Economic and Community Development Institute

ECDI provides idea-stage entrepreneurs and small business owners with wrap around services including access to affordable loan capital, coaching, workshops, and incubation services. ECDI programs and services form a comprehensive anti-poverty initiative, which provides at-risk communities access to banking services and financial opportunities, bringing traditionally unbanked populations into the economic mainstream.

At ECDI, we invest in people, connecting our resources with entrepreneurs who wish to start or expand their businesses. We fill a gap in the credit industry by offering small business loans ranging from $750 to $350,000 to entrepreneurs. In addition to capital, we have the Women's Business Centers of Ohio (WBC). Across the state, the WBC's provide training and coaching to small business owners. Our Columbus office also houses the Food Fort, a commercial commissary kitchen where members share kitchen space as they start or grow their small businesses.