Columbus Strengthens Female-Led Businesses with Expanded Funding & $90K Investment

• Women entrepreneurs in Columbus receive $90K grant and enhanced financial support to enhance small business ventures
• The national effort places Columbus among seven leading cities benefiting from the grant
• The initiative’s helps women receive free financial guidance and tools critical to their personal and professional development

The City of Columbus is reinforcing its commitment to women entrepreneurs by leveraging a $90,000 grant to enhance the Columbus Financial Empowerment Center’s services. The grant awarded under the Small Business Boost (SBB) initiative by the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund), places Columbus among seven leading cities benefiting from this national effort.

As a driving force behind job creating and economic mobility, women entrepreneurs are integral to Columbus’ business landscape, according to Shannon Ginther, First Lady of the city and Chair of the Columbus Women’s Commission. She stressed the initiative’s impact, ensuring that women receive free financial guidance and tools critical to their personal and professional development.

Navigating financial obstacles remains a major challenge for women entrepreneurs striving to establish or expand their businesses. Recognizing this, Principal® Foundation, a non-profit affiliated with Principal Financial Group, Inc., is dedicated to fostering financial stability for these business owners. 

Jo Christine Miles, Director of the Foundation and Community Relations, underscores the importance of small business in fueling national economic growth and community wealth building. She affirmed the foundation’s continued support for the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund’s Small Business Boost initiative, which has made a tangible difference in the success of local businesses.

With a mission to remove financial roadblocks for small business owners, the Columbus Financial Empowerment Center has helped over 900 residents lower their debt by $2.4 million and boost their savings by $950,000. Jonathan Mintz, President and CEO of the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, emphasized that financial constraints should not stand in the way of business success. Entrepreneurs looking for personalized financial support can take advantage of the centre’s free counselling services by visiting its website.