ECDI Press Kit
Empowering Entrepreneurs. Strengthening Communities.
For over 20 years, the Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI) has invested in small business success across Ohio and neighboring regions. As a nonprofit and the nation’s #1 SBA microlender, ECDI provides the funding, training, and resources entrepreneurs need to turn their ideas into thriving businesses.
About ECDI
The Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring entrepreneurs have access to the funding and business incubation services they need to succeed.
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Based in Columbus, with offices in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Canton, Toledo, and Portsmouth, ECDI serves small businesses across Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Indiana.
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As the nation’s top SBA microloan intermediary and a U.S. Treasury-designated Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), ECDI focuses on startup and Main Street businesses that traditional banks often consider “too risky,” such as restaurants, retail shops, and service-based companies.
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Since 2004, ECDI has:
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Assisted more than 36,000 entrepreneurs
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Disbursed over $205 million through 8,700 loans
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Created and retained more than 48,000 jobs
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Through our statewide network, ECDI combines affordable lending with education, mentoring, and incubation programs to help entrepreneurs start, sustain, and scale their small businesses.
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We are the one-stop shop of entrepreneurial resources.
Media FAQs
Why was ECDI founded?
To level the playing field for entrepreneurs who face barriers to traditional financing and resources.
What are ECDI's main services?
ECDI provides small business loans, incubation programs, training, mentoring, and one-on-one support.
Who does ECDI serve?
All entrepreneurs across Ohio and surrounding regions, with a focus on startups and underserved small business owners—including women, minorities, immigrants, and veterans.
What makes ECDI different from a traditional bank?
As a nonprofit CDFI, we combine lending with education and hands-on assistance. Our mission goes beyond financial transactions to ensure long-term business success.
What is a CDFI?
A Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) is a specialized financial organization certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to provide affordable lending and financial services to underserved communities. Unlike traditional banks, CDFIs focus on economic inclusion—helping entrepreneurs, small businesses, and individuals who may not qualify for conventional financing access the capital and support they need to grow. As a certified CDFI, ECDI reinvests funds back into local communities, ensuring every dollar helps create jobs, strengthen small businesses, and build long-term economic resilience.
What qualifies as a microloan?
A business loan of $50,000 or less, often used for startups, equipment, or working capital.
What is ECDI's statewide impact?
ECDI-funded businesses generate millions in local revenue, create jobs, and revitalize neighborhoods statewide.
Download the PDF one-pager here:
Impact Report
For over 20 years, ECDI has helped over 36,000 entrepreneurs access capital, coaching, and community. We are the nation’s top SBA microlender, with a mission to drive economic opportunity through inclusive entrepreneurship.
Learn more in our latest Impact Report:
Downloadable assets from ECDI
Media Assets
Latest Press Releases
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ECDI Celebrates 20 Years of Empowering Entrepreneurs
Columbus, OH – October 2024
ECDI marked two decades of small business support and recognized statewide partners and entrepreneurs for their contributions.
[Read more →]
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ECDI Named #1 SBA Microlender in the U.S.
April 2024
The Small Business Administration recognized ECDI for leading the nation in microloans distributed.
[Read more →]
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Women’s Business Centers of Ohio Expand Statewide Services
January 2024
New programming and partnerships continue to strengthen support for women entrepreneurs.
[Read more →]
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[View all press releases →]
Contact Us
Press Contact:
Justin Holbrock, Irvin Public Relations
justin@irvinpr.com | (513) 316-9269
ECDI Contact:
Samantha Avendaño, Director of Marketing & Communications
savendano@ecdi.org | (614) 362-6050
Address:
ECDI Headquarters
1655 Old Leonard Avenue
Columbus, OH 43219
