The Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) is now offering services for current and aspiring small business owners at the Mid-America Science Park in Scottsburg. The best part? It’s free of charge.
At no cost, entrepreneurs in Scott County can regularly meet with an ISBDC advisor for one-on-one consulting, strategic planning, market research, loan assistance and much more.
“We help clients with everything from the startup process to helping grow their already existing businesses,” said Kari McGilvra, ISBDC advisor. “Even if a client comes with nothing more than an idea, we can help them through the process of finding out whether or not that idea is viable enough to succeed before they put their money towards it.”
According to McGilvra, the ISBDC representative at MASPark, an initial meeting typically lasts a little more than an hour. In their first meeting, an entrepreneur can expect to learn about the ISBDC, the services offered, and a little about McGilvra’s business background. The rest of the meeting is spent talking through the client’s business or business idea, and helping answer any questions. Usually, at the end of the meeting, McGilvra gives both the client and herself “homework” to complete prior to their next meeting together.
“My purpose is to help businesses start with better information and a support system they wouldn’t have had otherwise. We want our clients to succeed so they don’t go out of business in the first months like many startups do.”
The ISBDC serves anyone who has a home office or business in Indiana with 500 or fewer employees. That describes 93 percent of all industries and jobs in the state.
Small business owners can also take part in several workshops through the ISBDC at little cost. A QuickBooks Workshop will be held at the Mid-America Science Park on Thursday, March 2, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This is an opportunity for business owners to learn everything they need to know to get their business up and running. The cost to attend is $99. Pre-registration is required and space is limited.
Information on upcoming ISBDC workshops in Scottsburg are posted at MASPark.org and shared via the Mid-America Science Park on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Entrepreneurs interested in meeting with McGilvra for one-on-one advising in Scott County at the Mid-America Science Park can schedule an appointment by calling the regional ISBDC office in New Albany at 812-952-9765.
SCORE mentoring is also available to entrepreneurs free of charge at the Mid-America Science Park. Please contact Dave Church for more information or set up a session by calling (812) 752-9521 x1235.
