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Happy Labor Day
Our office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 6 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. We wish everyone a safe and happy last official weekend of summer!
Congressman Andre Carson and Small Business Administration officials Visit BOI Clients
On Wednesday, August 18, BOI was host to Indiana Congressman Andre Carson and Small Business Administration (SBA) representatives, Marie Johns Deputy Administrator (Washington D.C.), Marianne Markowitz, Regional Administrator (Chicago) and Gail Gesell, Indiana District Director.
Congressman Carson and the SBA officials were interested in meeting and hearing from individuals now supporting themselves and their families through small business ownership. Congressman Carson noted “the economic recovery is dependent upon small businesses, especially women owned...” Deputy Administrator Johns shared, “two out of three jobs are created by small businesses. The fate of the economy rests on what we do for small businesses.”
Sharon O’Donoghue, BOI Executive Director, thanked Congressman Carson and the SBA representatives for their time in visiting Indianapolis women business owners and graciously acknowledged, “Our primary funders have been the SBA and the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana — who is committed to the empowerment and economic self-sufficiency of women. Without their on-going belief and conviction in these women here today — our programs and services would not be possible.”
BOI is Now on Facebook -- Come Find Us!
BOI is entering the social media age along with you, our clients, and would like to announce our new Facebook page. Become a virtual fan of BOI by adding us to your ‘like’ list and stay connected with us regarding upcoming events, special announcements, tips, and stories shared by other clients.
I AM BOI
The “I AM BOI” Fund supports comprehensive services that include workshops on small business planning, business and life skills coaching, micro-loan counseling and funds, and networking for success. “I AM BOI” proceeds will be used to encourage entrepreneurs — just like you — to utilize BOI’s many resources on their journey toward economic self-sufficiency.
When you donate to the “I AM BOI” Fund, you are ensuring our continued presence here in the community. How? Committed clients are the best demonstration of why BOI is a great investment. It’s like casting your vote to keep BOI in the Winners’ Circle! More than 6,500 individuals have already been helped — donate today and ensure our continued ability to help many more.
Donations by cash or check can be sent to:
Business Ownership Initiative of Indiana
Att: Kathryn Rietmann
4755 Kingsway Drive, Ste 314
Indianapolis, IN 46205
To donate by credit card, please contact Kathryn Rietmann, BOI, Information Manager at information@businessownership.org or (317) 917-3266 ext. 100.
Doing Business with the Federal Government
The Largest Consumer in the world is waiting for You! The federal government has a $4 trillion budget and contract spending of over $500 billion awarded to the private sector of 31 million businesses in the US (Census 2007). But only 600,000 businesses have registered to do business with the government and less than 1% of companies are actively winning government contracts.
BOI wants to change that and prepare small business owners to successfully register and sell to the federal government — a strong and stable source of revenue. Our one day workshop will help you understand all the details of four critical components: the Process, the Policy, the Customer and the Opportunities. At the end of this fast-paced 8 hours of interactive instruction, and armed with a complete three-ring binder of materials, you will be ready to get started! Remember: The average federal contract is worth $123,000 and every 8 minutes, a federal government contract is awarded. Why shouldn’t it be to YOU?
Registrations: $125 per person, includes breakfast, catered lunch, afternoon snacks and a complete binder of materials.
Early Bird Registration: $100 per person if you register by September 10, 2010. As a bonus, you will receive a customized tab added to your binder of specific Federal agencies tailored to your business product or services.
Two workshops will be held:
- Tilson Center, Greenwood, IN: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Hampton Inn, Carmel, IN: Thursday, September 23, 2010, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Call BOI today to register at (317) 916-8921 ext. 100 or by e-mail to information@businessownership.org.
Calling All Chefs, Caterers and Bakers!
Indy’s Kitchen is a new culinary venture in Indy that offers local chefs two fully equipped, commercially licensed kitchens for rent by the hour at 2442 Central Avenue. Linda Gilkerson, co-owner and manager of Indy’s Kitchen, says she expects her primary customers will be caterers and bakers who prepare food for resale to sell at farmers’ markets, for ex, or to prepare food baskets for holiday sale. The kitchens include one equipped for pastry and baking and another for catering. Storage shelves and rolling racks for dry storage and cooler or freezer space can also be rented. The kitchens can also be used for training kitchen staff and taste testing recipes. For more information, call (317) 690-9089 or go to www.indyskitchen.com.
Important Health Care Tax Credit Information for Small Businesses
Karen Mills, Administrator, US Small Business Administration, has written an open letter to small business owners across the United States explaining immediate benefits available to small businesses as part of the Affordable Care Act. The most immediate benefit you should know about is the tax credit to help you pay for up to 35 percent of your employee premiums starting this tax year. An estimated 4 million small businesses may qualify for these tax credits, totaling about $40 billion over the next 10 years. To learn more, click here.
Let Us Help!
We help people create and develop their own businesses by inspiring entrepreneurship and providing access to the information, training and resources needed to start—and be successful. Though our services are available to anyone, we are a unique resource to people who for various reasons may lack access to the business, legal, accounting and financial resources necessary to start or grow a business. BOI, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit organization, helps more than 2,000 clients annually throughout central Indiana. Think of BOI as your link to exploring, starting and growing a successful small business.
BOI offers:
• practical, hands-on workshops to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to run your business effectively
• one-to-one business counseling, for guidance along the way
• life-skills coaching, in case you get stuck
• access to capital, nontraditional loans, and other financial resources
Not sure whether you have what it takes to start a business? Looking for an idea for a business to start? Or, do you have an idea, but you’re not sure if it can be transformed into a viable business? We’re ready to help you explore your business opportunities.
Are you committed to your idea and ready to launch your business, but need help? We can help you develop the knowledge and skills that lead to a successful business launch. We’re prepared to help you launch your business.
Do you own an existing business that you would like to take to the next level? Or, have you identified business issues that threaten your business? Put BOI to the test. Our practical services to help sustain and grow your business may be just the support you need.
If you would like to learn more about BOI workshops and services or schedule a free confidential business counseling session, please call (317) 917-3266, ext. 100 to discuss your needs.
Because of our commitment to serve all Indiana residents, BOI makes every effort to provide its services free, at minimum cost, or based on family income. Purchase the BOI LEAP Card and save on workshop fees. Attend any three $10 workshops for $25, or any five for $40.
