Business Resources
The City of Columbus is all about business while creating, promoting and achieving diversity in our supply chain. We offer a stable economy, great location and a desire to assist companies with relocation, expansion and retention. Columbus is a prime location within a one-day truck drive or one-hour flight of 41 percent of the U.S. population, 80 percent of U.S. corporate headquarters and 43 percent of U.S. manufacturing capacity. Interested in doing business in or finding business opportunities with the City of Columbus? The City of Columbus provides easy access to business resources to support residents and the small business community.
Vendor Services
Vendor Services provides a one-stop, twenty-four hour portal which allows vendors to express interest in doing business with the City and effectively self-manage W9, registration, compliance and bid information. It provides open access for vendors to compete for business, find procurement opportunities, submit bids and manage vendor information. The City of Columbus is open for your business here:
Mayor’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Under the leadership of Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion is responsible for leading diversity and inclusion management within the City. The office focuses on Workforce Diversity, Workplace Culture, Supplier Diversity and Community Outreach - all necessary elements for building Columbus into America’s Equal Opportunity City. They are responsible for ensuring all contractors, subcontractors, vendors and suppliers who desire to be a party to a City of Columbus contract hold a valid contract compliance verification number and comply with all provisions of Title 39 of Columbus City Code. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion provides information on a wide range of diversity, equity and inclusion topics, including resources pertaining to minority and woman-owned business participation on City contracts, becoming MBE/WBE Certified with the City of Columbus and access to their MBE/WBE Certified Business Directory.
Contractors, Licenses, and Permits
The Department of Building and Zoning Services enforces the Columbus Building and Zoning Codes. They offer information about obtaining business permits and licenses, inspections, zoning, engineering and more. Online resources provide contractors with forms and applications, enabling them to see the status of permit application, request a building inspection and more. The department also promotes high quality design standards for new construction, as well as renovation and reuse of existing City buildings.
The Department of Finance and Management, Office of Construction Prequalification administers the prequalification process to provide fair and equitable evaluations of all entities seeking to do construction business with the city.
Income Taxes
The Income Tax Division serves those who live, work and conduct business in Columbus. They provide City of Columbus tax guidelines, requirements, collection, audit, enforcement and forms related to filing City taxes for residents and employers.
GreenSpot
There are plenty of reasons to be green and join the GreenSpot movement - a small thing to make a big impact on the health and future of Columbus. It's a place where people in our city go to learn about living and working greener, and commit to doing it—in their homes, businesses, and communities You make mandatory commitments to be environmentally friendly in five categories—then pick a few additional ones that fit your household, business or community group.
Local, State, and Federal Business Assitance
The City of Columbus partners with local, state and federal agencies to provide programs, services, and incentives that make it easier for corporations, vendors, small, minority and woman-owned businesses to operate and succeed.
City of Columbus
Economic Development
State of Ohio
Additional Resources