Business & Nonprofit Resource Center
Access LivePlan
LivePlan is a subscription business planning resource available to library customers, for a four-week time period. During this time, you will have access to all the LivePlan resources needed to create your business plan. At the end of the four-week period, you can download your plan for future reference.
At times, there may be a waiting list for LivePlan. If there is a waiting list, the librarian will let you know when it will be available and provide other resources to help you develop your plan in the meantime.
If you access LivePlan and do not use the resource within two weeks, the business librarian may contact you to determine if you still need access.
Before using LivePlan, our librarians recommend that business customers do basic industry research and complete a simple Lean Canvas Business Model. New nonprofits are asked to complete a Nonprofit Startup Assessment.
If you need support to complete this research, please contact our business librarian at business@columbuslibrary.org. We are happy to help.
Check out our Business Resources.
Check out our Nonprofit Resources.
SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP RESOURCES
City of Columbus Economic Development Division
Assists local businesses and provides information around expanding or relocating.
Columbus Chamber of Commerce
Create new business connections and access a variety of resources to help your business.
Columbus Small Biz Hub
The Small Biz Hub aims to connect innovators, startup founders and small business owners to the resources that are right for you. Find opportunities for you to thrive!
Columbus Urban League Minority Business Assistance Center
Provides certifications, trainings, contracting opportunities, and access to capital.
Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI)
Supports individuals who are either starting or growing their business, through funding, training and mentoring.
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
Helps small businesses grow and create jobs by providing them with greater access to education, capital, and business support services.
SEA Change for Social Enterprise
Offers in-person and online programs to help social enterprises thrive.
Small Business Administration (SBA)
SBA works to ignite change and spark action so small businesses can confidently start, grow, expand, or recover.
Women’s Small Business Accelerator
The Women’s Small Business Accelerator (WSBA) is a non-profit accelerator founded by successful women business owners for women business owners.
NONPROFIT RESOURCES
Columbus Foundation
The Columbus Foundation is The Trusted Philanthropic Advisor® to more than 3,000 individuals, families, and businesses that have created unique funds and planned gifts to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible.
Charitable Ohio (Ohio Attorney General)
Official information about starting and maintaining a charity, as well as training resources.
Human Service Chamber of Franklin County
Provides advocacy and resources for nonprofit health and human services agencies in the Columbus region.
Start a Nonprofit Organization in Ohio
Publication from the Ohio Secretary of State detailing information about required filings, incorporation, obtaining tax-exempt status, and other legal matters.
United Way of Central Ohio
Find opportunities to learn, connect, or volunteer with nonprofits focused on basic needs or student success.
Have questions?
We're Here to Help!
Give us some information about you and your organization so we can provide the best resources. We’ll get back to you soon.