Small Business Planning Course Offered
Do you dream of starting your own business or making your existing business more profitable? SEED Corp. guides you through the fundamentals of business planning and skill-building with an eleven-week course starting this fall. The course begins with a feasibility study to determine the strength of your business idea and then guides you through the process of writing a business plan. Along the way you'll learn everything you need to know to make your existing or start-up business a success. Graduates of the course are also eligible to receive up to $35,000 in business loans. To learn more contact SEED Corp. at 812-330-6272.

Learn How to Receive SBIR/STTR Funding
Since 1982, SBIR and STTR (Department of Defense programs which fund early-stage R&D projects at small technology companies) have awarded more than $10 billion to small businesses, researchers, universities and research institutions across the nation. The program has fostered innovation, helped create new jobs and improved the quality of life and standard of living at the state and local level.

Now you can learn how to benefit from these programs. Program Managers from over ten federal agencies will travel by bus across the Midwest to participate in the eight-day, six-state SWIFT V Outreach Tour to discuss federal SBIR and STTR funds available to small businesses for innovative research. The tour stops in Indianapolis on September 15th.

inVenture Announces New Tenant
inVenture, Bloomington's technology business incubator, is proud to announce its newest tenant: RightRez, Inc. RightRez is a leading company specializing in software products and solutions in the travel industry. Their clients include major cruise lines and tour operators in North America.

Finance vs. Lease: How to purchase your new equipment
One of the most expensive aspects of starting or operating a business is the acquisition of new equipment. Although purchasing equipment outright may sound like a good idea, it may not prove financially viable, especially for a fledgling company. Leasing can be an attractive alternative, but ask yourself these nine questions before you make a commitment:

1. What is the total lease payment?
2. Are there any other costs before the lease ends?
3. Can I modify the lease before the lease period is over?
4. What happens if I decide to end the lease early?
5. Who is responsible for damaged or destroyed equipment?
6. Who is responsible for insurance, taxes, and maintenance?
7. What options do I have when the lease ends?
8. What happens if I choose to return the equipment?
9. Are there any extra costs at the end of the lease?

Successful Marketing: Focus on benefits
When trying to attract new customers, instead of telling them what you sell, explain how your products or services benefit them. Too many small businesses believe that advertising their business, product or service will be enough to get customers in the door. It's not; to connect with people and motivate them to buy, you need to emphasize how your business can help them achieve their goals. When you think of others first, they think of you first.

Business Affiliate Program
Want to know how to benefit from Bloomington's new incubator, inVenture, if you're not a technology business?

Our Business Affiliate Program provides the advantages of business incubation to companies who are non-tenants of inVenture. For only a $300 annual fee, affiliates may take advantage of a corporate address, professional staff, a supportive client network, access to industry-related seminars, connection to Indiana University research groups and resources, use of professional conference space, and more! E-mail inVenture director for information or call him directly at 812-330-6272.

August 3-25: Small Business Planning Course Orientation Sessions
What: Thinking of starting a business? Attend an orientation session to learn about the SEED Corp. Feasibility and Business Planning Course. Upon completion of the course, you may qualify for up to $35,000 in loans. You need only attend one orientation session below to learn about the course.
Where: SEED Corp., 501 N. Morton, Suite 106
When: August 3, 10, 17, or 24th:
          12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
          August 4, 11, 18, or 25th:
          5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Cost: Free
Contact: SEED Corp., 812-330-6272 (registration required)

August 11: Business Orientation Start-up Session (BOSS)
What: Learn what it takes to start your own business and become your own boss.
Where: SBDC, 501 N. Morton, Suite 106
Time: 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Cost: $20
Contact: SBDC, 812-330-6272 (registration required)

August 12: Business Planning Workshop
What: Learn how to use ActivePlans, an online business planning tool, to help your business idea become reality. Each participant will receive an ActivePlans account.
Where: SBDC, 501 N. Morton, Suite 106
Time: 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Cost: $69.95
Contact: SBDC, 812-330-6272 (registration required)

August 25: Business Orientation Start-up Session (BOSS)
What: Learn what it takes to start your own business and become your own boss.
Where: SBDC, 501 N. Morton, Suite 106
Time: 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Cost: $20
Contact: SBDC, 812-330-6272 (registration required)

August 26: Business After Hours
What: Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce monthly Business After Hours
Where: 660 S. College Ave.
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Other: Open to all Chamber members. Sponsored by Comprehensive Financial Consultants, Home Instead Senior Care and Long Family Eye Care, P.C.

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