West Central Indiana Small Business Development Center

08/31/2026

Please help us welcome our new Support Specialist, Alivia! To introduce her in a way many of our clients will understand, we asked her to complete a Lean Business Model Canvas for herself in this role. Next time you call or stop in the office, say hi to Alivia!

Alivia's Lean Canvas:

Problem:
People need someone to listen, organize, create, and turn ideas into actions.

Existing alternatives:
Google/online tools
DIY tools

Solution:
Supplying resources and experiences that last a lifetime

Key metrics:
Regional office goals
People helped

Cost Structure (We do also pay her!):
Vanilla sweet cream cold brew
Clothes
Fall Candles

Customer Segments:
People that need business problems figured out, planned or organized

Early Adopters:
Friends, family, coworkers and new clients

Channels:
Networking and social media

Revenue Streams:
Event planning, decorative, creative projects and supporting staff

Unfair Advantage:
Organization, creativity and compassion

Unique Value Proposition:
Combining creativity, organization, and genuine people skills to turn ideas into meaningful experiences and overall successful results for clients.

08/31/2026

We’re giving our West Central Indiana SBDC team a little bragging room:

• Jared was selected to present on AI cybersecurity for small businesses (not one but two workshops) at America’s SBDC national training conference.
• Courtney was invited to serve on the advisory board for Rockford University’s Women in Leadership with AI-Driven Engagement program.
• Dave completed Google’s AI Fundamentals course.

Different accomplishments. Same purpose: building our knowledge so we can help YOU make informed decisions for your business.

AI brings plenty of possibilities, and plenty of questions. Where could it save you time? What needs a human touch? What risks should you understand before jumping in? Those are conversations worth having with an advisor who keeps learning, too.

Kinda chic to keep learning. Even better to put that knowledge to work for local businesses.

08/18/2026

Welcome back Indiana State Students!

Did you come back from break with a cool new business idea? Looking for a way to earn a little cash by creating your own startup? Come to room 121 in the Scott College of Business TODAY to chat with our graduate assistant Aashish. He'll be there every Tuesday and Thursday from 11-12:30.

Can't make that time? Drop by our main office in room 110 to schedule a time with an advisor!

08/13/2026

Have you ever conducted a friction audit for your business? Take 15 minutes and see your business from a customer’s eyes. Make sure it is easy for them to choose you!

Sometimes we don’t need more followers, more content or more ads, but need to be intentional and ensuring that the right customers find us and it’s easy for them to take action.

Remember, we’re helping you be more intentional with your marketing on September 22 at the annual BRAND. MARKET. EXPAND conference.

Register today:

https://isbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/17499?fbclid=IwdGRjcATrLKdwZG9mAWZkaWQWUMZsm1LA2mgn5w2meRWxAg7iMkzd3mV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR7Z39mSyhgDw0WOaaSW314Wstl-aK43qA16Dn9CQ0xo-y3KtPGL8Dn3WxnmMQ_aem_Dt1o6P5gBmPgmYDFoSEdAw

08/13/2026

We are always excited to share the news of a new business that has opened! Emerge Psychological Services is accepting new clients for therapy and has no waitlists. If evening appointments are helpful to you, give them a call today! 😊

A busy work schedule should not keep you from getting the support you need.

Emerge Psychological Services offers evening appointments after 5 PM, making it easier to fit therapy into your life without rearranging your entire day.

In-person and telehealth appointments are available. No waitlist!

Learn more or request an appointment at emergepsych.com or call (812) 227-6037.

08/11/2026

Office hours for this week. Come see us!

Sullivan County Public Library 10AM - 1PM

Bridge 61 1PM - 4PM

We are also rescheduling our office hours at City of Clinton, Indiana for next week due to Defense Against the Dark A(i)rts - Practical "Counter Spells" for AI Risks and Attack. on Thursday.

Come stop in and let's chat!

08/11/2026

Sullivan! We will be hosting office hours today from 10:00AM - 1:00PM at the Sullivan County Public Library! Come see us to chat about your new business idea, growing your business, or to learn about resources and support for your small business!

08/10/2026

Meet Jared, your Defense Against the Dark A(i)rts instructor for Thursday!

Whether you use artificial intelligence tools in your business or not, AI still threatens your business. Learn about the most common threats and practical "spells" you can use to defend your business on Thursday at the Brazil Public Library. Register today, link in the comments!