Ohio’s first Veterans Business Outreach Center to open this week
A nonprofit organization, the Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI) is joining forces with Wright State University to create a center dedicated to helping veterans start businesses through training, mentorship, community and business loans. It will open on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at Wright State’s Veteran & Military Center.
Retail dreams turn to reality at Cleveland Corner Shop Collective
The Corner Shop Collective in Cleveland’s Larchmere neighborhood gives small business owners space to test their brick-and-mortar aspirations.
Small Business Solutions: ECDI’s Quick Loan Product
Everyday across the state of Ohio, entrepreneurs in all stages of business growth and development are in need of funding. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), 69 percent of small businesses utilized financing in 2016, while 31 percent were unable to secure necessary funding. For most small businesses, any influx of cash from an outside investor—or lack thereof—can make or break the business.
ECDI assists small businesses in getting started
ECDI provides funding for loans from $500 all the way up to $2 million.
ECDI Nears Opening of Food Fort 2.0
The Food Fort was established as an evolution of ECDI’s desire to be Ohio’s top supporter of small businesses in need. As an organization looking to provide opportunity to low-income and otherwise disadvantaged populations, we recognized both the enormous potential of food-driven entrepreneurs attempting to rise up in these areas and the substantial hurdles they faced in such a high-risk industry.
A Story of Resilience and Community Empowerment: Meet Carter’s BBQ
Located in the heart of Cleveland, Ohio, Carter’s BBQ stands as a symbol of American grit and the enduring spirit of small businesses. Featured in GoDaddy’s Made in America documentary series, the journey of Darren W. Carter and his wife Theresa Carter, the founders of Carter’s BBQ, embodies the values of inclusivity and opportunity that GoDaddy champions through its mission.
Angie Dingess, owner of AJ’s Mercantile
Ohio Couple Combines Passions through Launch of CDFI-Funded Gift and Tackle Shop