Program combines a 1% borrower contribution with a 2% lender grant, up to $4,500 for qualified...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — November 11, 2026 — Lower, a modern homeownership platform built to help everyone achieve financial freedom, today announced a partnership with the Short North Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the businesses and community of Columbus’ Short North Arts District, to provide mortgage benefits and financial education to local businesses and their employees.
By being in the Short North, businesses can offer their employees access to free, one-on-one consultations with Lower's mortgage experts, financial education resources and home financing solutions. Employees can use these benefits whether they're looking to purchase a home in Columbus or anywhere across the country.
Headquartered in the Short North, Lower has deep roots in the neighborhood and a commitment to supporting the community it calls home. As part of the Short North Alliance's broader effort to introduce wellness benefits for its business network and their employees, Lower will serve as a preferred lending partner, helping connect the community with valuable homeownership resources.
"I bought my first home in the Short North, and it was that experience that taught me the value of building equity through homeownership," said Dan Snyder, CEO of Lower. "Today, the Short North is home to Lower's headquarters, and we're proud to be part of a neighborhood with such a strong sense of community, from its local shops and restaurants to the people who make it unique. This partnership is an opportunity to give back to a community that's played an important role in my life and the lives of so many Lower employees, while helping more people take that next step toward homeownership, wherever they choose to live."
“We are thrilled to have such an innovator like Lower here in the Short North," said Betsy Pandora, President and CEO of the Short North Alliance. "Giving local businesses another way to support their employees is an important part of that, and we're excited to partner with Lower to bring these resources to our community."
The partnership reflects Lower's broader efforts to make homeownership more accessible by bringing mortgage resources directly to the organizations and communities it serves. Businesses and employees interested in taking advantage of the program can learn more about the benefits and how to get started through the Short North Alliance's website or Lower's dedicated partnership page.
For more information about this announcement, please contact Allie Byers at press@lower.com.
About Lower
Lower is the homeownership platform built to eliminate barriers for first-time buyers and help new homeowners build wealth. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Lower is a top 25 mortgage lender nationally and the largest VC-backed mortgage lender in the country, with backing from Accel and SoFi. Lower’s proprietary lending technology, LowerOS, is designed to originate loans faster and for less money than the competition. Lower also owns Movoto, one of the largest real estate portals in the U.S. with more than 10 million monthly visits. Learn more at lower.com.
About the Short North Arts District
The Short North Arts District is always creating what’s next. Explore the creative backbone of central Ohio — where the city comes to shop, taste and discover. Encounter vibrant happenings along High Street, where historic and modern buildings are home to 300+ independent shops, local restaurants and artful experiences. The Short North Alliance (SNA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving both the property and business owners of the Short North Arts District. For more information, visit www.shortnorth.org.
