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.

Most business owners wait until January to think about taxes — and by then, it’s too late.The reality is, the decisions ...
05/28/2026

Most business owners wait until January to think about taxes — and by then, it’s too late.

The reality is, the decisions you make right now will determine what you owe later. Mid-year is your opportunity to make adjustments, reduce your tax burden, and keep more of what you earn.

Join us for a free Tuesday Tune Up designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to be proactive — not surprised — at tax time.

🗓 Tuesday, June 2 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

We’ll cover where you stand today, strategies to lower your tax bill, and how to adjust your payments before year-end.

Featuring Lorianne Rose, CPA, with 20+ years of experience helping small business owners make smarter financial decisions.

Don’t leave money on the table this year.
👉 Register here: https://monkeylink.co/1a6a40

Find out how to reduce your tax burden and keep more of your profits before December 31st.

The ECDI Pop-Up Market is THIS WEEK! 💥If you’ve been meaning to shop local more, support small businesses, or just get o...
05/25/2026

The ECDI Pop-Up Market is THIS WEEK! 💥

If you’ve been meaning to shop local more, support small businesses, or just get out and do something fun after work, this is your sign. 🛍️

For one night, we’re filling ECDI with local entrepreneurs, handcrafted goods, food, drinks, sweet treats, and so many small businesses from across Central Ohio that deserve your support.

Come discover new favorites, meet the makers behind the brands, and celebrate Small Business Month with us.

📅 Thursday, May 28
⏰ 4:30–7:30 PM
📍 ECDI Columbus | 1655 Old Leonard Avenue

🎟️ Free + open to the public

Register here: https://monkeylink.co/57feec

Celebrate Small Business Month by shopping local for food, drinks, and handcrafted gifts!

Another sweet vendor joining us at the ECDI Pop-Up Market: ! ✨Oh Churros is a family-owned Columbus business specializin...
05/22/2026

Another sweet vendor joining us at the ECDI Pop-Up Market: ! ✨

Oh Churros is a family-owned Columbus business specializing in fresh, made-from-scratch churros, empanadas, tequeños, and other delicious Spanish desserts. They’ll be bringing their incredible churros and homemade dulce de leche spreads to the market — including traditional dulce de leche, dulce de leche repostero, and caramel spread varieties. 🤎🍩

What started as a home-based family business has grown tremendously over the past year, and we’re excited to help spotlight their journey as they continue growing toward their next big milestone.

If you love discovering local food businesses and supporting passionate entrepreneurs, make sure to stop by their booth at the market!

📅 Thursday, May 28
⏰ 4:30–7:30 PM
📍 ECDI Columbus | 1655 Old Leonard Avenue

🎟️ Free + open to the public

Register here: https://monkeylink.co/57feec

Please note: All ECDI offices will close early at 12 PM on Friday, May 22, and remain closed on Monday, May 25 in observ...
05/21/2026

Please note: All ECDI offices will close early at 12 PM on Friday, May 22, and remain closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.

If you need support, we encourage you to connect with us before the long weekend.

We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, May 26. Wishing you a safe and reflective Memorial Day.

Say hello to an amazing vendor joining us at the ECDI Pop-Up Market on May 28 — Terra Mezcal. 🌮✨Terra Mezcal Mexican Gri...
05/20/2026

Say hello to an amazing vendor joining us at the ECDI Pop-Up Market on May 28 — Terra Mezcal. 🌮✨

Terra Mezcal Mexican Grill brings authentic Mexican cuisine and bold fire-roasted flavors to the heart of Columbus. From street tacos and ceviche to desserts and their soft serve margaritas, their menu is all about fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and bringing people together through food.

Stop by their table at the market to meet the team and learn more about their restaurant — plus, visitors will receive a FREE appetizer or margarita when they visit their Columbus location after the event. 🍹

If you love supporting local restaurants and discovering new favorites, you won’t want to miss them at the market.

📅 Thursday, May 28
⏰ 4:30–7:30 PM
📍 ECDI Columbus | 1655 Old Leonard Avenue

Register here: https://monkeylink.co/57feec..

If you’re in Columbus and love discovering local businesses before everyone else does — you need to come to the ECDI Pop...
05/19/2026

If you’re in Columbus and love discovering local businesses before everyone else does — you need to come to the ECDI Pop-Up Market! 🛍 🎉

We’ve got an amazing lineup of small businesses bringing handcrafted goods, jewelry, body care products, food, drinks, sweet treats, and more all under one roof for one evening only.

The best part? You’re not just shopping — you’re directly supporting local entrepreneurs and helping small businesses grow right here in Central Ohio.

Come meet the people behind the brands, find some new favorites, and make a night out of it with us.

📅 Thursday, May 28
⏰ 4:30–7:30 PM
📍 ECDI Columbus

🎟️ Free to attend

Register here: https://monkeylink.co/57feec

Celebrate Small Business Month by shopping local for food, drinks, and handcrafted gifts!

We’re proud to support the 2026 Contacts to Contracts (C2C) Conference hosted by the Cincinnati Minority Business Assist...
05/18/2026

We’re proud to support the 2026 Contacts to Contracts (C2C) Conference hosted by the Cincinnati Minority Business Assistance Center! 🎉

This impactful event connects small businesses with prime contractors, lenders, and industry experts to help entrepreneurs grow through contracting opportunities. This year’s conference will focus on the financial side of contracting — from pricing and cash flow to protecting profitability after winning the work.

If you’re looking to scale your business through contracts, this is an incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.

📍 Cincinnati, OH
🗓 Thursday, June 25
⏰ 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

👉 Register here: http://bit.ly/C2CCincy

We’re excited to be a sponsor and support opportunities that help small businesses thrive. 💙

We’re excited to welcome Swahili House 254 to the ECDI Pop-Up Market on May 28! ✨Swahili House 254 offers authentic hand...
05/15/2026

We’re excited to welcome Swahili House 254 to the ECDI Pop-Up Market on May 28! ✨

Swahili House 254 offers authentic handmade Afro/African-inspired jewelry and accessories, including beautifully crafted earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, and more.

Owner Gladys Wambugu creates unique pieces that celebrate culture, creativity, and craftsmanship — and you’ll be able to shop some of their amazing collection in person at the market.

If you love discovering handcrafted jewelry and supporting local small businesses, make sure to stop by their booth and say hello. 👋

📅 Thursday, May 28
⏰ 4:30–7:30 PM
📍 ECDI Columbus | 1655 Old Leonard Avenue

🎟️ Free + open to the public

Register here: https://monkeylink.co/57feec

Looking to meet other entrepreneurs, make new connections, and learn more about the free resources available to support ...
05/14/2026

Looking to meet other entrepreneurs, make new connections, and learn more about the free resources available to support your business? ✨

Join us next Tuesday at ECDI’s Columbus office for an afternoon of networking, community, food, and celebration as we recognize Truist Bank’s support of the Women’s Business Centers of Ohio. 💙

You’ll have the chance to connect with local business owners, community leaders, and the Women’s Business Center team in a relaxed, welcoming space built for meaningful conversations and new opportunities.

🥗 Free to attend + food and refreshments provided!

📍 ECDI Columbus Office
📅 Tuesday, May 19
⏰ 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Reserve your free spot today: https://monkeylink.co/207daa

Celebrate Truist Bank’s investment in the WBC's of Ohio with networking, community connection, and a special check presentation.

We’re excited to be a proud partner of the 4th Annual Hamilton County, Ohio - Government Small Business Day happening Mo...
05/14/2026

We’re excited to be a proud partner of the 4th Annual Hamilton County, Ohio - Government Small Business Day happening Monday, May 18 at the Sharonville Convention Center! 🎉

This annual event brings together entrepreneurs, small business owners, lenders, contractors, and community partners for a morning focused on growth, opportunity, and connection.

Whether you’re starting a business or looking to scale, you’ll have access to:
✨ Expert-led breakout sessions
✨ Networking & resource partners
✨ One-on-one coaching and consulting
✨ The Deal Zone vendor matchmaking experience
✨ FREE professional headshots
✨ Funding resources and grant application support

Plus, eligible businesses can learn more about the new MAP Grant Program offering $5,000–$10,000 in grant funding to support growth and long-term success.

We’d love to see you there!

🎟️ Register for free: https://monkeylink.co/2c8b3f

Columbus friends — don’t miss the ECDI Pop-Up Market later this month! 🛍️📣We’re bringing together incredible small busin...
05/13/2026

Columbus friends — don’t miss the ECDI Pop-Up Market later this month! 🛍️📣

We’re bringing together incredible small businesses from across Central Ohio for an evening full of shopping, food, drinks, handcrafted goods, and local favorites you won’t find anywhere else.

Every purchase made at this market directly supports local entrepreneurs and growing small businesses in our community — and there are SO many amazing vendors you’ll want to discover.

Whether you’re stopping by after work, looking for unique gifts, or just love supporting local, this is the perfect chance to shop small and show up for Central Ohio entrepreneurs.

📅 Thursday, May 28
⏰ 4:30–7:30 PM
📍 ECDI Columbus | 1655 Old Leonard Avenue

🎟️ Free + open to the public

Register here: https://monkeylink.co/57feec

Celebrate Small Business Month by shopping local for food, drinks, and handcrafted gifts!

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

Alerts

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