Resources

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.

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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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 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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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.
 
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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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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.

See schedule of upcoming classes.

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.

Grow your food and beverage business in a supportive environment. Our offerings include one-on-one advisory consulting, business model scaling, liaising with regulatory agencies, industry certification courses, and procurement opportunities. 

For those in Columbus, our Food Fort commissary kitchen offers an industrial-sized facility with all the physical resources needed to launch or grow your food business. 
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This ECDI program enables growth for African American- and other minority-owned construction contracting businesses by eliminating barriers on the path to growth.
 
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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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Located at Wright State University’s Veteran & Military Center, the ECDI Veterans Business Outreach Center of Ohio (VBOC) is a dedicated resource for service members, veterans, and military spouses looking to start or grow a business. Our team will help you navigate SBA programs, government contract opportunities, and other resources to support your business journey—whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just getting started.

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WBC offers direct access to professionals in specialized business areas, such as legal and HR.
 
View events calendar.

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.

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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