OUR VALUES

We do this work with the following values at the core of our approach: vitality, experiential learning, community centered, transformative, resourceful, equitable. We believe that we cannot achieve our mission without transforming Columbia’s economic development into strategies that center the communities who are directly impacted, by teaching and supporting entrepreneurs in a holistic and resourceful way that allows them to live and experience supported growth while giving people from all backgrounds equal opportunity to bring their talents to the community via small business ownership, building their wealth for generations to come.

In order to achieve our goals we are focused on providing services and support that we know entrepreneurs need to thrive and own resilient businesses, especially folks traditionally left out. We know first hand the value of education and skills building, especially the importance of experience and practice in real life. We understand the importance of having networks you can lean into, peers to role model success and how valuable it is to have mentors who understand. Lastly, we have seen how lonely the entrepreneurial journey can be, how difficult the right resources are to find - so we are here to navigate and support others as they find their way. With this support, we hope to nurture the vitality of small and micro businesses so they can add to the fabric of Columbia’s economy, enriching life for all.

  • Equitable

    At our core, we uphold the value of Equitability which guides our actions and decisions. We are committed to promoting and producing programming that provides access and resources to businesses, individuals, and their concepts that have been historically marginalized or overlooked by traditional models. We strive to create opportunities that empower all members of our community, regardless of background or circumstance, ensuring fairness and inclusivity in all aspects of our work.

  • Resourceful

    At the heart of our organization lies the value of Resourcefulness, driving our commitment to efficient and effective support for small businesses. We meticulously leverage existing resources, streamline navigation processes, and identify and fill gaps in resources to provide comprehensive and sustainable support. By avoiding duplication of efforts and instead enhancing existing initiatives, we ensure that every resource is maximized for the benefit of small businesses, empowering them to thrive and succeed.

  • Transformative

    We are committed to transforming the way we do business by prioritizing the human experience. By centering human connections, we harness the power of the human spirit to ignite joy and creativity, fostering dynamism and vibrancy in our communities. Through activations and experiential learning, we immerse people in real-life experiences, enabling them to feel the wins, achieve self-mastery, and cultivate meaningful connections.

  • Community-Centered

    We embody the value of being in community, recognizing the power of interconnectedness and collaboration in fostering success (all in it together). We are dedicated to ensuring that our entrepreneurs have access to the resources they need to thrive. By cultivating a robust ecosystem in Columbia, we prioritize human connection and the exchange of social capital. Through strong networks and meaningful relationships, we empower individuals to leverage collective knowledge and support, driving innovation and prosperity in our community.

  • Experiential Learning

    We empower entrepreneurs by facilitating activations, enabling them to bring their businesses to life through popup experiences without the usual barriers or red tape. Made with Cola Love offers essential support and skill development to help entrepreneurs reimagine brick-and-mortar spaces, fostering innovation and revitalization within our community.

  • Vitality

    We are energized by the resilience and dynamic spirit of entrepreneurs, and we're dedicated to fueling that vitality. vitality drives entrepreneurs to pursue their goals, overcome challenges, and thrive in their endeavors. It represents the vibrant and dynamic nature of entrepreneurship, the ability to adapt, innovate, and grow despite obstacles.