Mayor Michael B. Coleman’s New American Initiative was created in 2005 to give all immigrants and refugees living in Columbus access to city services and programs to help improve their lives.  This initiative gives equal opportunity to all refugees and immigrants and allows them to become responsible, productive residents of Columbus.

The New American Initiative is very involved in helping immigrant and refugee businesses grow. More specifically, the team helps to facilitate partnership, workshops with businesses in developing brand identities and marketing plans, hosts business certification forums with Equal Business Opportunity Office and Department of Development. In addition to services related directly to business and economic development, the New American Initiative offers civic guide & citizenship training, capacity building supports.

The program coordinates with the Resettlement agencies, County, State and Federal Agencies to implement programs that promote diversity and cultural awareness, youth oriented services, advocacy, community outreach, engagement and empowerments facilitations and presentations. The New American Initiative hosts thru educational forums including NAI’s own Global Columbus TV monthly program, and specific community focused public awareness campaigns. Also, The New American Initiative leads Global Columbus – a group of 20+ agencies that collaborate to help position Columbus to thrive in a Global Society.

New American Initiative in the Press

Reports & Publications

Columbus Neighborhood Best Practices Conference 2013