Startup Businesses
Meet with people who started, are starting, or would like to start a startup. Gather to network, share advice, discuss strategies and exchange ideas!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out startup businesses events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the startup businesses events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find startup businesses events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Startup Businesses Events Near You
Connect with your local Startup Businesses community
Spring In-Person Meet-N-Greet
Get ready to connect, collaborate, and grow your community at the ***Smashing Your Sales Goals (SYSG) Spring Meet-N-Greet!***
*Smash Nation*— a vibrant and welcoming community for creative consultants, social innovators, professional service providers, entrepreneur support professionals, and the small business ecosystem builders —invites you to join in welcoming the Spring 2026 Cohort of dedicated business owners ready to take their venture to the next level.
Join ***SYSG*** cohort members, trainers, sponsors, and partners for an engaging and interactive networking experience. This isn't just another meet-and-greet; it's a dynamic opportunity to gather, strengthen relationships, and actively brainstorm business development opportunities in a relaxed and supportive environment. Come ready to:
* ***Connect*** with key players and potential collaborators in the small business community.
* ***Share*** your successes, challenges, and insights with peers.
* ***Brainstorm*** innovative strategies for sales and business growth.
* ***Discover*** new partnerships and future partners.
Let's amplify our collective impact and smash those sales goals together!
**Who Should Attend:** Spring, Summer, and Fall 2025 Cohort Members, Spring 2026 Cohort members, Trainers, Facilitators, Program Sponsors, Future Sponsors, Velocity Applicants, and Program Partners.
**When**: Tuesday, May 26, 2926
**Where**: Warner Wood Park and Pavilion
[4747 Central College Road, Columbus, OH 43081](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Warner+Woods+Park+%26+Pavilion/@40.0999435,-82.8601323,839m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x88385f0025d4381b:0xc15eb51285691f4f!8m2!3d40.1002108!4d-82.8612015!16s%2Fg%2F11wb2pg50g?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTAwNS4yIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)
**Time**: 4pm-6pm
[To Officially Register Go To --> https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/W0CGLL8jvz4EkLNK5jav?notrack=true](https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/W0CGLL8jvz4EkLNK5jav?notrack=true)
Meet ***Smashing Your Sales Goals*** expert trainers, sales coaches, community supporters and partners. Learn more about upcoming SYSG events, trainings coaching opportunities to help take your business from surviving to thriving today!
This event is FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC!
Introduction to Grant Writing for Non-Profits
Join us for an introduction to writing grant proposals for your nonprofit organization, led by consultant Tiffany Nobles.
We'll discuss the most common funder requirements and how to successfully meet them. We'll also share common pitfalls to avoid.
This event is free and open to the public.
ECDI: Pop-Up Market
[ECDI Pop-Up Market Official Registration Site --> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ecdi-pop-up-market-tickets-1986071755083](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ecdi-pop-up-market-tickets-1986071755083)
Celebrate Small Business Month by shopping local for food, drinks, and handcrafted gifts!
Join us for the ECDI Pop‑Up Market, a celebration of local entrepreneurs during Small Business Month. Explore delicious food and drinks, discover handcrafted goods, and shop unique items from small businesses in your community.
Whether you’re looking to support local makers, discover new favorites, or pick up a thoughtful gift, this market has something for everyone.
**What you’ll find at the market:**
* Local food and beverage vendors
* Handcrafted goods and unique gifts
* A chance to meet and support small business owners in your community
* An easy, fun way to discover new local favorites
[SCORE Central Ohio](https://www.score.org/ "https://www.score.org/") will also be on site to talk about their small business mentorship program.
**Market Vendors:**
Baked Goods
* Shante Makes
Body Care
* [Bellas Natural Beauty Products](https://www.facebook.com/Bellasnaturalbeautyprod/ "https://www.facebook.com/Bellasnaturalbeautyprod/")
Clothing & Accessories
* [The Krafted Kollection](https://www.thekraftedkollection.com/ "https://www.thekraftedkollection.com")
* [Loayza Elegant Jewelry](https://www.loayzaelegantjewelry.com/ "https://www.loayzaelegantjewelry.com/")
* [Swahili House 254](https://www.swahilihouse254.com/ "https://www.swahilihouse254.com")
Food/Beverage
* [Aqua Pure Central Ohio](https://aquapurecentralohio.com/ "https://aquapurecentralohio.com")
* [Better Beverage](https://betterbevshop.com/ "https://betterbevshop.com")
* [Cherays Banana Pudding](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567527322952 "https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567527322952")
* [Dr. May's Thai Kitchen](https://www.drmaysthaikitchen.com/menu "https://www.drmaysthaikitchen.com/menu")
* [Kronchy LLC](https://www.kronchys.com/ "https://www.kronchys.com")
* [Terra Mezcal Mexican Grill](https://terra%20mezcal%20mexican%20grill/ "https://Terra Mezcal Mexican Grill")
Packaged Food
* [Grow to Eat, Eat to Live](https://growtoeattolive.com/ "https://growtoeattolive.com/")
* [Underworld Feast](https://underworldfeast.com/ "https://underworldfeast.com/")

Since 2004, ECDI has assisted Ohio’s entrepreneurs through their one-stop-shop business services model, suited to meet the needs of all entrepreneurs, regardless of what business stage they’re in. From providing capital to entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses, to providing focused, business-specific educational opportunities to enhance entrepreneurial skill sets, ECDI works with their clients to meet their specific needs. Whether you merely have a business idea or are opening up your fifth location, we have helped more than 15,000 entrepreneurs to take advantage of the services we provide.
Hustle Bus: Columbus to Black Tech Week
**[Official registration site --> https://luma.com/du41v0tg](https://luma.com/du41v0tg)**
**[You must register and will receive an approval/confirmation](https://luma.com/du41v0tg).**
We’re taking HustleBus from Columbus to **Black Tech Week in Cincinnati** for a high-signal, founder-only experience focused on community, collaboration, and momentum.
**Why Black Tech Week?**
Black Tech Week is one of the best rooms in Ohio to meet builders, operators, investors, and ecosystem leaders. Expect meaningful connections, great energy, and programming that spotlights founders and what’s being built.
What’s included (thank you to our sponsors Huntington Bank, Burton D Morgan Foundation, and Lightship Foundation)
* Founder-only HustleBus transportation (free)
* **Black Tech Week ticket comped** for HustleBus participants (must register with code)
* And much more!
There are limited seats on the Hustle Bus, so if this sounds like something you want to get in on, register today
* Learn more and Register here --> [https://luma.com/du41v0tg](https://luma.com/du41v0tg)
Networking Night
Free monthly networking for Columbus business owners. Real conversations, real connections, no forced formats. Space is limited. RSVP now.
Good marketing starts with good relationships. That is what this event is built around.
Networking Night is a free monthly event for local business owners in Columbus who want to build real connections with other serious operators in their market.
No structured rotations. No forced elevator pitches. Just a room full of local business owners who are worth knowing, in a space that makes it easy to have an actual conversation.
Register here: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/local-marketing-networking-night-tickets-1988510112275](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/local-marketing-networking-night-tickets-1988510112275)
Lewis Center Networking Lunch
Join us for lunch and meet our very successful group. We are each others sales team...always looking for referrals for our members. If you are looking for new clients, let us help you out! Bring your business cards and brochures to share with us.
We have a speaker each week so that we can learn about their business.
Because we have only one member per business, we have many of the spots filled. However, we are specifically looking for an estate attorney, a handyman/electrician, and an event planner. We have referrals for you!
All visitors are welcome. Any questions contact [pmarchio@farmersagent.com](mailto:pmarchio@farmersagent.com)







