inVenture: Advancing Innovative Businesses September '08 
News in a Flash

Fuse logoNominations Are Now Being Accepted For The Fourth Annual Fuse Business Innovation Awards
Co-sponsored by the South Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and inVenture, Bloomington's technology business incubator, the Fuse Business Innovation Awards recognize small businesses for their innovation, creativity, energy, and growth.

The Fuse Business Innovation Awards recognize businesses that are "brands to watch," focusing on entrepreneurs in the community that are making an impact.  Completed nomination forms should be sent to Terri Brown via email or faxed to 812-335-7352. The deadline for nominations is 5pm on September 22nd. For more information about the Fuse Business Innovation Awards call (812) 330-6272.
What: Fourth Annual Fuse Business Innovation Awards Luncheon Award Categories:

• Entrepreneur of the Year
• Entrepreneurial Growth Award
• Innovative Business of the Year
• Microenterprise of the Year
• Social Entrepreneur of the Year
• Small Business Advocate of the Year
• Community Service Award

For this year's Annual Fuse Business Innovation Awards Luncheon, we welcome Dr. Donald F. Kuratko, as keynote speaker; presenting "Entrepreneurs: The Engines of Our Economic Future".
When: October 9th from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Where: Bloomington Convention Center, 302 S. College
Cost: $25.00 per person

Seats are limited; register today by calling Terri Brown at 812-330-6272.

State Government Roadshow to Benefit Indiana Small Businesses
Indiana state agencies have collaborated to present the second annual INgov Roadshow, a resource for doing business in Indiana. 

Roadshow sessions will take place in September and October and are free and open to the public, but registration is limited.  To register, call 800.988.7901 or visit www.IN.gov/confreg .

[Complete Roadshow Article]

 
Small Business Spotlight

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!

Congratulations to the winners of the first annual "Indiana Companies To Watch"

Indiana Companies to Watch celebrates high-performing, second-stage companies in the state. Known for their performance in the marketplace, innovative products, unique processes or philanthropic actions, these companies represent a wide range of industries from all corners of Indiana.

This is not an award of the "top" or "best" companies — the companies selected each year make a point about Indiana's diverse economic landscape. They make an astounding impact on the state's economy by collectively providing thousands of jobs and contributing millions of dollars of revenue.

The winners of Indiana Companies to Watch are Information In Place and Procure of Bloomington Indiana.  For more information and a complete list of winners, please go to Inside INdiana Business.

South Centrals Indiana Small Business Development Center would like to congratulate Information in Place and Procure for their accomplishments. 

 

SBDC Business Solutions

Business Check-up (BizBench)
Wonder how your business compares to others in your industry? There are a wide range of factors that go into the valuation process – from the company’s book value to a host of tangible and intangible elements. In general, the value of the business will rely on an analysis of the company’s cash flow. Its ability to generate consistent profits will ultimately determine its worth in the marketplace.

Contact the SBDC office at 812-330-6272 for more information.

View More Small Business Solutions

Upcoming Events

September 3: Defense Education Conference
What: Series of video conference presentations from industry leaders geared towards the information technology industry.
Where:Indiana Department of Administration
Conference Center, Conference Rooms B & C
402 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Time: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Cost:  $50.00
Contact: Please Contact Michelle Ball at mball@techpoint.org or (317) 275-2089 to register.

September 5: New Economy, New Rules Seminar
What: Series of video conference presentations from industry leaders geared towards the information technology industry.
Where: inVenture, 501 N. Morton St., inVenture Conference Room
Time: 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Contact: Marilyn Skirvin, Bloomington Economic Development Corporation, 812-335-7346

September 9, 16, 23, 30: Community Chats
What:  A weekly series to discuss issues facing Bloomington and the broader region.
Where: Village Deli, 409 East Kirkwood Ave.
Time: 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

September 12, 13: The 7 Habits of Small Business Managers
What:You have likely heard about the best-selling book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey. Learning and using these habits will help you manage yourself, lead others and unleash potential you never knew existed in your business!
Where:  501 N Morton Street, Suite 100-B
Time: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Cost:  $395
Deadline: 
Please register by September 10th by calling 812.330.6272

* Please note typically, 7 Habits for Managers training costs $795. Special pricing available only through the ISBDC for those in a private sector company of fewer than 300 employees.

September 17: 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 St., Suite 106A
Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Cost: $25
Contact: SBDC, 812-330-6272 (registration required)

September 18:  Business Plans Your Key To Unlock Success
What: Considering Starting a Business?  Want to expand?  Learn in one informative workshop about:

  • Why a Business Plan is important
  • Elements of a Business Plan
  • Where to find samples and assistance
Where: SBA, 501 N. Morton St., Suite 100B
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: $FREE$
Contact: SBDC, 812-330-6272 (registration required seating limited)

 

USeful Links
Web sites to help your business succeed.
Answers.com
Monroe County History Center
GSI US
 
Tips of the Month
Support Your Sales Staff

Make sure sales representatives have adequate training. They should have a thorough understanding of how your products or services can help potential customers. The following suggestions will help you manage your team.

Develop an annual sales plan. It should include sales and gross-profit goals and plans for increasing sales to current customers as well as developing new ones.  See that sales reps implement the plan and modify it as necessary.

Make everyone in your company understand that they are part of the selling team. Courteous treatment of customers, quick responses to telephone calls and e-mails, and pleasant demeanors go a long way toward supporting the staff.

Offer meaningful incentives. One company told salespeople they could go home at 2 p.m. the rest of the month once they hit their monthly goals; the first sales rep to sell more than $50,000 would get the last two days of the month off. Result: broken sales records.  Encourage salespeople to put a lost sale in perspective. Getting angry yourself only adds to their frustration. Help them concentrate on making the next sale.

Ken Yancey, CEO, SCORE
For more tip go to Business Week

Thank you to the financial supporters and partners of inVenture and the South Central IN SBDC: Bloomington Economic Development Corporation, Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association, Cairril.com Design & Marketing, City of Bloomington, Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Indiana University, Ivy Tech Community College-Bloomington, Monroe County Government and the US Small Business Administration.

Sponsor:

Kiva

This newsletter is produced by the inVenture and is intended to keep our clients and partners informed of current programs and small business issues. Out of respect for your time, we will only send one announcement a month. If you would prefer not to receive this newsletter, please to be removed from our mailing list.

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inVenture: Advancing Innovative Businesses