Linden USA: Forum to Drive Small Business Equity and Economic Growth in Columbus

Linden has long been one of Columbus’s most resilient neighborhoods — a place where creativity, ambition, and untapped entrepreneurial spirit continue to thrive despite persistent systemic challenges. From limited access to capital and mentorship to inadequate infrastructure for growth, small businesses in Linden face a unique uphill climb.

That’s why the Leadership Linden Academy (LLA) is stepping up with purpose and power.

On Thursday, July 24, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, Leadership Linden Academy will host a critical quarterly forum titled:
“Linden USA: Driving Small Business Equity & Growth.”
Held at Columbus State Community College’s Mitchell Hall Event Center, the event will bring together dynamic business leaders and stakeholders for a powerful conversation on advancing economic opportunities through community-based entrepreneurship.

This isn’t just another panel — it’s a blueprint for transformation.

The forum is presented by the Community of Caring Development Foundation (COCDF) in partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, as part of LLA’s mission to build leadership capacity and community resilience in Linden. The LLA initiative includes an annual leadership development program and a series of quarterly forums that address the most pressing issues facing the Linden and surrounding communities.

Powerful Panel. Real-World Insights.

Panelist L to R: Archie Williamson, Sean Grant, Carla L. Gwinn, Keith Stevens and Derrik Pannell

The event’s lineup features an impressive slate of business minds who know what it takes to build, grow, and scale:

• Carla L. Gwinn, EA, Liberty Tax Service
• Sean Grant, CFO, Columbus Partnership
• Derrik Pannell, CEO, First Family Entertainment / Center of Entrepreneurial Development
• Keith Stevens, CEO, UpRys (Columbus CEO’s 2024 CEO of the Year – Small For-Profit)
• Archie Williamson, CEO, Diversified Systems, Inc.

Moderated by Adam K. Troy, CEO of the Community of Caring Development Foundation and TROY Enterprises, this discussion promises more than talk. It’s about sharing actionable strategies, scalable solutions, and real opportunities to fuel Linden’s economic engine.

Aligning with the One Linden Plan

This forum aligns directly with the goals of the One Linden Plan — a bold, community-centered roadmap for revitalization focused on health, housing, transportation, safety, and economic development. Small business ownership is at the core of that transformation.

“Entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful tools we have for equity and empowerment,” said Troy. “Through this forum, we aim to equip residents and future business owners with the knowledge, networks, and inspiration they need to lead Linden’s economic future.”

Urban Trendsetters: Amplifying the Movement

At Urban Trendsetters, we believe in the power of media to move communities forward. That’s why we’re proud to serve as the media and public relations partner for this vital event — helping shine a light on the people, passion, and purpose behind the movement to reimagine Linden.

Follow the coverage for more updates — because what’s happening in Linden isn’t just local. It’s a national model in the making.

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