inVenture offers an array of custom branded resources that offer just-in-time solutions for small business owners and managers.

Wayfinder: Business Feasibility CD-Rom is an interactive business feasibility analysis tool. Business Feasibility is a critical starting point for any new business idea and this tool helps to analyze the personal, market, and financial risks. Local resources and a sample business plan assists in the planning and start-up phase of the business.

Business Orientation Start-up Session (BOSS) Want to be your own BOSS?Thought about starting your own business, but don’t know where to start?
Take this first step to one of life’s most rewarding and exciting ventures. But operating a business, large or small, is no simple task. It requires long hours of hard work, careful preparation and detailed planning - not to mention financial resources. This session, offered twice a month, will help answer your questions.

Navigator is an online business plan development tool. Navigator runs right off of the Internet so there's no software to download or install. We take care of the technology so you can take care of managing your business. With its unique point-and-click planning interface, you can instantly organize abstract thoughts into complete sentences using our natural language text engine. There's no better way to organize your thinking into a viable plan for your business.

Collegiate Management Assistance The South Central Small Business Development Center created the Collegiate Management Assistance program in response to the growing community need for low-cost management assistance. Local businesses and entrepreneurs can qualify for free management assistance in the form of projects conducted by a team of Indiana University students seeking practical consulting experience. Guided by a university professor, through the assistance of the SBDC, students meet with the selected business or entrepreneur throughout a designated semester.

Operational Assessment is designed to give an assessment of your company’s operational environment. The main objective is to identify any areas of potential inefficiencies which might include but not be limited to production backlogs, duplication of efforts, revenue loss, improper accounting, employee concerns and resource misallocation. Within this assessment will be a detailed workflow analysis report, identifying operational issues and concerns, with a proposed action plan for each and resources available to assist their clients.

Business Valuation 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. In other words, its ability to generate consistent profits that will ultimately determine its worth in the marketplace. For each valuation, an independent review is performed on the results to ensure the statistical calculations were performed accurately. In addition, each person involved in the valuation is well-trained in the procedures and reporting requirements of the Small Business Administration. Thus, the competency of the assigned staff members is clearly proven and demonstrated.
Introducing Bloomington’s new premier entrepreneurial networking and peer learning event: Genius Groups! This is your chance to learn from ten of Bloomington’s Genius Entrepreneurs about what it takes to make your business a success.

Peer Learning and Networking Groups

November: Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday there will be no event this month.
What: Bloomington's new after-hours networking event for entrepreneurs' tech-based businesses.
Topic: n/a
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
Contact: inVenture, 812-335-7356, RSVP
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.

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

The South Central Indiana Small Business Development Center and inVenture present Genius Groups, a 10-part entrepreneurial development series that will challenge and energize 35 select small business owners.

Each month you’ll have the chance to learn from and network with the inspiring Genius Entrepreneurs of Bloomington. You’ll gain a fresh perspective on real-world challenges and relevant tools to help you explore new business horizons. The monthly session will be filled with ideas and support you can use to take your business to the next level.

The Genius Entrepreneur will cover a specific business topic, including how to increase sales, implement unique and effective human resources, develop targeted marketing strategies, preparing your company to sell, and much more

Peer-to-peer Learning for Owners, CEOs and Presidents
The Indiana PeerSpectives Network engages small business owners and entrepreneurs to see things from a new perspective. Qualified members exchange valuable experience, ideas, even solutions to some of businesses most critical issues.

Roundtable participants are owners, CEOs and presidents of growth-oriented, second-stage companies. A second-stage company:

• Is privately held
• Generates between $1 million and $50 million in annual
• revenue or has that range of working capital available
• Employs between 10 and 99 people
• Faces issues of growth, not survival

As a roundtable member, here’s what you can expect to encounter each session:

• 8 to 12 experienced owners, CEOs, and presidents
• No competitors, no business associates, no soliciting
• Collaborative problem-solving
• Confidential, supportive environment
• Professional facilitator to guide discussions*
• Insights, unbiased feedback, and new perspectives on tough issues
• Share insight, information, and valuable experience with other entrepreneurs.

Find out more about the Bloomington PeerSpectives Network and request application materials by contacting the Small Business Development Center at 812-339-8937.