Economic and community development institute, INC. (cincinnati)

The Economic and Community Development Institute, Inc. (ECDI) received a $150,000 Project Grant from the Small Business Administration's Office of Entrepreneurial Development under the Women's Business Ownership Assistance program (CFDA 59.043) on September 30, 2025, with a completion date of September 29, 2026. This award supports ECDI's Women's Business Center (WBC) operations in Ohio, providing comprehensive entrepreneurship training and technical assistance services to women entrepreneurs. As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and experienced SBA grantee, ECDI delivers business development services encompassing finance, management, marketing, procurement readiness, and related technical areas to women business owners who are starting or expanding ventures, with particular emphasis on socially and economically disadvantaged populations.

ECDI's WBC activities under this funding include direct client support services such as business counseling, financial literacy education, and business training; market assessment and planning assistance; and collaboration with SBA and community partners to enhance service delivery. The organization maintains detailed client activity records documenting the nature and variety of services provided to ensure program accountability and economic impact measurement throughout the performance period. This award reflects ECDI's demonstrated capacity in managing federal grant funding and delivering sustainable entrepreneurship development services to underserved women business owners across the regional service area.