Center Helps Entrepreneurs Get Going and Growing
Published Feb 11, 2009
Successful entrepreneurship depends on more than a gut feeling. A solid business plan, sound advice and access to capital are crucial.
The Southwestern Indiana Small Business Development Center, hosted by The Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana, provides current and aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources they need to turn their ambition into a thriving small business.
“Growing a small business is not easy,” says Kim Howard, regional director for the Southwestern Indiana SBDC. “We have some unique tools here that can really help the small business owner.”
Staff members provide one-on-one counseling and assist in writing business plans, performing marketing research and seeking grant and loan dollars. The center also holds workshops on topics such as human resources and entrepreneurship basics.
During confidential one-on-one counseling sessions, which Howard says are the backbone of the program, specialists work both to set businesses on the right track and to make sure people don’t get in over their heads.
In 2007, representatives from the center met with about 225 potential small business owners. Out of those efforts, 20 businesses began operating and the clients they worked with generated $6 million in investment in the Southwest Indiana economy.
“Small businesses are the engine of growth for our economy. They are the ones that are creating jobs,” Howard says. “It’s critical that we provide resources for existing small businesses as well as for people who are starting a business.”
Story by Michaela Jackson
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