City of Columbus

(Columbus)—The Columbus City Council is announcing the Small Business Training Services Pilot Program, making it possible for eligible independently owned small businesses to receive workforce development training at the Citywide Training facility in the Jerry Hammond Center.   A $10,000 amendment from the Jobs Growth Fund in the general fund budget, sponsored by Workforce Development Committee Chair Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson and Administration Committee Chair Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig, will give access to businesses that have a contract compliance number with the City of Columbus to help create a better-trained workforce in the community.

“The City currently offers a wide range of courses for our employees to improve their professional skills,” said Councilmember Tyson.   “What we are doing is opening up these courses to be used as resources for local businesses to make sure their employees have the skills necessary for the success of the small business.”

These training opportunities were suggested during a series of Small Business Roundtable discussions sponsored by City Council and will be offered this summer to Columbus businesses that employ between five and fifty people.   Classes will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis and will include courses on soft skills such as critical thinking and improving communication to hard skills like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.   The City of Columbus will soon announce the first registration date for the pilot program.

“This is an opportunity to make a big impact on local small businesses, while effectively managing taxpayer money,” said Councilmember Tyson.  “Our investment in easier access to training will help businesses reinvest more into their companies and their employees.  It’s good for small business and that’s good for Columbus’ economy.”

 -30-