STRUTHERS, Ohio – As KO Consulting moved from owner Kristen Olmi’s part-time passion to a full-time venture in 2021, it had the opportunity to work on some transformational projects that will begin to take shape this year.
Newly available state and federal funding opportunities, an increase in entrepreneurship, and the reopening of small businesses closed during the pandemic fueled a combination of opportunities.
“Small businesses and nonprofits are often operating with limited resources,” Olmi says, “and our firm exists to help them succeed. Funding is out there, opportunities are out there, especially for minority and women-owned businesses, and it’s our job to help our clients find those opportunities.”
In 2021, the firm helped bring some of those opportunities to fruition for clients.
These projects included working with the city of Struthers to create its first comprehensive plan, securing an Appalachian Regional Commission Power planning grant for Struthers, supplementing existing grant writing capacity for organizations such as Brite Energy Innovators and the YWCA, and working with Woodland Cellars to develop its property in Liberty Township.
KO Consulting, based in Struthers, also conducted a crowdfunding investment campaign that saw $29,600 invested in the purchase of a food truck for A Fresh Wind Catering.
The company, founded in 2010, works with startups, small-business owners, nonprofits and government entities.
Olmi served as grants coordinator for Mahoning County until stepping down to devote her energy full-time to KO Consulting.