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Columbus, Ohio – Small businesses in the Columbus Region are gaining new momentum thanks to support from the JobsOhio Small Business Grant. So far in 2025, the program has backed 11 companies across four Columbus Region counties, helping them invest in essential equipment, software and facility upgrades. These grants have led to 57 new jobs and increased local investment.
“Small businesses are a driving force in the Columbus Region’s economy,” said Matt McCollister, interim president of One Columbus. “They spark innovation, create opportunity and give our communities character. They’re often the first to take risks, hire locally and reinvest in the places they call home. This JobsOhio-funded grant gives local entrepreneurs the resources they need to grow and compete.”
The JobsOhio Small Business Grant directly assists businesses by providing up to $50,000 in financial assistance for equipment purchases, facility improvements or industry-specific software. To qualify, companies must be at least one year old, generate at least $100,000 in annual revenue and operate within one of JobsOhio’s target industry sectors. Grants are awarded based on job creation, capital investment and the overall impact of the proposed project, with a focus on helping businesses overcome growth barriers and scale more effectively.
This year’s grant recipients in the Columbus Region through Oct. 1, 2025 include:
Columbus Apparel Studio, a product development company and manufacturer of apparel and soft goods, was one of the grant recipients. The financial assistance allowed the company to invest in a new automatic cutting machine, which broadens its capabilities, increases efficiency and paves the way for future opportunities. After acquiring the equipment, Columbus Apparel Studio hired one new employee and plans to add another.
“The grant was the catalyst we needed to advance,” said Denise Falter-Conklin, CEO of Columbus Apparel Studio. “We’ve ramped up production, taken on larger projects and resolved challenges for other businesses throughout Central Ohio. It has opened doors we’ve long been eager to enter.”
The company has made a strong impact on the community by partnering with Mount Carmel Health System to create and manufacture robes for its Women’s Health Centers. Columbus Apparel Studio also supported national companies such as Panera Bread by designing custom coolers and koozies.
Companies interested in the grant can learn more at jobsohio.com/incentives-programs/jobsohio-small-business-grant
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About JobsOhio
JobsOhio is a private nonprofit economic development corporation designed to drive job creation and new capital investment in Ohio through business attraction, retention and expansion. The organization also works to seed talent production in its targeted industries and to attract talent to Ohio through Find Your Ohio. JobsOhio works with seven regional partners across Ohio: Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River, Ohio Southeast, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership and Team NEO. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow the company on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
About the Columbus Partnership
The Columbus Partnership brings together civic-minded business leaders to advance a shared vision to make Columbus the most prosperous region in the country. Columbus Partnership member CEOs are committed to the future of the Columbus metropolitan area through high-impact civic and philanthropic engagement. Through our One Columbus and Smart Columbus brands and investor support, our team works to help create jobs and attract capital investment, expand access to opportunity, and improve the economic competitiveness of the Columbus Region. Learn more at columbusregion.com.
For Immediate Release
October 20, 2025
Columbus Partnership Media Contact
Jon Keeling
614-657-5917
jk@columbuspartnership.com