ECDI Investing in people, businesses & communities. We offer funding, training, mentoring, and more!

We are fiercely dedicated to assuring every entrepreneur – regardless of where they came from, where they live, their gender or their race – has access to funding and the business mentoring services they need to build a small business that thrives. The Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI) is based in Columbus, with offices in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Akron, Canton, Toledo and Portsmouth

. For small business clients in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, we serve a one-stop resource center. We are a leading SBA microloan intermediary, a certified Community Development Corporation, and Treasury-designated Community Development Financial Institution.

06/17/2026

Linda Peavy, founder of LiPav Consulting, shares her journey from e...

06/17/2026

Donerik Black, Director Contractor Resource Center ECDI | Panel Discussion #1 + Hidden Bid Costs

Donerik Black wears two hats at C2C. He's on the panel unpacking what lenders and primes need to see in your numbers. And he's leading a breakout on the hidden costs that quietly erase profit: insurance, bonding, compliance, and admin time. If you've ever wondered where profit goes, Donerik has answers. 📋

🚨 Now accepting applications for $10,000 small business grants!Through our partnership with Verizon Small Business Digit...
06/15/2026

🚨 Now accepting applications for $10,000 small business grants!

Through our partnership with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, you can access free online courses to help grow your business and unlock eligibility to apply for funding.

Here’s how it works:
✔ Create your free account
✔ Complete any two eligible courses or events by December 7, 2026
✔ Unlock and submit your grant application

Even if you’re not selected, you’ll still gain valuable tools in marketing, social media, finances, and more.

Get started today ➜ digitalready.verizonwireless.com/partner-awbc-central-appalachia

We’re incredibly grateful to Flagstar Bank for their support of ECDI’s mission to expand access to capital across Northe...
06/10/2026

We’re incredibly grateful to Flagstar Bank for their support of ECDI’s mission to expand access to capital across Northern Ohio. 💙

Through a $50,000 investment in our loan fund, we are helping more small business owners access flexible financing, along with the guidance, technical assistance, and connections they need to grow and succeed. In partnership with the WBC of Northern Ohio, we’re working to ensure more low- to moderate-income entrepreneurs have the resources to build sustainable businesses.

Thank you, Flagstar, for believing in our entrepreneurs and investing in stronger small businesses and communities across our region.

06/08/2026

The Northern Kentucky Small Business Resource Fair is almost here — and this is one you don’t want to miss.

Join us on Monday, June 22 at the Kenton County Public Library to connect with dozens of local experts, resource partners, and fellow entrepreneurs all in one place.

✨ Explore free business resources
✨ Jump into quick trainings throughout the day
✨ Make real connections that can move your business forward

We’re proud to bring this event together with partners like the City of Covington, Covington Business Council and Foundation, Square1, and Kenton County Public Library — all here to support you and your business journey.

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to grow, there’s something here for you.

🎟️ Grab your free ticket: https://monkeylink.co/f4a6f4

🎉 Big News! 🎉Thanks to the generous support of Citizens Bank, ECDI and the Women's Business Centers of Ohio (Northern Oh...
06/08/2026

🎉 Big News! 🎉

Thanks to the generous support of Citizens Bank, ECDI and the Women's Business Centers of Ohio (Northern Ohio) are continuing to expand resources for underserved entrepreneurs across the Cleveland MSA and Northern Ohio.

Through this partnership, we’re providing business coaching, financial education, training, and access to capital to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and thrive.

Thank you, Citizens Bank, for being an incredible partner in strengthening our communities! 🙌

Most small business owners think offering employee benefits is all-or-nothing—either full health insurance or nothing at...
06/06/2026

Most small business owners think offering employee benefits is all-or-nothing—either full health insurance or nothing at all.
But that’s not the whole picture.

Join us this Tuesday for a practical, no-pressure conversation on what’s actually possible: Employee Benefit Options for Small Businesses

📅 June 9
🕚 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
💻 Online

You’ll learn:
• What supplemental benefits really are (and how they differ from health insurance)
• How they can support your team when life happens
• Whether they make sense for your business and budget

Led by Melanie Porter, who brings real-world insight from both the legal world and small business ownership—she understands the balancing act because she’s lived it.

If you’ve been wanting to do more for your employees but weren’t sure where to start, this is a great place to begin.

👉 Save your spot: https://monkeylink.co/e3de73

Thinking about starting a food business or in your first year? Our partners at Findlay Market are offering Food Business...
06/05/2026

Thinking about starting a food business or in your first year? Our partners at Findlay Market are offering Food Business Foundations, a hands-on 6-week program designed to help you turn your idea into a solid business.

You’ll gain:
✅ A draft business plan
✅ Real-world guidance on marketing, pricing, and finances
✅ Connections with local experts + fellow entrepreneurs
✅ Free logo review + professional headshots

🗓 June 16 – July 21 (Tuesdays, 6–8 PM)
📍 Findlay Market | Cincinnati

💸 Use code FMPartner for 20% off registration

🔗 Sign up:

Kickstart your business journey today!

Struggling to keep your construction business finances on track? 🏗️💸Join our upcoming virtual workshop: Building Strong ...
06/04/2026

Struggling to keep your construction business finances on track? 🏗️💸

Join our upcoming virtual workshop: Building Strong Business Finances for Residential Contractors

📅 Monday, June 8
⏰ 12 PM – 2 PM
💻 Online Event

Learn how to:
✅ Improve cash flow and profitability
✅ Understand your financial statements
✅ Set up effective bookkeeping systems
✅ Price jobs accurately and manage expenses
✅ Use tools to simplify your accounting

Featuring Emarald Sparks, award-winning finance expert and bestselling author, who will share practical strategies to help you take control of your money and grow a sustainable business.

Stop guessing where your money is going and start building a stronger financial foundation.

👉 Register now: https://monkeylink.co/2214e3

Learn the financial fundamentals every small business owner needs, from cash flow management to recordkeeping and capital readiness.

Address

1655 Old Leonard Avenue
Columbus, OH
43219

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16145590115

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