Capital + Contracts = Growth for Your Business

Join us for the 20th Annual Capital Crash Course, where entrepreneurs and business owners come together to explore funding options and contracting opportunities that can drive real growth in 2026.

Register now to claim your seat!

For 20 years, the Capital Crash Course has helped Ohio entrepreneurs understand how to access capital and prepare for the year ahead.

This year, we’re expanding our focus to include small business contracting — showing business owners how to secure contracts with public and institutional partners while strengthening their financial readiness.

This one-day event features dynamic speakers, powerful panels, and networking with lenders, contracting professionals, and business support organizations.

Whether you’re seeking financing, looking to become a government or institutional vendor, or ready to take your business to the next level — the Capital Crash Course 2026 will help you do it.

This year’s event will include:

Small Business Breakthroughs Live Podcast – What is Contracting and How Your Business Can Benefit 

Kick off the day with a live recording of the Small Business Breakthroughs Podcast, featuring Karen Wivell, Associate Director of the Ohio APEX Accelerator at Ohio University. Karen will share valuable insights on how Ohio’s APEX Accelerator helps small businesses navigate the world of contracting—offering practical strategies for finding, bidding, and winning contracts.

How to Get the Bank to Say “Yes”! – Debt Financing Bank Panel 

Our signature session!
Join a moderated panel of local lenders—including banks, credit unions, and community development financial institutions—as they share what truly matters when applying for business financing. Moderated by Ellen Harvey, Business Advisor, Ohio SBDC at Columbus State, this session will help you understand what lenders look for, how to strengthen your application, and how to build lasting banking relationships.

State of Small Business Support in Ohio

Hear directly from key partners who support entrepreneurship across the state.
Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Ohio Department of Development (SBDC State Lead Center), and Columbus State Community College will share updates, resources, and initiatives available to help you grow and fund your business in 2026.

Expanding Your Business Through Local Opportunities – Contracting Panel

Gain an insider’s perspective on how to do business with some of Central Ohio’s most influential public entities. Panelists from the City of Columbus, Franklin County, Columbus City Schools, and the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) will share their procurement processes, upcoming opportunities, and practical tips for becoming a vendor.

Columbus State Contracting Opportunities

Moderated by Kieran Sherry, Executive Director of Facilities Plan, Design & Construction at Columbus State, this discussion features former and current vendors sharing their real-world experiences working with the college. Learn how to position your business, navigate the process, and develop long-term institutional relationships.

Open Networking

Network with contract managers and bank panelists — your chance to make real connections that can lead to future opportunities.

Celebrate 20 years of empowering entrepreneurs at Capital Crash Course 2026! 

Learn how to win contracts, secure funding, and grow your business in 2026 and beyond.

Register Now! Secure Your Seat!

Registration for this event is required. Doors open at 8:30 AM. Lunch provided.