In 2021, ECDI was named the #1 SBA Microlender in the country.
Learn why
Investing in the growth of small business
Training, loans, advice & more.
Welcome to your single-stop resource for entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs, start the process for expansion loans, start-up funds, working capital or any business funding needs.
ECDI is more than a lender. We offer training and mentoring needed to develop successful entrepreneurs.
What We Do
Unfortunately, not every business owner has equitable access to funding. It's our job to change that.
ECDI's Innovation Centers provide the infrastructure that allows entrepreneurs to make meaningful innovations.
ECDI's Impact in Ohio
Since 2004 (updated quarterly):
$91.6M
in loans distributed
13,097
jobs created or retained
47%
economically disadvantaged
Entrepreneurs served by ECDI are:
(running median)
62%
African American
49%
women
16%
new American
"ECDI's impact on the Ohio economy comfortably exceeds $1 billion annually, stemming from locally owned, locally serving businesses."
Overall Economic Impact Study of ECDI's Lending to Ohio Entrepreneurs by Bill Lafayette, Ph.D.
Michelle Allen
Mmelo Boutique Confections
My business would not exist without ECDI. I’ve squeezed every service out of the organization that I can, and that they’ve lovingly given to me. I've gotten help with financial, HR and legal matters in addition to funding. I cannot overstate how foundational my relationship is to ECDI.
Lisa Gutierrez
Dos Hermanos Tacos
ECDI continues to help us every step of the way …It amazes me the work that this small nonprofit does in this community and how dedicated they are to seeing that small businesses make it to the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.
John Rush
Third Way Café
I got an email saying, 'We're here to help.' I might not have thought about asking for help, if ECDI hadn't been proactive in reaching out to clients. Having access to dollars allowed us to navigate through COVID and the unpredictability of sales. We've been able to think about not just surviving, but growing.
Benefits of Working with ECDI
SUPPORT FOR ANY STAGE
Whether you've got a great idea and need help turning it into a business plan, or you're an established company looking to expand, we're here to help.
HELP FOR EVERY ENTREPRENEUR
We have one job: helping small businesses succeed. If you aren't ready to receive a loan right now, we have resources to help you get ready.
ONE-STOP RESOURCE
Training, expert advisors, networking, ongoing support, access to funding - it's all right here. Develop one relationship and find everything you need.
RESPONSIBLE, AFFORDABLE LENDING
Our mission is to create enduring social and economic change. As a nonprofit, we're not here to make a buck. We're here to help create lasting small businesses.