Accelerate Columbus- V360 Small Business Showcase & Networking Celebration

Visionary Leader 360 Small Business Showcase & Networking

Join us for an inspiring evening as we celebrate the entrepreneurs of the Visionary Leader 360 – Accelerate Columbus program and spotlight the small businesses shaping the future of our city.

The Small Business Showcase & Networking Celebration is more than a milestone—it’s a chance to highlight achievements, foster connections, and build bridges across the Columbus small business ecosystem.

This year’s event will take place at the Fran Ryan Center, in honor of a new partnership: one of our Visionary Leader 360 participants has signed a contract with the City of Columbus to open her café inside the Center. Her journey is a powerful example of how City resources, local hubs, and small business innovation come together to create lasting impact.

What to Expect:

• Visionary Leader 360 Small Business Showcase – Meet and celebrate our entrepreneurs.
• Spotlight Talks – Select participants will deliver short talks about their industry.
• Networking & Connections – Engage with community partners, decision makers, and City of Columbus leaders.
• Special Recognition – Celebrate the participant whose café will soon open at the Fran Ryan Center.

Agenda Highlights:

• Networking & Showcase (5:30–6:00 PM)
• Welcome & Opening Words
• Entrepreneur Spotlight Talks
• Sponsor Highlight
• Small Business Recognition
• Closing Remarks & Connections

This event is a platform for entrepreneurs to shine and for partners to connect with the businesses driving Columbus forward.

📅 Save the date and RSVP today to celebrate, connect, and support small business growth in Columbus!

Info: Before the formal program begins, take advantage of the first 30 minutes for open networking. Arrive early to mingle with fellow attendees, leaders, and our small business owners.

Info: Hear from select Visionary Leader 360 entrepreneurs as they deliver powerful 3–5 minute informational talks about their industry, business, growth, and community impact. These talks will showcase the resilience, innovation, and leadership driving Columbus’s small business community forward.

Info: We’ll celebrate each Visionary Leader 360 entrepreneur for their dedication, growth, and contribution to the Columbus business ecosystem. As each participant is recognized, we’ll share a brief spotlight about their business and the impact they’re making in their community. This moment is all about honoring their progress—and the leadership it takes to build, adapt, and grow.


Special Feature: Fran Ryan Café Partnership


We’ll also highlight a special milestone: one of our program participants has signed a contract with the City of Columbus and the Fran Ryan Center to open her café inside the Center. She’ll share a few words about her journey, what this partnership means for her business, and how it represents the collaboration between the City and local entrepreneurs that drives real, lasting impact.

Info: We’ll close the evening by reflecting on the growth, partnerships, and momentum created through Visionary Leader 360 and Accelerate Columbus—celebrating small business growth and our Columbus ecosystem.

Info: In the final 30 minutes, guests are invited to connect directly with our Visionary Leader 360 entrepreneurs, explore their products and services, and learn more about the businesses driving innovation across Columbus. This is your chance to network, exchange ideas, and discover new opportunities for collaboration and support.

Also check out other Business events in Columbus.