June 2018
In This Edition: 
Upcoming Training
Concept Lab
Capital for Construction: MBE Mobilization Loans
Women's Business Center
Launch Box
Thursday, Jun 21 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

You've had that "aha!" moment, and you think you've got a great business idea - what's next? Join ECDI for a three part Concept Lab class to develop that spark into a workable business model.
 
Class 1: Business Model Canvas (6/21)
In this class you'll learn how to use this one page template to organize your idea, from customer to logistics to financing.
 
Class 2: Market Research (6/28)
Our second class will introduce you to basic research concepts and tools to find out if there is a market for your business idea.
 
Class 3: Bringing it all Together (7/5)
Using knowledge from classes 1 and 2, you'll update your idea and leave this series with a workable business model.
 
Once you have registered we will send you an invitation to the online course materials.

Price: $50 for the public. 

WBC members, contact  training@ecdi.org  to receive your Promocode and save $20!
ECDI hosts their Capital for Construction MBE course:
Insurance Requirements for Construction Contractors
Presenter:
Sandra Moody Gresham, Principal
Dehan Enterprises Insurance & Financial Services

Ever wanted to better understand what your insurance policy does and how it protects you, your employees, your customers and the project owners? In this session, we’ll explore the most common types of business insurance required for contractors. You will gain knowledge on what’s covered by general liability and umbrella policies, how to protect your business property and equipment and the significance of additional insureds on your policy. Information will also be shared on important endorsements often required by owners including, waiver of subrogation clauses, primary and non-contributory endorsements and certificate language.  

Wednesday, June 13th at 11:30AM
Capital for Construction MBE Mobilization Loan Packaging Class
Thursday, June 14
12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Are you in the process (or interested in the process) of applying for a loan through ECDI's Capital for Construction program?

Need assistance in preparing your loan package? We're here to help! 

Join Jesse Mark, MBE Program Manager, for this informative and hands-on training where he will take you through the process, answer your questions, and review all required documents. 
Women's Business Center of Ohio
The Women's Business Center of Ohio provides women entrepreneurs the tools and resources necessary to build a successful, sustainable business. 

Have you joined?
Click here  to learn the benefits of membership!
Dear Columbus WBC Members,

As you may know, Ellen Harvey has left her position as WBC Director to continue her career path at the Minority Business Assistance Center, a program of Columbus Urban League. We are sad to see her go, but happy to have had the chance to work with such a dynamic woman. Under her five years of guidance, the WBC grew from an idea and a grant proposal to a fully functioning SBA-funded program. Above all else, Ellen knew business – and she knew how to make it thrive! By bringing in additional tools and resources, like DreamBuilder, Project Reimagine, and VGATE, Ellen had the talent to fill in gaps quickly and effectively. Ellen was happy to share these talents to help others start and grow their businesses.

Ellen, thank you for your hard work in supporting women entrepreneurs, and we wish the best of luck in your new position.

Stepping into the position of WBC Director is Ramona Mills , an energetic powerhouse of talent. Ramona is an entrepreneur in practice and at heart, having run a successful real estate company for 7 years. She joins the Women’s Business Center with over 20 years’ experience in leadership, project management, marketing, and communications. A recent move from Atlanta has Ramona eager for new connections and experiences, and she looks forward to members reaching out and getting connected. In her spare time, Ramona enjoys reading, listening to various genres of music, physical fitness, pleasing her palate, creating memorable experiences, empowering open minds, and living life to the fullest.

Welcome to the WBC, Ramona, and we look forward to your strategic leadership.

Sincerely,
The WBC Team
 
What do you need to make your business an official business?

Come join us for "Launch Box" - where you'll learn how to make your business the real deal. This is a workshop format, so attendees will be participating in hands-on activities, such as registering your business name with the Secretary of State, choosing a legal entity status, etc. If you've got a business idea, but don't know where to start, this is the class for you!

Price: $100.00

This $100 fee covers not only the content and materials of the class, it also provides you a year-long membership to the Women's Business Center - what a deal!

(Already a WBC Member? Contact us for your promocode and get this class at half price!)

Tuesday, June 26th at 5:30 PM

Since 2004, ECDI has assisted Ohio’s entrepreneurs through their one-stop-shop business services model, suited to meet the needs of all entrepreneurs, regardless of what business stage they’re in. From providing capital to entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses, to providing focused, business-specific educational opportunities to enhance entrepreneurial skill sets, ECDI works with their clients to meet their specific needs. Whether you merely have a business idea or are opening up your fifth location, ECDI’s “never say no” approach has allowed over ten thousand entrepreneurs to take advantage of the services they provide. Visit  www.ecdi.org  today to learn more.  
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.

The WBC is "funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration."
ECDI | 1655 Old Leonard Ave., Columbus, OH 43219 | (614) 559-0115 | www.ecdi.org