Other Business Funding Resources
In addition to equity investors, you might qualify for assistance from one or more of the following, depending upon the specifics of your business and your project.
Community Development Corporation of Northeast Indiana
Loans for small business growth, generally for businesses that do not have enough of a down payment to qualify for bank financing.
21st Century Research & Technology Fund
Competitive grant program for industry-university collaborative research projects.
Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer Grants
Federal research grants for your small business.
Entrepreneurial Support
Information can be as important as money to an entrepreneur. Here are some resources to help you develop your business.
Small Business University
Thanks to a partnership of the Indiana Department of Commerce and the Indiana Venture Center, Hoosier entrepreneurs can access this extremely helpful website for free. On-line mini-courses on a variety of small business topics such as how to do market research in the real world, and Accounting 101, are offered.
"Starting a Business: Permits, Licenses and Taxes"
A helpful guide about what types of permits, etc., you might need to start a business. Although it is targeted to Fort Wayne/Allen County, most of the information is useful anywhere in Indiana.
Economic Development/Business Assistance Links
This is a very extensive list, easily accessible, of websites that may be helpful. Thanks to Michele Yamanaka of the City of Fort Wayne's Division of Community Development, for her work creating, cataloging and maintaining this list.
Northeast Indiana Innovation Center
The Innovation Center is a business incubator, created to accelerate the development of technology-focused businesses in Northeast Indiana.
Indiana Venture Center
Indiana Venture Center provides informational resources to help develop high growth businesses in Indiana.
Northeast Indiana Small Business Development Center
The SBDC is part of a national network, primarily focused on helping existing businesses grow.
Women's Enterprise
This is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) women's business center located in Fort Wayne. Women's Enterprise provides counseling for both women and men who want to start or grow their own businesses.
Indiana University - Purdue University School of Business & Management Sciences
IPFW hosts the SBDC and also has several programs to help businesses including internships and partnering MBA classes with businesses to help solve problems.
SCORE
SCORE volunteers are experienced businesspeople who provide free business counseling and mentoring under the auspices of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
University of St. Francis Family Business Center
Family-owned businesses are very rewarding but can also present unique challenges. The Family Business Center provides information and networking to help you navigate.
Northeast Indiana Economic Development Contacts
Adams County Economic Development Corporation
DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation
Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance
Huntington County Chamber of Commerce
Kendallville Chamber of Commerce
LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce
Steuben County Economic Development Corporation
Wabash Area Chamber of Commerce
Warsaw-Kosciusko County
Wells County Chamber of Commerce
Whitley County Economic Development Corporation
Northeast Indiana Workforce Board
Indiana Economic Development Corporation
State of Indiana Department of Workforce Development
Regional Marketing Partnership
Region 3-A: Economic Development District & Regional Planning Commission
Trade Associations
The purpose of these groups is to support and develop Hoosier businesses in their focus area.
Indiana Health Industry Forum
Includes all sectors of the health industry, from medical device to hospitals/healthcare.
Techpoint
Includes all technology developers, from IT to advanced manufacturing.
