By continuing to foster a collaborative spirit, Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Charles Weaver is looking to further impact the region’s business community.
“As the LEDO for Starke County, we have seen several models of how to do things over the last several years, but the one that we currently all seem to be in agreement on is the concept of regionalism, and not just for small business, but for all business,” Weaver said. “Working together with your neighbors only makes sense and when one company is successful, it is likely that all other areas within that region will also benefit.”
In 2011, the foundation partnered with the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center in order to build on the regionalism concept, better serve Starke and Pulaski counties, and provide more counseling services for clients through business advisor Ron Gifford.
“The affiliation with SBDC has allowed SCEDF to assist entrepreneurs as well as existing businesses achieve success and growth in their business,” Weaver said. “The software tools and training provided to business advisors is of great importance in both retention/expansion efforts as well as new business starts.”
NWI SBDC Regional Director Lorri Feldt and Weaver are seeking to broaden awareness of the SBDC’s mission and goals in Starke and Pulaski counties.
“A primary focus for us in 2012 will be to continue spreading the word about what the SBDC is and what it can do. We intend to try a number of different marketing efforts, including seminars and workshops in this area, as well as speaking to groups and organizations to get that word out,” Weaver said. “We would like to assist in the creation of at least five start-ups and assist existing companies as they continue to grow.”
“In 2012, we will continue to advance our efforts in Starke and Pulaski counties through our partnership with SCEDF both at a broader level through community events as well as at a defined level one-on-one with existing businesses and start-up entrepreneurs,” Feldt said.
Serving seven counties in the region, the NWI SBDC offers free assistance for entrepreneurs starting or expanding their businesses. Through one-on-one consulting, the NWI SBDC helps guide small businesses toward their goals by offering referrals, workshops, training opportunities and other essential business tools. It is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Small Business Administration, the State of Indiana and other local partners.
For more information, visit www.nwisbdc.org.
SCEDF is a not-for-profit Local Economic Development Organization providing economic development opportunities on behalf of Starke County, the City of Knox, and the Towns of North Judson, and Hamlet through the development of industrial parks, rail spurs, Greenfield sites, shovel-ready sites, infrastructure and workforce development.
For more information, visit www.scedf.biz.