Business & Nonprofit Resource Center
Access LivePlan
LivePlan is a subscription business and nonprofit 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 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, a librarian will let you know when it will be available and provide other resources to help you make progress in the meantime. If you access LivePlan and do not use the resource within two weeks, a librarian may contact you to determine if you still need access.
Before using LivePlan, our librarians recommend that customers do basic industry research or an environmental scan and complete a simple Lean Canvas Business Model. If you need support to complete this research, please contact our librarian team at business@columbuslibrary.org. We are happy to help.
Check out our Business Resources.
Check out our Nonprofit Resources.
SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES
APEX Accelerator
The APEX Accelerators help Ohio businesses compete for and win federal, state and local government contracts.
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 Business Development Center
The SBDC provides free one-on-one advising and no or low cost business training for all industries.
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.
Cybersecurity Training
This free, comprehensive cybersecurity training course from OSU covers essential topics to enhance organizational security for small businesses.
Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI)
Supports individuals who are either starting or growing their business, through funding, training and mentoring.
Freedom Equity
Freedom Equity connects borrowers with accessible, affordable capital, to promote economic growth and community development.
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.
Patent and Trademark Resource Center
Librarians from The Ohio State University Libraries assist business owners, entrepreneurs and nonprofits with questions related to patents, trademarks, copyright and trade secrets, and give access to essential search databases.
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.
NONPROFIT RESOURCES
Association of Fundraising Professionals
Learn how this membership organization can support your nonprofit in practicing ethical fundraising through professional education, research, and advocacy.
Charitable Ohio (Ohio Attorney General)
Official information about starting and maintaining a charity, as well as training 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.
Community Shares of Mid Ohio
Access member benefits like professional development, funding support, networking opportunities and more.
Human Service Chamber of Franklin County
Provides advocacy and resources for nonprofit health and human services agencies in the Columbus region.
Grant Professionals Association
Learn how GPA supports individuals in the grants industry with professional and career development opportunities.
National Council of Nonprofits
Access a free Resource Library with hundreds of pages on starting and running a nonprofit.
Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations
Learn how this organization provides leadership, education, and advocacy to enhance the capacity of Ohio’s nonprofit organizations.
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.
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.
