LiveWire Celebrates First Anniversary
One year ago this month the SBDC and inVenture launched a new email newsletter, LiveWire, the first e-newsletter targeted at small businesses in the south central Indiana area. Since its introduction, LiveWire has increased from 1100 to 1300 monthly subscribers. This publication would not be possible if it were not for the support and assistance of Cairril.com Design & Marketing, Ivy Tech, and the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. Thanks to all our readers and sponsors!

inVenture Selected to be Regional SBIR/STTR Assistance Center
The Indiana University Research & Technology Corporation (IURTC) has launched a new statewide program, the Indiana S4 Initiative. The program is designed to encourage Indiana's technology small business community to participate in the federal SBIR/STTR program. The SBIR/STTR programs are the largest source of early stage financing for technology startups in the nation, with more than $2 billion in federal grants and contracts given out each year.

The Indiana S4 Initiative has selected inVenture to provide hands-on SBIR/STTR assistance to innovative businesses in southern Indiana. Brian Kleber, Director of inVenture said, “The tools and resources now available to local technology companies through this program will continue to help build a stronger high-tech economy and bring more SBIR/STTR dollars into the south central Indiana area.”

To learn how your company may gain assisatance through this program contact at 812-335-7355.

Conference and Media Room Ready for Business
inVenture announces a new state-of-the-art conference and media room now available for use by entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Bloomington area. This new facility is the only business conference and media room in the area with full tele- and video-conferencing available for business use 24 hours a day. The room is part of inVenture, which is located in downtown Bloomington at the IU Research Park. Thanks to funding from the City of Bloomington, Indiana University and the Indiana Small Business Development Center, local entrepreneurs and small business owners have a new facility to hold business meetings with colleagues and clients far and near.

To learn how you can put this new facility to use, please contact at 812-335-7355.

South Central Indiana's area economy is made up of many unique small businesses which often are overlooked. Each month learn about a local small business that you might have not known about!

Harley Davidson Bloomington, Inc.
Harley-Davidson/Buell of Bloomington was established in 1998 when Jeff and Carol Stevens purchased the assets of the former Big Red Harley-Davidson. Since moving the dealership from Ellettsville to Bloomington in the summer of 1999 the dealership has grown significantly. Starting with only three employees, their work force has grown to thirty-four. Motorcycle sales are the most obvious part of the business, but also important are the service, parts/accessories, general merchandise, and financing/insurance departments. The newest division to the business is Rider’s Edge, Harley-Davidson’s rider training school. Harley-Davidson/Buell of Bloomington is the first dealership in the state to offer the program.

“People don’t have to own motorcycles,” notes Jeff Stevens. “They buy them because they are fun and a great way to relax. It is extremely important that every customer’s experience with us be enjoyable and positive.”

Because having the right employees is so critical to their continued success, the hiring process at Harley-Davidson of Bloomington is relatively stringent. “Individuals who possess a positive attitude, sincerely enjoy interacting with people, are passionate about the Harley-Davidson product and are seeking a career (not simply a job) are who we look for when hiring. Once someone is hired we continually invest in them by providing extensive training and a nice work environment so they have the tools they need to succeed in their position.”

Free Credit Reports Available
Residents of the State of Indiana can now request a free credit file disclosure, commonly called a credit report, once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Monitoring and periodically reviewing your credit report is an effective tool in fighting identity theft. To request a copy of your credit report, see AnnualCreditReport.com.

2005 Business EXPO
The greater Bloomington area boasts a fertile business environment. For more than 20 years, the Business EXPO has been showcasing Bloomington's growing businesses and helping them cultivate productive B2B relationships.

Reserve your Business EXPO booth today and you'll plant the seeds of success for your business. The 2005 Business EXPO provides you with the perfect opportunity to unveil your new products and top merchandise, and to spotlight the services and people in your organization.

This one-day event is advertised extensively for weeks ahead of time through The Herald-Times, WGCL-AM, The Business Network and direct mail advertising. The EXPO is free to attendees—several thousand local business professionals and community members who reap the rewards of the EXPO each year.

Call the SBDC at 812-339-8937 to learn how your company can participate in the 2005 Business Expo. Hurry, only a few booths are left!
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April 6: 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)

April 12: eBay - The Right Way
What: Learn how to sell on eBay the right way!
Where: SBDC, 501 N. Morton, Suite 106
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Cost: $85 (includes lunch and book)
Contact: SBDC, 812-339-8937 (registration required)

April 20: 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)

April 21: Business EXPO
What: 21st Annual Bloomington Business Expo
Where: Bloomington Convention Center, 302 S. College Ave.
Time: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Cost: Free, open to public
Sponsored by: Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce and Small Business Development Center

April 21: Business EXPO Breakfast Kick-off
What: “The Economy and Economic Development of Tree City, USA”
Where: Bloomington Convention Center, 302 S. College Ave.
Time: 8:30 am - 9:45 am
Cost: $25, includes breakfast
Contact: SBDC, 812-339-8937 (registration required)
Sponsored by: Monroe Bank and Small Business Development Center

April 21: Creating Buzz: Marketing on a Small Budget
What: Learn how to generate “buzz” about your products and services for a Return On Imagination.
Where: Bloomington Convention Center, 302 S. College Ave.
Time: 10:15 am - 11:30 am
Cost: $20
Contact: SBDC, 812-339-8937 (registration required)
Sponsored by: Monroe Bank and Small Business Development Center

April 21: Business EXPO Keynote Lunch Seminar
Who: Terry Hoeppner, Head Football Coach, Indiana University
What: Do You Want Your Name On Your Jersey?
Where: Bloomington Convention Center, 302 S. College Ave.
Time: 12:15 am - 1:30 pm
Cost: $25, includes lunch
Contact: SBDC, 812-339-8937 (registration required)
Sponsored by: Monroe Bank and Small Business Development Center

April 21: Business After Hours
What: Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce monthly Business After Hours
Where: Bloomington Convention Center, 302 S. College Ave.
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Other: Part of Business EXPO; open to public
Sponsored by: Classic Catering, Indiana University, Members Choice Federal Credit Union, Personnel Management, Inc., The Odle McGuire & Shook Corporation

• Access Indiana

• Bureau of Economic Analysis

• Free Annual Credit Report