J. Averi Frost, a Columbus, Ohio native, is a graduate of Denison University and Eastmoor Academy High School. Proud daughter of serial entrepreneurs, Frost has always understood that there can be a gap in proficiency and resources for some of our most disenfranchised in relation to business ownership and administration. Whether it is connecting entrepreneurs to business resources, advocates to the support they need, or both, Frost strives to bridge the opportunity gap between the wealthiest and poorest members of our community. Frost has served the small and minority-owned business community for the past ten years and in addition to her new role as Program Manager for the Minority Resiliency Fund, she also serves as Executive Director of the Central Ohio African American Chamber of Commerce (COAACC) and Chief Operations Officer of Frost Indeed, LLC. Averi dedicates her time towards growing the skills and capacity of underserved entrepreneurs.

COAACC was launched in January 2018 to provide education and empowerment to the Black Business community in Central Ohio; Frost works with members to build capacity, gain access to contracts, make sales, and seek capital. Also launched in 2018, Frost Indeed is a small consultancy that provides a multitude of services to organizations such as communications, marketing and outreach, business management, and fiscal development consultation. Our team has over 30 years’ experience working with emerging small businesses, growing non-profits, and public entities to make sure your project, event, or need gets accomplished in the most efficient manner possible.

Prior to her current roles, Frost served five years as Director of the Columbus Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC), a State of Ohio program hosted by the Central Ohio Minority Business Association (COMBA). Through her work with the MBAC, Frost developed and facilitated business development workshops, and counseled clients to help advance their business in areas such as general business administration, marketing, government procurement, and applying for minority certification. Having facilitated nearly 200 workshops (including multiple iterations of custom programming) and having counseled 200+ business owners, Frost prides herself in helping to build community through strengthening the minority business community in whatever way she can.

Beyond work in business and economic development, Frost has been involved in a number of social causes since being a student at Denison University. Frost has been involved in planning three Relay For Life events for the American Cancer Society, raising over $200,000 ($65,000 as event chair). Frost, previously served as Board Chair for Mothers Helping Mothers, Inc. – a non-profit that provides housing and supportive assistance to homeless and economically disadvantaged mothers in Central Ohio; and recently completed her term as Board President of Black, Out, & Proud, Inc., a non-profit that provides advocacy, education, and inspiration for and by the Black LGBTQ+ community.