ECDI

From Client to Coach: How Linda Peavy Built a $1M+ Grant Writing Business Linda Peavy, founder of LiPav Consulting, shares her journey from e...

Donerik Black, Director Contractor Resource Center ECDI | Panel Discussion #1 + Hidden Bid Costs

Donerik Black wears two hats at C2C. He's on the panel unpacking what lenders and primes need to see in your numbers. And he's leading a breakout on the hidden costs that quietly erase profit: insurance, bonding, compliance, and admin time. If you've ever wondered where profit goes, Donerik has answers. 📋

💼 Thinking about starting or growing your business in Northern Kentucky?

Don’t miss this free Small Business Resource Fair with ECDI in Covington packed with workshops, networking, and real tools to help entrepreneurs succeed! 🚀📊

Stay tuned for all the details https://www.everythingcincy.com/articles/other/small-business-resource-fair-northern-kentucky-free-networking-growth-opportunities-in-covington

🚨 Now accepting applications for $10,000 small business grants!

Through our partnership with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, you can access free online courses to help grow your business and unlock eligibility to apply for funding.

Here’s how it works:
✔ Create your free account
✔ Complete any two eligible courses or events by December 7, 2026
✔ Unlock and submit your grant application

Even if you’re not selected, you’ll still gain valuable tools in marketing, social media, finances, and more.

Get started today ➜ digitalready.verizonwireless.com/partner-awbc-central-appalachia

We’re incredibly grateful to Flagstar Bank for their support of ECDI’s mission to expand access to capital across Northern Ohio. 💙

Through a $50,000 investment in our loan fund, we are helping more small business owners access flexible financing, along with the guidance, technical assistance, and connections they need to grow and succeed. In partnership with the WBC of Northern Ohio, we’re working to ensure more low- to moderate-income entrepreneurs have the resources to build sustainable businesses.

Thank you, Flagstar, for believing in our entrepreneurs and investing in stronger small businesses and communities across our region.

🎉 Big News! 🎉

Thanks to the generous support of Citizens Bank, ECDI and the Women's Business Centers of Ohio (Northern Ohio) are continuing to expand resources for underserved entrepreneurs across the Cleveland MSA and Northern Ohio.

Through this partnership, we’re providing business coaching, financial education, training, and access to capital to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and thrive.

Thank you, Citizens Bank, for being an incredible partner in strengthening our communities! 🙌

Most small business owners think offering employee benefits is all-or-nothing—either full health insurance or nothing at all.
But that’s not the whole picture.

Join us this Tuesday for a practical, no-pressure conversation on what’s actually possible: Employee Benefit Options for Small Businesses

📅 June 9
🕚 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
💻 Online

You’ll learn:
• What supplemental benefits really are (and how they differ from health insurance)
• How they can support your team when life happens
• Whether they make sense for your business and budget

Led by Melanie Porter, who brings real-world insight from both the legal world and small business ownership—she understands the balancing act because she’s lived it.

If you’ve been wanting to do more for your employees but weren’t sure where to start, this is a great place to begin.

👉 Save your spot: https://monkeylink.co/e3de73

Thinking about starting a food business or in your first year? Our partners at Findlay Market are offering Food Business Foundations, a hands-on 6-week program designed to help you turn your idea into a solid business.

You’ll gain:
✅ A draft business plan
✅ Real-world guidance on marketing, pricing, and finances
✅ Connections with local experts + fellow entrepreneurs
✅ Free logo review + professional headshots

🗓 June 16 – July 21 (Tuesdays, 6–8 PM)
📍 Findlay Market | Cincinnati

💸 Use code FMPartner for 20% off registration

🔗 Sign up:

Food Business Foundations | 2026 Summer Cohort Kickstart your business journey today!

Struggling to keep your construction business finances on track? 🏗️💸

Join our upcoming virtual workshop: Building Strong Business Finances for Residential Contractors

📅 Monday, June 8
⏰ 12 PM – 2 PM
💻 Online Event

Learn how to:
✅ Improve cash flow and profitability
✅ Understand your financial statements
✅ Set up effective bookkeeping systems
✅ Price jobs accurately and manage expenses
✅ Use tools to simplify your accounting

Featuring Emarald Sparks, award-winning finance expert and bestselling author, who will share practical strategies to help you take control of your money and grow a sustainable business.

Stop guessing where your money is going and start building a stronger financial foundation.

👉 Register now: https://monkeylink.co/2214e3

Building Strong Business Finances for Residential Contractors Learn the financial fundamentals every small business owner needs, from cash flow management to recordkeeping and capital readiness.