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    ECDI Makes its Mark on the Community

    Summertime is finally here. Warm weather brings more fun and happenings around the city. Columbus is blooming and events are booming!

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    ECDI marks its 15-year anniversary this summer and will celebrate the journeys of the diverse local businesses it has supported throughout the Columbus community over the years.

    Take a look at Old North Columbus. Some of your favorite spots and historic mainstays have been impacted by ECDI: Rambling House Soda, a fun, country bar featuring house-made soda and live music; Ace of Cups, a grungy, indoor-outdoor bar with live music, karaoke, concerts and more; Cousins Army Navy and Survival Supply, an outdoors and survival store celebrating its 50th anniversary this summer; and Old North Arcade, a trendy bar bridging the gap between gaming and going out.

    Columbus has a lively food truck industry, and ECDI helps support many local favorites. The Food Fort, ECDI’s kitchen incubator, provides the preparatory, storage, and training space for dozens of food trucks in Columbus. Among them are Pitabilities, Ajumama, Barrolucco and Nate’s Steamed Bagels.

    The Columbus Commons in the heart of Downtown Columbus brings in some of the best food trucks in the city for “Food Truck Food Court” every Thursday for lunch (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.), with Pitabilities being one of the mainstays. You can find Ajumama and Barrolucco as featured trucks during the months of June and July, respectively.

    Ajumama is a newer client with the Food Fort, specializing in Korean-style street food. Their founder Laura Lee is “excited to be back in the Commons” and encourages people to “try the award-winning Bulgogi Cheezesteak and other summer specials.”

    Additionally, as part of a new breakfast initiative called Wake Up with the Commons, Nate’s Steamed Bagels will be available Tuesdays in June.

    “Our team is really excited to partner with the great folks at the Columbus Commons to serve breakfast on Tuesdays in June,” said Founder Nate Schott. “This is a unique opportunity for our community to gather together in an iconic city hub to start our days, and we’re honored to be a part of the occasion.”

    ECDI does more than support the small businesses of Columbus. ECDI is a community partner for the fourth annual All Disabilities Fest (ADF), hosted by Unlimited Possibilities for All Disabilities (UPFAD) on Sunday, July 28 at Genoa Park. The festival will focus on sharing the talents, skills and competencies of individuals with disabilities through a fun, all-day event that includes a Disabilities Walk, activities for children, live music, and local food vendors.

    “Incredible organizations such as ECDI, their amazing staff and great support system has made it possible for me to continue to be a community leader,” said UPFAD Founder Nicole Carter.

    Whether you know it or not, ECDI has large influence on the businesses and community of Columbus, helping to sustain mainstays and support newcomers.

    Learn more about the ways ECDI supports businesses at ecdi.org.

    This mutli-part sponsored series highlighting ECDI’s work in Columbus is presented with paid support by ECDI.

    Since 2004, ECDI has assisted Ohio’s entrepreneurs through its 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 unique needs. Whether assisting a new client with a business concept or an accomplished entrepreneur opening a fifth location, ECDI’s “never say no” approach has allowed over twelve thousand entrepreneurs to take advantage of the services it provides. Visit ecdi.org today to learn more.

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