ECDI - Economic and Community Development Institute

Join us in welcoming Denene Ayres as our new Office Manager in Columbus! 🎉 With a background in office management, real estate research, and customer service, Denene is passionate about helping others achieve their personal and professional goals. We’re thrilled to have her on our team. If you’re in the Columbus office, be sure to say hello! Welcome, Denene! 🙌

Small business leaders and owners, this is an opportunity for you. The Federal Reserve has begun collecting responses to this year’s Small Business Credit Survey. As an official survey partner, we’re distributing the survey to for-profit businesses currently in operation, those recently closed, and those about to launch. By taking the survey, business owners and leaders contribute to data that directly informs the Fed, federal government agencies, service providers, policymakers, and others—a public good ultimately benefitting their business and other businesses like theirs. The survey closes November 1, 2024. We’re proud to help amplify the voices of US small businesses. You can help by taking the survey (or sharing it with others) today! https://bit.ly/3zjfQ3r

We’re excited to welcome Samuel Young to the ECDI team!🎉 Samuel joins us as a Relationship Manager I at our Columbus headquarters. He recently completed his degree in business management and, during his studies, successfully launched two small businesses. Welcome to ECDI, Samuel! 👏

Are you passionate about helping minority construction firms grow and succeed? Join us as the Minority Contractor Resource Center (MCRC) Director! You'll help emerging contractors grow their businesses through hands-on support, consultations, and industry education. Become an advocate for their success—apply today: ECDI.org/team 👉 Candidates must be located in the Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, or Dayton regions

Lilly Franchino is a Marietta College student who turned her sweet tooth into a successful business with the help of our Ignite Appalachia boot camp! After spotting a gap in the local market for soft-serve ice cream, Lilly joined our boot camp and developed her business plan for Swirled, a portable soft-serve ice cream cart. 🍦🎉 The ECDI Women's Business Center of Central Appalachia is proud to support aspiring entrepreneurs like Lilly! Want to learn more about her journey? Check out the full article: https://lnkd.in/gM6K6GJX

We're looking for a Small Business Lending Relationship Manager II for our Cincinnati office! 💼✨ In this role, you'll help counsel and provide solution support to small business owners and entrepreneurs who seek funding for small business projects. Your responsibilities will include: ✅ Sourcing new clients ✅ Managing existing client relationships ✅ Conducting outreach to create new lending opportunities ✅ Helping develop interest in ECDI’s lending programs If you're passionate about making a difference and supporting small businesses, apply today: ECDI.org/team

Welcome to John Sydnor, our new Chief Revenue Officer at the Columbus Office!🎉 With a diverse background in financial services, startups, advertising, and technology, John is dedicated to continuous learning and helping others thrive. In his role, he’ll create alignment across all ECDI teams to enhance our capacity to lend capital and maximize our ability to serve our constituents effectively. We’re thrilled to have him on board!

We’re just days away from In the Company of Women in Cleveland, Ohio! 🎉 We’re beyond excited to celebrate outstanding women entrepreneurs, including our Woman of the Year, Constance Hill-Johnson—a seasoned entrepreneur with an unwavering commitment to the community. This event is your chance to honor and support incredible women like Constance! Don’t miss out on this inspiring evening. Get your tickets today: https://lnkd.in/eAJtrjv2

This #WomensSmallBusinessMonth, we celebrate Gina Piunno, who turned a layoff into a thriving business! She launched Gina Piunno Financial & Protection, an Allstate Insurance Agency, with support from ECDI. Now, just three years in, her agency insures 850 households, and she aims to purchase another agency by the end of 2024! 🎉 Let’s empower women like Gina making waves in their industries! ✨Watch the video: https://lnkd.in/eBkiihuV ✨ Read the blog: https://lnkd.in/eJfvAtU6

This #WomensSmallBusinessMonth, we celebrate inspiring women entrepreneurs like Dr. Constance Peek-Longmire of Peek Institute Training! 💖 With support from ECDI, she transformed her business, exemplifying perseverance and growth. “I love what I do,” she shares—and we couldn’t agree more! Let's support women like Dr. Longmire who are making a difference every day! ➡️ Watch the spotlight video: https://lnkd.in/eNinZ5bS ➡️ Read more in the blog: https://lnkd.in/etSHtC6G