Resources
Entrepreneurs are strong and determined.
Add our network of business resources – and they're unstoppable.
Whether you're the head boss in charge of an established company or the driving force behind a new start-up, ECDI Women's Business Centers provide the resources you need to take your company – and yourself – to the next level.
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Explore resources below, based on your business phase or view a menu. A wide range of services are provided at no cost to any entrepreneur, while select services require WBC membership. Learn more:
Explore resources by business phase:
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Resources for the entire lifecycle of your business
One-on-One Counseling and Advising
If you need assistance with your business plan, want to learn about applying for a loan, need impartial business advice, or need help with a specific business area, the WBC staff and our network of business advisors are ready to help.
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Limited sessions are available for any entrepreneur. WBC members have the capability to schedule ongoing sessions.
Access to Small Business Loan Capital
Entrepreneurs can access a range of loan funds through the WBC and ECDI. You do not have to be an experienced borrower or have a top-tier credit score. We are dedicated to serving those entrepreneurs who generally are unsuccessful leveraging traditional lenders.
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Loan Preparation and Other Assistance for ECDI Clients
For entrepreneurs who are applying for a loan or who hold a loan with ECDI, the Women’s Business Centers provide entrepreneurial assistance and small business resources. From business planning, to one-on-one loan readiness counseling, to next-level workshops for established entrepreneurs, we are your go-to resource.
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Empower
Empower is a free program to equip you with the training and tools to amp up your online presence and connect with the right customers. The virtual, nine-week program is created by GoDaddy and facilitated by ECDI and the WBC, and can be self-guided with regular check-ins, or done with an instructor.
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Business Plan Development
You know your business inside and out. But knowing how to put it on paper can be a hurdle. We offer assistance – from consultation sessions to the 9-week DreamBuilder business plan development program – to help document your goals and develop a plan that gives you a greater chance of success and long-term sustainability.
Various Online and On-Demand Resources
For tech-savvy entrepreneurs who prefer to learn at their own pace or just need a template to help get their plans on paper, we offer a range of online resources, videos, templates and more. For safety during pandemic restrictions, classes and consultations are accessed online or by appointment.
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Workshops, Education and Training
Gain knowledge your business needs with entrepreneur training on a diverse range of topics including business basics, marketing, HR, financial, legal and more, delivered by real-world business owners and experienced professionals.
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Professional Advisory Network (PAN)
The PAN brings entrepreneurs together with seasoned pros who can help them reach the next level. The network includes business owners, Fortune 500 execs, and other brilliant minds who span a diverse range of business areas and provide specialized mentoring.
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Access to the PAN is a membership benefit of the WBCs.
ECDI Food Fort
ECDI Food Fort is an industrial-sized facility offering all the physical resources a restaurant or food-based business needs, along with training, services and access to capital.​ Whether you're just starting up, expanding your existing business or looking for a more cost-effective way to operate, Food Fort helps you reduce your costs and minimize your risk, over taking on the expense of your own facility.
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Learn more.
Digital Connect
This program is designed for business owners who were impacted by COVID and need to improve how they connect with customers online in our newly more-digital environment. You’ll learn how to maximize your website and social media presence and have access to resources to help you get it done.
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Minority Contractor Resource Center
This ECDI program enables growth for African American- and other minority-owned construction contracting businesses by eliminating barriers on the path to growth.
Assistance with Certifications
Certifications such as Women Business Enterprise (WBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity (EDGE) can open your business to more opportunities and bigger contracts. WBC hosts pre-certification workshops and can connect you with a local organization where you can be certified for no cost.
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Veteran LLC video library
From just getting started in the civilian business world, to being the commander of a company, the Veteran LLC | Leadership, Learning and Capital for Military Entrepreneurs video library walks you through the steps.
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Legal Advice Clinics and Other Business Area Programs
WBC offers direct access to professionals in specialized business areas, such as legal and HR.
Refugee Microenterprise Program
The Ohio Refugee Microenterprise Program helps refugee entrepreneurs gain financial independence through small business loans through ECDI, combined with business and financial coaching from the WBCs.
Visit ECDI’s site to learn more or inquire about a loan.
