Best Small Business Resources in the Bloomington Area
Starting a business is a life-changing experience. Indiana has dozens of great resources to help entrepreneurs get started. Our team researched and vetted organizations in the Bloomington area and compiled our list of recommended resources in this article.
You can also read our guide to starting a business in Indiana.
Resources Available in your Area
The Gayle and Bill Cook Center for Entrepreneurship
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
The Gayle & Bill Cook Center for Entrepreneurship at Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington provides practical tools such as consulting services, classes, as well as community-based events that help strengthen technical knowledge of entrepreneurship.
Restrictions
The consulting service requires a somewhat comprehensive business plan to get started.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Bloomington Economic Development Corporation
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The BEDC has several resources useful to entrepreneurs, notably The Switchboard and B-Start. The Switchboard is a networking program that connects new entrepreneurs to a network of local executives and support services, suitable for companies at any stage of the journey. B-Start is a pre-accelerator program that admits startups in cohorts and hosts workshops, mentoring opportunities, and pitch competitions.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Bloomington SCORE
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Cowork
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Accepts Walks In
Description
Cowork is a community-based coworking space, with a lounge area as well as a quieter work area shared amongst the users of the space. With various packages for membership from low involvement to full-time use, Cowork’s space is a great place for entrepreneurs looking for a flexible coworking location.
Restrictions
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
213 S Rogers St.
Bloomington, IN 47404
812-250-9714
info@coworkbtown.com
HOURS OF OPERATION:
MON - FRI: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
South Central Indiana SBDC
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth