BOI and Develop Indy Announce Affiliation Agreement

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Develop Indy Expands Small Business Focus
Marion County's economic development organization forms strategic alignment
with Business Ownership Initiative and launches small business guide

INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 21, 2011) -Develop Indy announced today it will broaden its focus on small business assistance by forming a strategic alignment with Business Ownership Initiative of Indiana (BOI) and launching a small business development guide to city services.

"Develop Indy's heightened emphasis on assisting small businesses enhances our ability to provide crucial services to those companies poised for growth and make it easier for them to expand in Indianapolis," said Mayor Greg Ballard.

Founded in 1997, BOI operates the Central Indiana Women's Business Center (CIWBC), funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. BOI assists Central Indiana residents in starting and growing businesses by providing one-on-one business counseling, mentors, workshops, business plan development assistance and access to capital, in part through its Glick Micro Loan Fund. BOI/CIWBC's services and programs are offered at low- or no-cost to business owners based on income.

"In today's economy, entrepreneurship isn't merely the option for those naturally wired to be their own boss. In many cases, business ownership is the only realistic option for an individual and their family. Everyone in Central Indiana should be encouraged that our Mayor and civic leaders recognize the importance of small business to our economic vitality," said Julie Grice, executive director of BOI.

In the past 14 years, BOI has assisted more than 10,000 individuals and businesses, including Stage Ninja, Harloh's, and the Perk Up Café.

Under the new agreement, BOI's four employees will relocate to the Develop Indy office at Chase Tower, effective Dec. 1. BOI and CIWBC will continue to operate under their current brand names and will decentralize workshop and counseling services into area neighborhoods through partnerships with community organizations.

In addition to these new services, Develop Indy also is launching a guide to help businesses navigate the permitting and zoning process and avoid unnecessary delays in their development projects. The guide is available immediately at www.developindy.com and www.indy.gov/smallbusinessguide. Printed copies may be obtained free of charge through Develop Indy and the City of Indianapolis Department of Code Enforcement (DCE).

Earlier this year, Develop Indy and DCE teamed up to provide communication, outreach, and education to the business community relating to the permitting process so permits may be obtained quickly and efficiently. The initiative is headed by Mark Fisher, director of engagement for Develop Indy.

About Develop Indy
Develop Indy is Marion County's local economic development organization. Develop Indy is dedicated to attracting new businesses, retaining and expanding existing businesses and serving as a catalyst for capital investment and quality job growth in Indianapolis/Marion County.

About Business Ownership Initiative
The mission of Business Ownership Initiative of Indiana and its Central Indiana Women's Business Center (CIWBC) program is to help men and women start or grow their own businesses by providing knowledge, skills and access to financial resources. The CIWBC program is widely recognized by small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the nine-county Central Indiana region and is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Small Business Administration. For more information, visit www.sba.gov.
Media Contact:
Melissa Todd, (317) 808-3272 or mtodd@developindy.com

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Shop Small Business Saturday!

Move over Black Friday and Cyber Monday - Welcome Small Business Saturday!!

Please join the new wave of holiday shopping with local small businesses on Saturday, November 26 and encourage other family and friends to do the same. Those local businesses have so much to offer our community and they provide a treasure trove of thoughtful gift ideas for everyone on your list. It\'s as easy as walking to your favorite shops on Main Street and discovering a less hectic more fun shopping experience.

Go to www.sba.gov/saturday or www.SmallBusinessSaturday.com for more information including vendors and other ways to get involved. Support Small Business and you are supporting the economic health of your local community!

Happy Holidays Everyone!!

Artisian Entrepreneurial Workshop & Fair

Community Conversation Series – Economic Developement

BOI News

BOI and Develop Indy Announce Affiliation Agreement

Shop Small Business Saturday!

Artisian Entrepreneurial Workshop & Fair

Community Conversation Series – Economic Developement