Best Small Business Resources in the Fort Wayne Area

Description

Start Fort Wayne offers a wide range of services to entrepreneurs including Atrium, a contract-free co-working space. Start Fort Wayne offers various paid programs throughout the year that are open to the public. Additionally, for individuals who need one-on-one time, the organization offers a free 30-minute consultation and paid consultations thereafter.

Restrictions

Some events are only open to members.

Description

Enterprise Center is an affordable space for entrepreneurs funded by the Fort Wayne Urban Enterprise Association. Its location in the Fort Wayne Enterprise Zone offers its tenants special access to tax credits and other business incentives. Enterprise Center also offers industrial space for manufacturing entrepreneurs.

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.

Description

Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available

Restrictions

The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.

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.