Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI)

ECDI , 1655 Old Leonard Avenue, Columbus, OH  43219.   Phone:  614-559-0115.  ECDI wants to help in the establishment and sustaining of micro-businesses through a combination of business training, technical assistance, and capital.  ECDI's Microenterprise Loan Program provides loans up to $100,000 to new and existing businesses that do not qualify for conventional bank loans due to insufficient credit history, collateral, or business experience.  ECDI also arranges Individual Development Accounts (IDA's) for individuals who are working and who have a level of earned income that puts them at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.  On line applications can be made at the ECDI web-site.  On-line contact is through this link.  Those interested in ECDI can also phone them at the number listed above.