State Approves Bloomington Certified Technology Park
Indiana Secretary of Commerce Patricia R. Miller joined Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan to announce the state's certification of the City of Bloomington's Certified Technology Park.

The Tech Park encompasses the IU Research Park and inVenture and is adjacent to many cultural attractions, downtown restaurants, core neighborhoods and downtown housing. It will be served by the CSX bicycle and pedestrian trail and is already served by the Bloomington Digital Underground, the City's fiber optic ring.

Certified technology parks have the ability to capture the incremental growth of payroll and sales taxes generated within the park. The funds collected by local government may be used for economic development purposes within the park, including public facilities, laboratory facilities, research and development facilities or to support a business incubator.

New Entrepreneur Network Formed: Icebreakers
Looking for a way to meet others in technology-based businesses? Introducing Icebreakers, Bloomington’s new networking group for entrepreneurs who want to GET CONNECTED.

Icebreakers, developed by inVenture, the Bloomington Life Sciences Partnership and the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation, is designed to be a fun monthly social networking opportunity that will bring "idea people" together with seasoned entrepreneurs who have "been there." From business advice to resources for building your business, Icebreakers enables you to GET CONNECTED with the right people.

The inaugural session will be May 18th from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at Grazie Italian Eatery on the Square in Bloomington. It will feature remarks by special guest Jerry Arthur, president of Cook Pharmica, LLC.

If you would like to be part of this important and exciting networking event, please RSVP to at inVenture, 335-7356.

2005 Business Expo a Success
The 2005 Business Expo drew over 150 exhibitors and 3800 attendees to the Bloomington Convention Center to make it the largest business expo in southern Indiana.

Congratulations to the 2005 Exhibitor Contest Winners:
Best Booth: Tichenor Publishing & Printing
Best Use of Theme: Irwin Union Bank
Best New Exhibitor: Tabor Bruce Architecture and Design

Mark your calendars now to be part of next year's Business EXPO, April 20, 2006!

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!

Home Instead Senior Care
Just over two years ago Janet Barrows bought a Home Instead Senior Care franchise. Last September, she received the 2004 Small Business Person of the Year Award in Bloomington.

Prior to starting her business, Janet had a longstanding interest in elderly care and realized that local seniors could use some help. She began researching options to help the elderly and found a perfect model in Home Instead Senior Care. "I was looking for a prototype to build upon and discovered the Home Instead Senior Care franchise," recalls Janet. "The corporate office appeared to be truly dedicated to the elderly; it wasn't just about the money for them. I purchased the local franchise and opened for business about six weeks later."

When asked about balance between business and personal life, Janet admits "I don't have a great balance; I'm very involved with my business…it’s such a rewarding industry to be in that it truly can consume you. If you are passionate about the elderly, it is easy to get really involved.”

Janet recommends purchasing a franchise to people wanting to own their own business. She adds, “Owning a franchise will not insure success. To be successful you need to be self-motivated, have great people skills, comfort with public speaking, excellent networking skills, business savvy, and of course hire the right individuals to complement the owner.”

Mystery Shopper Program
Want to know what happens at your business while you are away? Ever wonder what your customers think about your business or organization?

Gain knowledgeable, unbiased insight into how your company is perceived by your customers. The SBDC's Mystery Shopper program sends a customer into your business who reports back on customer service, price, store cleanliness, etc. The results are delivered in a written report that identifies areas that need improvement.

Services are completely customized to suit your needs! for information or call him directly at 812-339-8937.

View More Small Business Solutions

May 4: 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)

May 6: New Economy, New Rules Seminar
What: NENR is a series of video conference presentations from industry leaders geared towards the information technology industry.
Where: Ivy Tech State College, Room 209
Time: 7:30 - 9:00 am
Contact: Marilyn Skirvin, Bloomington Economic Development Corporation, 812-335-7346

May 11: Annual Golf Scramble and Silent Auction
What: Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Scramble.
Where: Cascades Golf Course
Time: 10:00 - 7:00 pm
Contact: Sara McGoun, Chamber of Commerce, 812-336-6381

May 18: Icebreakers :: GET CONNECTED
What: Bloomington's new after hours networking event for entrepreneurs tech-based businesses.
Where: Grazie Italian Eatery, 106 West 6th St.
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
Contact: inVenture, 812-335-7356

May 18: 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)

May 19: Business After Hours
What: Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce monthly Business After Hours.
Where: Big Red Liquors, 418 N. College Ave.
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Sponsored by: Big Red Liquors

May 24: 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: 4:00 -6:00 pm
Cost: $39
Contact: SBDC, 812-339-8937 (registration required)

June 3: New Economy, New Rules Seminar
What: NENR is a series of video conference presentations from industry leaders geared towards the information technology industry.
Where: Ivy Tech State College, Room 209
Time: 7:30 - 9:00 am
Contact: Marilyn Skirvin, Bloomington Economic Development Corporation, 812-335-7346

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Free Yahoo! Business Web Site
Yahoo! is expanding its Yahoo! Local search service by providing a free web site to business owners that will automatically be integrated into Yahoo Local listings. The new program is available to any U.S. business that has a physical presence and serves a local area.

These free business sites are template-based, five-page sites with a unique business URL. Yahoo's free business sites can include:

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