Uplift Columbus — Empowering Columbus Through Funding Small Businesses

Our Story

Who We Are

Uplift Columbus is being founded by Columbus high school students who believe that a small amount of capital can change the trajectory of a local business. We are raising money from our community to deploy directly to entrepreneurs who need it most.

Every dollar we raise will go to a grant. We will review every application personally and make decisions as a committee.

$2,000

Year 1 Fundraising Goal

8–12

Businesses to Fund

$150

Average Grant Size

Funding Available Now

Apply for a Grant

Complete all five sections below. Every application is reviewed personally by our student committee. We aim to respond within two weeks.

Business Basics

The Ask

Problem

Impact

Agreement

Step 1 of 5

Application Submitted

Thank you for applying. We review all applications within 2 weeks and will contact you at the email provided.

Section 1 — Business Basics

Tell us about your business and its current stage.

Business Name Please enter your business name.

Owner Full Name Please enter the owner's full name.

Business Type Please select a business type.

Years in Operation Please select years in operation.

Number of Employees Please select number of employees.

Brief Business Description Please describe your business.

Section 2 — The Ask

Tell us how much you need and exactly how you will use it.

Amount Requested Please select an amount.

Detailed Breakdown of Fund Use Please provide a detailed breakdown.

Section 3 — The Problem You're Solving

Help us understand the community need your business addresses.

What problem does your business solve in the community? Please answer this question.

Who are your primary customers? Please describe your primary customers.

Section 4 — Grant Impact

Show us the real, measurable difference this grant will make.

What specifically changes for your business if you receive this grant? Please describe the specific impact.

Have you received outside funding before?

Yes No

Please select yes or no.

What makes your business worth investing in? Please answer this question.

Section 5 — Agreement

Please read and confirm both statements below before submitting.

I agree to submit a 90-day impact report showing how the grant funds were used and what changed for my business. This is required to receive funding. You must agree to submit a 90-day impact report.

I confirm that all information in this application is accurate and truthful. You must confirm the accuracy of your information.

Empowering Columbus through funding small businesses