IN.gov: Business Assistance

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Governor Mitch Daniels

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Business Assistance

IV. ASSISTANCE

Indiana offers many assistance programs for business, some of which are mentioned in this document. Often, the best source of information regarding assistance is a local economic development office.

IV-A. NATIONAL PROGRAMS

IV-A-1. Small Business Administration (SBA)

The SBA acts as an advocate for small business interests. Most SBA programs are administered through partnerships with private entities. The SBA has loan guarantee programs available to persons who have made every effort to obtain a loan through conventional means. SBA does not have grant programs for starting a small business. For more information regarding the SBA, contact:

Small Business Administration
429 North Pennsylvania Street, Suite 100
Indianapolis, IN 46204-1873
317-226-7272, 800-827-5722 (SBA Answer Desk)
http://www.sba.gov/

IV-A-2. Service Corps of Retired Executives ( SCORE)

SCORE provides free, confidential individual counseling for starting a new business and for important decisions and problems of an existing business. SCORE also conducts a monthly seminar on "Starting and Operating a Small Business". Free business literature and publications are available. Some chapters offer a text book, The Guide To Starting a Business. There are 13 local SCORE chapters throughout the State. (See http://www.score.org/findscore/chapter_maps.html)

IV-A-3. Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC)

The SBDC Network serves as the "First Stop Shop" for new and emerging businesses who seek free business counseling, training, access to information on state and federal programs, and access to business experts, on how to successfully start and/or operate a business in Indiana. Help with business and market planning, obtaining financing, and other business related topics are available through a network of offices located across Indiana. Free business information and forms are also available, 24 hours a day via fax, by calling 1-800-726-8000. For more information, contact the SBDC (317-234-2082) or the local SBDC nearest you.

IV-B. STATEWIDE PROGRAMS

IV-B-1. State Information Center

The State Information Center is a cooperative effort of all state agencies, providing easier access to Indiana State Government. Counselors are available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to answer general questions regarding state programs, services and requirements, and to direct callers to the correct office for assistance with more specific needs. Many of the forms mentioned in this document are available from the State Information Center as well. For any state government information, contact:

State Information Center
402 West Washington Street, Room W160
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-233-0800, 800-457-8283, TDD use RELAY INDIANA, 800-743-3333
http://www.IN.gov/sic

IV-B-2. Access Indiana Information Network

IN.gov is the State of Indiana's Official Website that provides convenient access to state and community information and facilitates electronic transactions with the state. By using a computer, modem, and telephone line, residents and businesses may immediately access an ever-increasing variety of data. This information includes Bureau of motor Vehicle reports, Indiana legislation and Code, bills in all stages, on-line state tax forms, economic conditions, tourism guides, and professional and trade association pages. While most information is available at no charge, there is a small fee for premium services, such as driver license records. Residents and businesses are now staring to be able to transact certain business electronically with state agencies.

Residents and businesses located in areas which do not have a local Internet Service Provider (ISP) may access the Internet through AIIN, an Internet Service Provider of Last Resort (ISPOLR), using an 800 telephone number for $0.10 per minute.

Visit the Indiana Website at http://www.in.gov/

For more information on accessing the Internet, or for IN.gov's services, please contact IN.gov at:

IN.gov
10 W. Market St., Suite 600
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-233-2010 or 800-236-5446
fax: 317-233-2011
webmaster@www.IN.gov

IV-B-3. Indiana Economic Development Corporation

The IEDC offers business incentives, technical and site selection assistance to expanding businesses already located in the state or to companies relocating to the state.
Trade Show Assistance Programs (TSAP) provides financial assistant to Indiana manufacturers by reimbursing a portion of the costs incurred while exhibiting product at overseas trade shows.
For more information about the IEDC or any of its programs, contact:

Indiana Economic Development Corp
One North Capitol, Suite 700
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-232-8888
http://www.in.gov/iedc/

IV-B-4. Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD)

The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) provides employers with a free labor exchange service designed to help build Indiana's workforce by bringing together qualified job seekers and employers seeking qualified workers. Through a statewide network of One-Stop Employment Centers, job seekers and employers have free access to a variety of information to help make the match between employers and job seekers more effective. Each One-Stop Center maintains an Information Resource Area available to the public which provides access to information and technology designed to improve employability. Information may also be obtained on job openings and training opportunities available throughout the local community, state, and nation. Full time staff assistance is available for those in need.

Employers may contact any Department of Workforce Development local office in Indiana to find qualified workers to meet their workforce needs. Using Customer Self Service System (CS3), the state maintains a state wide data bank of qualified job seekers to meet the specialized needs of employers. Employers may post jobs on-line through CS3 and access job seekers' work history and skills for a annual fee. Employers may also access prospective employees by submitting a job order to any local DWD office. Visit DWD's Web site at http://www.IN.gov/dwd.

IV-B-5. Indiana Department of Administration

Procurement/Public Works: Any company, individual, partnership or corporation seeking to sell a product or service to the State of Indiana will need to obtain a Vendor Application (in or out of state). An out-of-state corporation will also need a Certificate of Authority from the Office of Secretary of State. For more information regarding sales to Indiana, contact:

Indiana Department of Administration, Procurement Division
402 West Washington Street, Room W468
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-232-3053
To register on-line to become a vendor:
http://www.opportunityindiana.in.gov/

Minority & Women's Business Enterprises Division: The Department of Administration also administers the State of Indiana's Minority & Women's Business Enterprise Program and supports the needs of the minority business community. Services include: offering state purchasing opportunities to the minority business community; conducting workshops on state procurement procedures; monitoring and providing networking assistance; and matching majority owned businesses with minority & women's business enterprises. For more information, call: 317-232-3061.

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