Rep. Jarrells Hosts First Annual Small Business Leadership Brunch

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) last Thursday hosted a Small Business Leadership Brunch Thursday at the Huntington Empowerment Center, bringing together local entrepreneurs, community leaders, and experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses in Columbus. The event featured a panel-style discussion where business owners shared their experiences and heard from leaders offering practical guidance and resources.

"Small businesses are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods and the engines that help drive opportunity across our communities. Behind every storefront, catering company, barber shop, startup, and family-owned business is someone taking a risk, creating jobs, and investing back into Columbus. Bringing entrepreneurs, community leaders, and resource partners into the same room creates opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and direct connection to the tools businesses need to grow in an increasingly competitive economy," said Rep. Jarrells.

Columbus City Councilmember Nick Bankston and Shaundretta Boykins, representing the Ohio Department of Development, provided attendees with information on free resources and key contacts available to support small businesses. Mike Devine, executive at Affirm, highlighted innovative tools and solutions for business growth, while the Columbus Chamber of Commerce outlined opportunities for networking, information-sharing, and resource access.

The brunch concluded with an interactive discussion allowing business owners to voice their ongoing challenges and the support needed to thrive. A recurring theme emphasized the importance of making resources easily accessible to the public.

"Far too often, small business owners spend more time trying to navigate systems than they do building their businesses. We have a responsibility to make government, financial resources, technical assistance, and community partnerships more accessible and more responsive to the real needs of entrepreneurs," said Rep. Jarrells. "When we invest in small businesses, we are investing in local jobs, stronger neighborhoods, and a more inclusive economy that allows more people to participate in the promise of prosperity."

The Small Business Leadership Brunch reflects Rep. Jarrells' commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening Columbus' small business ecosystem.

Resources for Local Business Owners

There are many resources available, below are a few organizations discussed during the brunch that offer assistance to individuals:

• Columbus Small Biz Hub
• APEX Accelerators
• Lightship Bootcamp
• Accelerate Columbus
• SBA of Central and Southern Ohio
• Columbus Metropolitan Library
• Ohio Small Business Development Centers
• SCORE - Columbus, OH
• Minority Business Assistance Centers