How We Help

ECDI Small Business Academy

ECDI has extensive training and technical assistance available to help its clients acquire the knowledge and tools they need to succeed. All programs begin with foundational Financial Literacy training, which teaches personal financial management skills. ECDI also provides general Microenterprise Development training courses, during which entrepreneurs are given the tools they need to start and successfully manage a business. In addition to financial literacy and general microenterprise development training, ECDI offers business development training geared towards specific industries such as food-based businesses or home-based childcare businesses, ongoing topical seminars that address topics relevant to entrepreneurs. If a client needs additional help, ECDI’s staff is trained to address individual issues with the entrepreneur one-on-one. read more »

Individual Development Accounts (IDAs)

Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) are matched savings accounts that enable families to save, build assets, and enter the financial mainstream. IDAs reward the monthly savings of income eligible families who are building towards purchasing an asset - most commonly buying their first home, paying for post-secondary education, or starting a small business. read more »

Microloans

The ECDI Microloan Program provides loans in amounts up to $100,000 to start-up, newly-established, or growing microenterprises in Central Ohio and Southwest Ohio. Under this program, ECDI is able to make loans to low and moderate income entrepreneurs, or to those with insufficient credit histories to qualify for a loan through a traditional financial institution. Rates and terms depend on the risk, size, and profitability of the business as well as the needsof the borrower; however, these interest rates are fixed.  In addition to traditional, fixed-rate loan products, interest-free, fee-based loans are available for borrowers whose religious beliefs preclude them from paying interest.  read more »

The Growing Entrepreneurs Initiative

ECDI is a one-stop resource center for food-related enterprises in Central Ohio. Through its Growing Entrepreneurs Initiative, food entrepreneurs have access to ECDI’s traditional microenterprise training and capitalization programs as well as food industry specific training and technical assistance. As appropriate, ECDI facilitates client access to local facilities and food science experts for assistance with food research, development, and production; to food safety classes and food safety experts; and to marketing and distribution training and resources. ECDI works with the Kroger Company and other appropriate distributors and markets, including farmers markets, specialty stores, internet distribution outlets, and other outlets to assist entrepreneurs in gaining access to markets for their food products. read more »

Home Repair Program

ECDI’s Home Repair program’s primary goal is to decrease the number of senior citizens or disabled persons in Central Ohio who live in unsafe or inaccessible homes.  These conditions, if not corrected, can lead to more substantial damage from deferred maintenance or even the loss of the home.  The program achieves this goal by performing work necessary to correct substandard, unsanitary, or deteriorated conditions that create an imminent danger to health and safety. ECDI is able to pay for the cost of repairs based on eligibility and availability of funding. In order to be eligible for the Minor home Repair program, a participant must be at least 60-years old or disabled, own his or her home, fall within the income levels specified by the program’s funders, and meet other eligibility requirements as specified by the program’s funders. read more »