West Central Indiana Small Business Development Center

01/06/2026

Starting a business doesn’t have to be something you figure out alone.

The On-Ramp Cohort is a 6-month guided program designed for early-stage entrepreneurs who want structure, clarity, and support as they get started.

Participants move through the process together - learning, building, and taking meaningful steps forward with guidance from the West Central ISBDC.

Applications opening soon. Fill out the interest form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeg_LOEvGmka8Wjjgrfhr_2CxJXSwa-fn0Wnap_-GMefXNiBQ/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawPKUOZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFCYndXd21wRmpzdDBaVUVac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiMM23h1LB9VHuwof9goO6F8m6CpNs_MXG6tqyUSxmlsW8DGSsLU6YGpSgSO_aem_t7Hlo7q_CzHqjT3MhFMD4A

12/31/2025

This new business has only been open a few months and already getting some great press! Congratulations to Reel Clean Canines for this feature!

😊👏👏👏

Boston had a bath yesterday and his nails done by for his appearance today on Good Day Live on WTWO TV at 11:00!

12/23/2025

Our office will be closed for the holidays and will reopen on January 5.

We wish everyone a happy holiday season and look forward to seeing you in 2026.
Thank you for a great year.

12/23/2025

Every January, someone thinks: “This might finally be the year I start my business.”
The On-Ramp Cohort is a 6-month, hands-on program through the ISBDC designed to help you move from idea → real action → early revenue. No hype. No pressure to scale fast. Just a clear, practical way to start.

📝 Applications open early January. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeg_LOEvGmka8Wjjgrfhr_2CxJXSwa-fn0Wnap_-GMefXNiBQ/viewform?usp=header

12/19/2025

In partnership with Amazon Web Services , we’re excited to announce an AI Pitch Competition spotlighting some of the most promising AI ideas and projects from across our community.

Have an AI-driven idea, prototype, or project? This is your opportunity to pitch in front of judges, peers, and industry leaders - with up to $50,000 in funding available to help bring your idea to life.

Apply to pitch: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=ZB4my-Oq8EiYrMYqKQMc-e_LMto5MWVBjoKHB3shd1dUNEVSTDgxQklNNEY2T1I5R1lNM1RVM1JPNS4u&route=shorturl

12/08/2025

AI isn’t coming to your business…it’s already in your business. Your team is using ChatGPT, Canva AI, phone assistants—sometimes brilliantly, sometimes recklessly, and often without a roadmap.

That’s where I step in. I’m now offering AI & Technology Policy Reviews to help you figure out what tools your team is using, where the risks are, and how to put simple, practical guardrails in place. No jargon. No fearmongering. Just clear policies that help your people use AI safely, securely, and actually make their jobs easier.

If you’re ready to get ahead of the chaos and build something sustainable, this no-cost service is available to small businesses across West Central Indiana.

Start the process here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhGPO-3HRDCRH6Hl6XgdhNx3DZL8yI5wYjXouZb6GdLSLrtQ/viewform?usp=header

12/04/2025

Struggling to clarify your business story or pricing? Our Business Advisor, Heather, offers no-cost reviews to help small business owners simplify their messaging, strengthen their pitch, and improve the value of their offers.
Clear communication leads to confident customers - and we’re here to support Indiana entrepreneurs at every stage.✔️

Fill out the form to get started: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhGPO-3HRDCRH6Hl6XgdhNx3DZL8yI5wYjXouZb6GdLSLrtQ/viewform

12/04/2025

Your website is often the first impression your business makes - let’s make sure it’s a strong one. Our Business Advisor, Olivia, offers Website Audits designed to improve clarity, SEO, design, and user experience.
If your website isn’t performing how you want, we can help you get it there. This no-cost service is available to small business owners across West Central Indiana.

Fill out the form to get started 📲 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhGPO-3HRDCRH6Hl6XgdhNx3DZL8yI5wYjXouZb6GdLSLrtQ/viewform

12/04/2025

Today we’re highlighting one of the sweetest parts of our local economy: our amazing cookie creators!

🍪 Fun Fact:
Before bakeries were storefronts, many were community ovens where neighbors brought dough to bake together - the original “shop local.” 🧡

Small food businesses from cottage-food home bakers to brick-and-mortar bakeries play a HUGE role in community vibrancy. When you order cookies locally, you’re supporting:
• Local jobs
• Local families
• Local ingredients
• Local entrepreneurship
• Local dreams

Share your favorite local cookie makers in the comments so we can celebrate them today!

12/03/2025

>> We love to share small businesses that can provide services that you need! If you're looking for a great dog groomer, Reel Clean Canines recently opened and would love to have you check them out and give them a follow!

📢 Calling All Dog People! 📢
I heard if you like the page, share this post, and invite a friend, your dog automatically becomes 72% fluffier and 100% cuter.
Science. Don’t question it. 🐕✨
Thanks for supporting my little grooming business!
📱 On your phone:
1️⃣ Go to the Reel Clean Canines page
2️⃣ Tap the ••• button (top right)
3️⃣ Tap “Invite Friends”
4️⃣ Select your friends
5️⃣ Hit Send Invites 🎉
💻 On a computer:
1️⃣ Open the Reel Clean Canines page
2️⃣ On the right side, find “Invite Friends”
3️⃣ Choose who you want to invite
4️⃣ Click Send Invites 🐶✨
Every invite helps my little grooming business reach more dog-loving people.
Thank you SO much for the support! 💛✂️🐾

11/29/2025

We’re out here at The Meadows helping promote small businesses at the vendor fair for the holiday season! It’s Small Business Saturday: get out there and help support your favorite small business and find some new ones!

11/28/2025

🏪 ❤ 🎁🍪
We're always happy to share the news of a new small business opening, and today Ghoulie Pops is hosting their inaugural event at the Bridgeton Country Christmas! Shelbie will be selling Christmas cake pops and cookies on Nov. 28, 29, 30 and Dec. 6 & 7, 10 am - 5 pm, in the Waterfall View barn by the mill. Pick up some sweet treats and support all the other local small businesses at this event in Parke County! 💚👻

https://www.facebook.com/events/813691467762307/813691491095638/