Small business center opens today in New Albany

RICHARD GOOTEE
Richard.Gootee@newsandtribune.com

July 01, 2009 11:46 am

— A new partnership between the state’s three largest higher education institutions designed to encourage small business growth is scheduled to open today at the Purdue Technology Park in New Albany.
The facility — which replaced the Madison location as the regional Small Business Development Center — also will receive services from Indiana University Southeast and Ivy Tech Community College. The center is one of 10 around the state, which are operated by the Indiana Economic Development Corp.
Blair West, a spokeswoman for the development corporation, said the New Albany location is the first time the three institutions have partnered for one of the centers.
The regional office serves 13 area counties, including Clark and Floyd. However, business advising services will still be available in Madison, said Jeff Heinzmann, the Small Business Development Center’s director.
“We appreciate the great partnership we have had with the Madison Area Chamber over the years, and look forward to our continued work with them, he said in a press release. “Looking ahead, we have three diverse partners coming together in a new relationship to foster the development and growth of small businesses across Southeast Indiana.”
The new partnership allows business owners who use the new center access to rescues from all three institutions. The center will offer training seminars and one-on-one meetings with clients. The center’s staff can help prospective or current business owners with tasks such as developing or revising a business plan or looking for funding sources.
“This engagement will show how higher education can make an important contribution to creating and supporting an entrepreneurial culture,” said Lawrence R. Mand, the vice chancellor for technology and community engagement at IUS.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
• Call 888.472.3244 or go online at www.isbdc.org