Investing in the growth of small business
Training, loans, advice & more.
Welcome to your single-stop resource for entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs, apply for COVID support, pivot loans or other business capital.
Help us provide Ohio entrepreneurs with COVID relief, training and more.
ECDI is an approved lender for the upcoming round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding. We will begin taking applications soon. Sign up for our contact list to be notified when the application is live.
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 Blog: Small Business Tips, News and More
ECDI's Impact in Ohio
Since 2004 (updated quarterly):
$76.5M
in loans distributed
10,420
jobs created or retained
48%
economically disadvantaged
Entrepreneurs served by ECDI are:
60%
people of color
41%
women
33%
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.
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.