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

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 Appendix E)

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 Network Lead Center (317-264-6871) or the local SBDC nearest you.  (See Appendix F)

Internal Revenue Service / Quality For Indiana Taxpayers Resource Center

The IRS/QFIT Resource Center provides a myriad of services to new small businesses and non-profit organizations. The Center has IRS business tax forms as well as forms from the Indiana Department of Revenue and Workforce Development. The Center is well stocked with a wide variety of forms, publications and other literature.

Taxpayers can browse materials or meet with a volunteer counselor. Volunteers include CPAs, attorneys, VITA volunteers, public accountants, enrolled agents and government employees. Counselors answer questions, assist with the completion of forms or refer the taxpayer to other governmental agencies or non-profit organizations for assistance. Appointments can be scheduled with a volunteer counselor for 30 minutes to 1 ½ hours of free assistance.
  IRS/QFIT Resource Center and Non-Profit Assistance 429 N. Pennsylvania Street (Stenz Building), Rm. 301 A Indianapolis, IN 46204 Phone: 317-974-0736, FAX: 317-974-0768 Hours: Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday Mornings Wednesday Evenings & Saturday - By Appointment Only Wednesday Evenings & Saturday - By Appointment Only

STATEWIDE PROGRAMS

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 8 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.state.in.us/sic

Access Indiana Information Network

Access Indiana Information Network (AIIN) 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.state.in.us

For more information on accessing the Internet, or for AIIN's services, please contact AIIN at:
  Access Indiana Information Network 150 W. Market St., Suite 530 Indianapolis, IN  46204 317-233-2010 or 800-236-5446 fax: 317-233-2011 webmaster@ai.org

Indiana Department of Commerce
 

• The Business Development Division offers business incentives, technical and site selection assistance to expanding businesses already located in the state or to companies relocating to the state. Call 317-232-8888
• The International Trade Division assists Indiana companies in the export of their products.  Call 317-233-3762
• The Energy Policy Division provides funding and technical assistance in the efficient use of energy, use of alternative energy resources, and development of markets for recycled materials.  Call 317-232-8940 or 800-382-4631

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. (See Appendix D) Also, visit DWD's Internet site at http://www.dwd.state.in.us.
 

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.state.in.us/idoa/proc/index.html

Minority Business Development: The Department of Administration also administers the State of Indiana's Minority 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 business enterprises. For more information, call: 317-232-3061.

Indiana Small Business Development Corporation (ISBD CORP)

The ISBD Corp. dedicates itself to expanding the markets for Indiana's growth-oriented companies.  The ISBD Corp. offers conferences and seminars, one-on-one counseling, and up-to-date information on new market opportunities.

The ISBD Corp. provides assistance with all aspects of obtaining state and federal government contracts, assists companies in approaching new market opportunities, and serves as a statewide advocate for contracting and marketing with Indiana's women-owned and minority-owned businesses.  the ISBD Corp. also works in partnership with local organizations to develop tools to foster business expansion and marketing opportunities.

The ISBD Corp. is comprised of:

• Government Marketing Assistance Group
• Enterprise Advisory Group
• Women & Minorities in Business Group
• Local Initiative Group

Indiana Business Modernization and Technology Corporation

BMT provides services including comprehensive business assessments and recommendations, development of action plans and access to cost-effective resources to help you implement your action plans.  BMT also helps companies address industry-level concerns such as quality, workforce strategies and technology access through industry-specific programs and company alliances.  BMT's services can result in increased sales, reduced costs, improved cash flow and access to working capital.
For more information regarding these programs and others offered, contact:   Business Modernization and Technology Corporation One N. Capitol, Suite 925 Indianapolis, IN 46204 800-877-5182 http://www.bmtadvantage.org