Small Business News & Tips

Discover unique, meaningful gifts from Ohio small businesses. Explore ECDI’s 2025 Holiday Gift Guide and shop local to support entrepreneurs in your community.

Click to watch Shawnte's spotlight video. Shawnte Barker’s mother thought it was silly that her 8-year-old daughter asked for a sewing machine for her birthday. Little did she know that Shawnte would follow her dream to New York City to be a fashion designer, working at major retailers for 15 years. When her company downsized, she decided to move back home to Cincinnati to pursue her dream of opening her own boutique. Stylish LéNese Boutique launched online and once Shawnte