SEED Corp. Awarded State Grant
SEED Corp., Indiana's only SBA Microloan Intermediary Program, was awarded a $25,000 grant for microenterprise development initiatives in the South Central Indiana region. This grant was one of twenty-two Community Development Action Grants distributed by the Indiana Department of Commerce.

This grant will enable SEED Corp. to expand its semi-annual small business planning course and microloan program into Columbus, Indiana in Spring 2005. This expansion will allow individuals in the Columbus and surrounding areas to learn how to write a successful business plan and apply for a microloan to help make their business dream a reality. For more information, contact SEED Corp. at 812-323-7827.

Bootcamp Planned for Local Entrepreneurs
Local entrepreneurs will have the unique opportunity to learn from one of the nation's best, Garage.com Technology Ventures, at Entrepreneur Bootcamp. Sponsored by TechPoint and many local organizations, and held June 22nd at the Bloomington Convention center, Entrepreneur Bootcamp is designed to help attendees learn how to whip their business into shape from the best business drill sergeants in Indiana while rubbing elbows with experts, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists.

Bill Joos, Vice President of Entrepreneur Development at Silicon Valley-based Garage.com Technology Ventures, will tell it like it is as he puts you through the paces of business positioning, the elevator pitch and the Ten Biggest Mistakes in Businesss Planning. To register or learn more visit their website.

Crane's Certified Technology Park Announced
A new commercial facility and incubator designed to spur a regional push for technological growth is being developed near the Crane Division of the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Davies County. The state's new Certified Technology Park program encourages the location of high-technology businesses within the area and has secured partnerships with Purdue University, Vincennes University and the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

Topic: Business Income Insurance
Business Income Insurance is a vital component of your business insurance coverage. It pays for the reduced sales or income and increased expenses due to the damage of your building or personal property caused by a covered loss. The standard waiting period for Business Income Insurance to begin is 72 hours after the time of loss. Source: First Insurance Group, Inc.

Topic: New FLSA Standards
The new Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) was passed on April 23, 2004 and will take effect on August 23, 2004. These new standards more clearly define the exemptions for white-collar employees and could change the way you pay some white-collar workers. Consult a legal and/or HR professional to analyze your current pay practices. Source: Strategic HR Group

New Business Planning Tool
Need a business plan to get a loan? Want to establish a strategic direction for your company?

Activeplans business planning software makes writing a business plan quick and painless. By answering simple questions online, you can easily develop a thorough and comprehensive plan that will help you manage your company and plan for the future.

to purchase your account or call him directly at 812-339-8937.

• Area Demographics: Sperling's Best Places List

• Online Survey Tools: Intelligent Survey Software

• Business Law: Legal Information, Books, and Forms

June 9: SBA Guaranteed Loans Overview
What: Learn what it takes to obtain a guaranteed loan from the SBA.
Where: SBDC, 501 N. Morton, Suite 106
Time: 8:00 - 9:00 am
Contact: SBDC, 812-339-8937 (registration required)

June 14-15: Project Management: People, Processes and Planning
What: This course is designed to introduce participants to the concepts, body of knowledge and best practices of modern project management.
Where: IU Bloomington
Cost: $690
Contact: Kelly Executive Partners, 866-KEP-KBEN (registration required)

June 16: 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, 812-339-8937 (registration required)

June 22: Entrepreneur Bootcamp
What: Learn how to whip your business into shape from the best business drill sergeants in Indiana and rub elbows with experts, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists.
Where: Bloomington Convention Center
Time: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Cost: $99 - $275
Contact:www.indianabootcamp.org/bloomington/

June 24: Business After Hours
What: Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce monthly Business After Hours
Where: The Kirkwood, 4th and Morton
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Other: Open to all Chamber members. Hosted by CFC, Inc.

June 25: Share Training Needs, Share Training Costs!
What: Learn how your business can collaborate with 30 other organizations for training.
Where: Ivy Tech Bloomington, Allumni Hall
Time: 2:30 pm

June 30: 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, 812-339-8937 (registration required)