The EFDC has been an invaluable resource to me as a business owner. As a new business owner with little experience, I have been fortunate enough to have access to guidance and resources that have allowed my business to survive.

This last year has been full of challenges that could have put us out of business, from a break in, to a street closure, and several utility service interruptions. The EFDC has been there every time to help us find stabilization funding, quick solutions, contact information for people who could help, and ways to reach out to customers to keep them coming through our doors. There have been times when the support that was needed was the opportunity to vent and have a shoulder to cry on, and I can say that we have had access to that too.

Beyond this, the EFDC has also provided plentiful opportunities to connect with neighboring businesses, allowing us to trade ideas and resources that continue to foster camaraderie and community. These opportunities and relationships have given life to other projects whose goals are to bring improvements to our neighborhood, therefore making the EFDC an anchor for both commerce and community development.