Organization · Grant Maker
ECDI - Economic and Community Development Institute
The Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI) is a nonprofit organization based in Columbus, Ohio, focused on supporting underserved entrepreneurs and small businesses through access to funding and business incubation services.
Overview
What ECDI - Economic and Community Development Institute does
What ECDI - Economic and Community Development Institute is
The Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI) is a nonprofit organization based in Columbus, Ohio, focused on supporting underserved entrepreneurs and small businesses through access to funding and business incubation services.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports funder and community capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Grant Maker
- Founded
- Founded in 2004
- Approximate age
- About 22 years
- Structured capabilities
- Funder · Community
- Last reviewed
- March 16, 2026
Official channels
Find ECDI - Economic and Community Development Institute elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
ECDI - Economic and Community Development Institute as a funder
Investment thesis
ECDI is dedicated to fostering economic growth by supporting small businesses through accessible funding and comprehensive business services.
Focus narrative
ECDI focuses on supporting small businesses through responsible and affordable lending, training, and mentoring. They are a leading SBA microloan intermediary and a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Their services include small business loans, business training, and specialized support for various sectors, including food and beverage, construction, and veteran-owned businesses.
Value beyond capital
ECDI provides small businesses with access to capital, training, and resources tailored to their specific needs, helping them to grow and succeed in their respective markets.
Terms and economics
- Typical check
- $10,000–$400,000
Focus and fit
- Regions
- IndiaUnited States
Availability
- Currently deploying
- Yes
Portfolio and track record
- Recorded portfolio count
- 36,000
Portfolio context
ECDI has assisted over 36,000 entrepreneurs and disbursed more than $205 million through 8,700 loans, contributing to the creation and retention of over 48,000 jobs.
Capability profile
ECDI - Economic and Community Development Institute as a community
Community overview
The Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2004 and based in Columbus, Ohio. ECDI serves small businesses across Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Indiana, providing access to funding and business incubation services.
Community focus
ECDI focuses on supporting small businesses through responsible and affordable lending, training, and mentoring. They are a leading SBA microloan intermediary and a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Their services include small business loans, business training, and specialized support for various sectors, including food and beverage, construction, and veteran-owned businesses.
Member value
Members benefit from access to funding, business training, and specialized support tailored to their needs, including resources for food and beverage businesses and assistance for veteran entrepreneurs.
Membership
- Recorded members
- 36,000
- Pricing models
- free
Format and cadence
- Modality
- in-person
- Schedule
- rolling-admissions
- Commitment
- light
Availability
- Membership state
- Accepting
Audience and fit
- Audience
- Founders · Operators
- Benefits
- mentorship and network-access
- Program types
- community
- Selection criteria
- open
- Sectors
- Food & Agriculture
- Regions
- United States
Community activity
Events and activity
ECDI organizes resource fairs in various cities, including Toledo, Akron, and Columbus, to connect small business owners with local resources and support services.
Notable members
Inna Kinney, Founder and Chief Executive Officer; Steve Fireman, President and General Counsel; Jeffrey Bailey, Board Member; Tara Campbell, Board Member; Todd Fulton, Board Member; Matthew Glover, Board Member; John Hrusovsky, II, Board Member; Pamela Foster, Board Member.
Common questions
What to know about ECDI - Economic and Community Development Institute
Upseed classifies ECDI - Economic and Community Development Institute under the Grant Maker organization type. Its current public profile includes funder and community capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
March 16, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.