ECDI

Please join us in welcoming Andrew (Drew) Schwartz to ECDI as our new Manager of Strategic Events & Partnerships! 🎉

Drew brings more than 35 years of experience spanning event management, project management, business operations, and strategic partnerships. His background includes developing and executing large-scale event programming, securing sponsorships, and building media partnerships that drive engagement and community impact.

At ECDI, Drew will focus on strengthening and expanding the relationships that support our events, including partnerships with sponsors, venues, and media organizations throughout the region. His expertise will play an important role in helping ECDI create meaningful experiences that further our mission of supporting entrepreneurs.

We are excited to welcome Drew to the team and look forward to the impact he will make.

Welcome to ECDI, Drew! 👏

Starting a business doesn't mean you have to do it alone.💡

ECDI's Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) of Greater Dayton provides free, one-on-one business coaching for entrepreneurs across Champaign, Clark, Greene, Logan, Miami, Montgomery, and Shelby counties.

Whether you're still refining an idea or building momentum in your first few years of business, MBAC can help you:
✅ Build a business plan
✅ Strengthen your finances
✅ Improve your marketing
✅ Develop operational strategies
✅ Connect to funding and business resources
✅ Access workshops, networking opportunities, and additional ECDI programs

As your business grows, we'll help connect you to the right resources, including ECDI lending, certification support, and specialized entrepreneurial programs.

🚀 Ready to get started?

🔗 Learn more: ECDI.org/mbac
📧 Questions? [email protected]

Just a few days left to join us at Swing Into Success! ⛳

We're looking forward to bringing together entrepreneurs, business owners, community leaders, and partners from across Greater Cincinnati for an evening of connections, conversation, food, drinks, and Topgolf.

Whether you're coming to expand your network, catch up with familiar faces, or simply enjoy a fun night out, we'd love to see you there.

⭐ No golf experience required.

📅 September 28 | 5:30-8:30 PM
📍 Topgolf West Chester
🎟️ Tickets are just $30

⛳ Limited spots remain. Register today: https://monkeylink.co/eafeeb

Congratulations to Myron Sanderfer, ECDI's September Employee of the Month! 🎉

Myron was recognized for exemplifying our core value of Integrity through his commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and dedication to serving both ECDI and the entrepreneurs we support.

As a Portfolio Analyst in Columbus, Myron plays an important role in helping ECDI be a responsible steward of resources while ensuring we continue to support entrepreneurs and strengthen communities. His thoughtful approach, professionalism, and commitment to doing the right thing make him a trusted member of the ECDI team.

Whether managing data, supporting lending operations, or helping ensure our processes remain accurate and effective, Myron consistently demonstrates the honesty, transparency, and accountability that define ECDI's values.

Congratulations, Myron, on this well-deserved recognition! Thank you for your dedication to ECDI's mission and for the impact you make every day. 👏

Help us congratulate Myron in the comments below! 🎉

Last week, we joined the excitement of Launch Dayton Startup Week! 🚀

Our team had the opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs, resource partners, and community leaders dedicated to helping businesses grow and succeed. We were also proud to participate in conversations about navigating the entrepreneurial ecosystem and access to capital.

Thank you to everyone who helped make it such a great week for Dayton's entrepreneurial community!

Sometimes entrepreneurship starts with a simple question:
"There has to be a better way."

For siblings Evody and Michee Tshimanga, that question led to Phera.

Inspired by their family's experiences and the natural cleaning practices they grew up with, they set out to create cleaning products that are effective, beautiful, refillable, and better for the home and environment.

Today, we're thrilled to celebrate a huge milestone in their journey: Phera's Shopify store is officially live! 🎉

Launching a product is one thing. Launching an e-commerce business takes vision, persistence, and a whole lot of courage.

Join us in congratulating the Phera team and supporting their next chapter by checking out their new online store.

🌿 Shop Phera: wearephera.com

Congratulations, Evody and Michee. We're so proud of all you've accomplished and excited for what's ahead. 💚

Some businesses start with a business plan. Others start with a family story. ✨

For Gabriela Loayza, owner of Loayza Elegant Jewelry , that story began with her grandmother, who inspired her love of jewelry-making and introduced her to the artistry behind each piece.

Today, Gabriela creates custom sterling silver jewelry that celebrates personal stories while honoring her Peruvian heritage. Using ethically sourced materials from Mexico and Peru, each design blends craftsmanship, culture, and meaning into something truly unique.

With support from ECDI's first business loan and programs like MORTAR and Power Circle, Gabriela has continued to grow her business and expand her workshop, investing in new equipment that allows her creations to reach even more customers.

What makes her most proud? Building meaningful relationships with customers and creating pieces that help celebrate their stories, milestones, and traditions.

💎 Looking for a meaningful piece for yourself or a loved one? Follow Loayza Elegant Jewelry and explore Gabriela's collection at www.loayzaelegantjewelry.com

Great news! 🎉 Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, tickets for Swing Into Success are now just $30.

We're grateful to the businesses and individuals helping us bring together entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders from across Greater Cincinnati for an evening of networking, conversation, and fun at Topgolf.

A special thank you to our sponsors:
🏆 Hole-in-One Sponsors: AJL Group Roofing & Sheet Metal | Inna Kinney
⛳ Tee Time Sponsors: William E. Hesch CPAs | First Commonwealth Bank

Whether you're hoping to make new connections, catch up with familiar faces, explore new opportunities, or simply enjoy a fun night out with Cincinnati's business community, we'd love to see you there.

📅 September 28
📍 Topgolf West Chester
🎟️ Tickets are now just $30

👉 Register here: https://monkeylink.co/eafeeb