for business people in the Hilltop and the Westside to network and build cohesiveness among themselves.
The Hilltop Business Association was organized in 1926 with the purpose of developing and improving the hilltop area of Columbus, Ohio. At the time, most of the members were located in the business districts of West Broad Street and Sullivant Avenue. Originally known as the “hilltop Businessmen’s Association”, the group voted to include women in the mid 1950’s, and changed the name to what it is today. The interests of the community are served through involvement in community needs and concerns.
The group involves itself with the city government as well as neighborhood, social and charitable events. The HBA is working with other organizations toward economic development on the Westside.
In 2007, the HBA began receiving a Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization (NCR) grant from the City of Columbus for economic development of the Highland West Area of West Broad Street.
News & Happenings
Alert Black Entrepreneurs to apply for the Franklin County Community Equity Fund
Now Open for Business:
Alert Black Entrepreneurs to apply for the
Franklin County Community Equity Fund
The Franklin County Business Growth and Equity Alliance, a collaboration between the Franklin County Commissioners, One Columbus and the Columbus Urban League is pleased to announce the launch of the Franklin County Community Equity Fund (FCCEF), to provide grants to black owned and historically disadvantaged businesses.
The fund, administered by the Columbus Urban League, is now accepting applications at www.cul.org/fund.
Black-owned for-profit Franklin County enterprises, in business since August 2019 with a revenue loss of 25% or more since the onset of COVID-19 may be eligible for one of three grants:
● Open Doors – up to $15,000 for companies of five employees or less.
● Employers+ – up to $100,000 for companies of 6-25 employees.
● Technology Retention – up to $50,000 for digital or technology companies.
Additional details on eligibility can be found at www.cul.org/fund.
The Equity Alliance seeks to ensure black-owned and other businesses disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and systemic racism recover and thrive despite recent setbacks – a critical step forward for Central Ohio’s economic health.
Deadline Extended COVID-19 Small Business Response & Recovery Fund
Deadline Extended COVID-19 Small Business Response & Recovery Fund
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until September 11, 2020
Fund Program Overview & Requirements
With the updates made to the Fund in Round 2, businesses citywide are now eligible for Recovery Grants and Pivot Loans if they otherwise meet the qualifications (these are no longer restricted to companies located in Low and Moderate Income areas of the City).
In Round 2, Businesses outside of the City but within the balance of Franklin County are now eligible for Recovery Grants regardless of business owner income (no longer restricted to Low and Moderate Income business owners). Having received PPP/EIDL funding is no longer a disqualifier for Franklin County businesses outside of the City of Columbus municipal boundaries.
How To Apply
Applications are open. The application inquiry deadline has been extended to Friday, September 11, 2020.
This is will be the final extension, and thus represents the final closing date for the Fund under its current configuration. Anyone who completes an inquiry by 9/11 will have ample time to collaborate and submit a full application.
Business owners will be matched with the regional Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) and Technical Assistance Providers to complete and submit an application.
The Hilltop Business Association is a proud neighborhood organization helping with this project. We are happy to assist you regardless of membership. Our goal is to keep small business IN BUSINESS!
Apply here:
Columbus-Franklin County COVID-19 Small Business Response and Recovery Fund
Columbus-Franklin County COVID-19 Small Business Response and Recovery Fund (Update)
*Update*
Columbus-Franklin County COVID-19 Small Business Response and Recovery Fund
ALL businesses in Franklin County are now eligible. Please open this handout attached and read to see where this can help you.
The City of Columbus, along with funding and advocacy partners, Rev1Ventures, ECDI, Finance Fund, J.P. Morgan Chase, Franklin County and Next Street, is rolling out a new program to help small businesses recover and get back up and running safely and affordably.
Financial Assistance is provided for:
* Financial Relief
* Personal Equipment Procurement assistance
* Training and Technical Assistance
www.rev1ventures.com/columbus-covid-19-small-business-response-and-recovery-fund
Read the PDF here
On the website you will find:
Information about 3 types of grants or loans available to you being a small business, sole proprietor or independent contractor.
Training and assistance questions answered that is very comprehensive.
The Hilltop Business Association is proud to be a Neighborhood Referral Partner for this program. If you apply for any of this assistance, please indicate on your application that you heard about it through the Hilltop Business Association.
Please note, membership to the Hilltop Business Association is not required to access this assistance. This is offered to any small business that meets the requirements of the program. We gladly assist you, whether a member or not. Helping small business such as yours get back up and running is our goal!
Know a small business that could benefit from this assistance? Please feel free to forward!
Please contact me directly should you have questions or need assistance.
Nancy Rhynard
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
614-531-5665
