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Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of SBA.

Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact our Information Manager,  4755 Kingsway Dr., Suite 314, Indianapolis, IN 46205-1549, 317-917-3266, ext. 100.

IBJ Selects BOI’s O’Donoghue as One of its 2008 Influential Women

The Indianapolis Business Journal recently announced its list of 19 Influential Women for 2008. The Business Ownership Initiative is proud to note that its Executive Director, Sharon O’Donoghue, was among the women named.

“No matter their field, background or personal challenges they have faced, there’s one common thread among the women,” said IBJ Publisher Chris Katterjohn. “They all worked hard to get to where they are today. They have also extended their influence beyond their own jobs, to become opinion leaders in their industry and the community at large.” For more information, click here.

Reminder:

Please R.S.V.P. for the Networking event on Friday, Nov. 21, 2008 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. See you there!

Credit Crunch?

The Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce will present a Credit Solutions Symposium, to connect local businesses with local banking leaders on Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. For more information, click here.

Small Business Loans Available for Existing Business Owners —
Free Information Session November 13

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) introduced a new loan guaranty program for credit-worthy small business borrowers. This program is called Small / Rural Lender Advantage. This program has streamlined applications and processing time by permitting Small Rural lenders to use reduced paperwork and a special credit scoring model. These loans are currently available from smaller community banks and credit unions doing a smaller volume of loans.

BOI will host a broadcast of the Information Session of this new SBA program from 9:30–11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 13 at its offices. The program includes:

  • Details about Small or Rural business loans
  • Eligibility
  • How the money can be used
  • How to apply for the loan

Due to the broadcast start time no one will be admitted after 10:00 a.m. Registration is required. To register, please contact Bob at  information@businessownership.org or (317) 917-3266, ext. 100.

Did You Know? Main Street Institute Offers Business Training Opportunities

Main Street Institute is a quarterly series of seminars for business owners sponsored by the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce and Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. Upcoming workshops include Get on Top of Your Bottom Line: Finding Funds for Your Business on Oct. 24, and Taxes and Finances: Strategies That Will Save You Money on Nov. 14.  See www.mainstreetinstitute.com for more information.

BOI Featured on ArtsWORK Indiana Web Site

Check out BOI Executive Director Sharon O’Donoghue on the ArtsWORK Indiana Web site as she explains how BOI can help working artists manage the business aspects of their arts careers. To see the four-part presentation, click here.

Tips From Referral Strategist Hazel Walker

Using referral marketing to build your business makes sense. Doing it correctly can mean the difference between frustration and disappointment or ultimate success. The process of referral marketing relies on three core competencies. To learn what they are and where to find resources on how to build them, click here.

Check Us Out! 

See the list of upcoming workshops to help starting and existing business owners. To see when the next sales, marketing, money management, legal, accounting or other workshops will be held, check out our workshop calendar. Workshops fill up fast, so get your registration in early. Call (317) 917-3266 or e-mail now!

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 out 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 five $10 workshops for $40, or any 10 for $70.  

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Business Ownership Initiative of Indiana · 4755 Kingsway Dr., Suite 314 · Indianapolis IN 46205-1549
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