New Microloan Fund Created
The Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association (BUEA) and SEED Corp. have partnered to create a new microloan fund available to Bloomington businesses located within the enterprise zone. These microloans are available to aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs on the basis of character rather than collateral. Businesses can apply now to SEED Corp. for a loan of up to $7,500 with a three-year term.

Small Business Planning Courses Offered in Columbus
In the Spring of 2005, SEED Corp. will offer a Small Business Planning Course to Columbus and surrounding area entrepreneurs. The Course gives budding and experienced entrepreneurs the tools they need to create business plans and work toward strategic goals. With in-class instructions, research help, guest speakers, one-on-one counseling, and long-term support, the class educates small business owners on what it takes to reach success. The expansion of the course into Columbus was made possible by a Community Development Action Grant received from the Indiana Department of Commerce in 2004.

Commercialization Workshop February 16th
The Launch Window is an interactive half-day workshop that will be held on February 16th to help prepare entrepreneurs and inventors to develop a business plan. Using an interactive approach, Launch Window provides an overview of the commercialization process, from idea to business plan implementation. Topics include market research, product testing, positioning, licensing, business plan development, pricing, competitive analysis, and more. For more information contact inVenture at 812-335-7356.

NEW FOR 2005: 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!

University Publishing Corporation
University Publishing Corporation (UPC) has been helping alumni/ae of organizations and educational institutions reconnect through their directory and newsletter programs for over 30 years. UPC utilizes the latest technology to ensure each publication has more alumni/ae participation in order to make each directory or newsletter the best it can be.

UPC came together in the late sixties as two ambitious friends, H. David Hilliard and RJ Phelps, were having a casual meeting. The two were so excited about getting the company started they immediately wrote out a business plan and started offering directory and newsletter services to local organizations. Within a few years UPC had more business than their home office was able to handle, and in 1974, UPC was moved to their current facility at 310 South Washington Street in Bloomington, Indiana.

After more than thirty years of service, UPC has seen a lot of changes. 2004 brought the most change since UPC’s formation. They took a huge leap and acquired their own equipment for printing and book-binding. They also lost their company President and co-founder, H. David Hilliard, who passed away in July of 2004. UPC continues to honor David’s legacy, and maintains the great vision that he had for UPC’s continued growth and success.

IRS Increased Federal Unemployment Threshold
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently announced that it will increase the minimum threshold for Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) deposits to $500. The threshold increase is expected to reduce the paperwork burden for over 4 million small businesses. The new rules, which went into effect on January 1, 2005, require employers to make quarterly deposits for unemployment taxes if the accumulated tax exceeds $500. Currently, employers are required to make quarterly deposits if the tax exceeds $100. Contact your tax advisor for more details.

Start 2005 Off Right! QuickBooks/Peachtree Help is Here
The SBDC has experts on staff who can help you get ready for the new year by setting up your 2005 accounting books using either QuickBooks or Peachtree.

Work one-on-one with an advisor and learn how to:
• Create new accounting books or streamline existing ones
• Set-up or modify your chart of accounts
• Track when bills are due and pay them on time
• Record sales and track your profits
• Develop detailed reports that you can understand!

Get your business ready for the new year by for information. Or call Troy directly at 812-339-8937. View More Small Business Solutions.

January 13: 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, 812-339-8937 (registration required)

January 18-27: 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 $1,000 to $35,000 in loans. You need only attend one orientation session below to learn about the course.
BLOOMINGTON
Where: SEED Corp., 501 N. Morton, Suite 106
When: January 18, or 25th: 12:10 pm - 1:00 pm
          January 19, or 26th: 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
COLUMBUS
Where: CEDC, 4920 North Warren Drive
When: January 17th: 12:10 pm - 1:00 pm
          or 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Cost: Free
Contact: SEED Corp., 812-323-7827 (registration required)

January 20: QuickBooks Basics
What: Learn the basics of accounting and how to set up QuickBooks software to fit YOUR needs.
Where: SBDC, 501 N. Morton, Suite 106
Time: 2:00 - 4:30 pm
Cost: $39
Contact: SBDC, 812-339-8937 (registration required)

January 24: Business Expo Booth Sales Begin
What: Be apart of the 21st Business Expo by exhibiting!
Where: SBDC, 501 N. Morton, Suite 106
Time: 8:00 am in person sales begin, 10:00 am phone sales begin
Contact: SBDC, 812-339-8937

January 26: 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)

February 9: eBay - The Right Way
What: Learn how to sell on eBay the right way!
Where: SBDC, 501 N. Morton, Suite 106
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Cost: $85 (includes lunch and book)
Contact: SBDC, 812-339-8937 (registration required)

February 16: The Launch Window
What: The Launch Window is an interactive half-day workshop that prepares entrepreneurs and inventors to develop a business plan.
Where: SBDC, 501 N. Morton, Suite 106
Time: 8:00 - 11:30 am
Cost: $59
Contact: inVenure, 812-355-7356 (registration required)

• Small Business Development Center

• Bloomington Economic Development Corp.

• Bloomington Life Sciences Partnership

• Area Microloan Programs