Businesses

Economic Development Committee

Our Economic Development Committee works to improve the local economy of Mapleton-Fall Creek and promote our neighborhood as a “neighborhood of choice” through:

  • Assisting in the attraction of new businesses and the retention and expansion of existing businesses
  • Encouraging the improvement and development of sustainable commercial corridors
  • Identifying and balancing our community’s financial, social, and natural assets
  • Fostering public and private partnerships that attract investment in the neighborhood

Small Business Resource Guide

Local, statewide, and national agencies offer small business development and support for qualified businesses. Learn more about how these programs can help address your business needs.

FACADE & PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT
  • LISC Small Business Facade and Property Improvement Program – This matching grant is for property owners looking to renovate the street-front exteriors of their structures. These improvements could include new signage, windows, painting, and/or structural or design changes. This is a rebate program where business and property owners received reimbursement for up to 50% of the cost of the project in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 for completed work.
MICROLOANS & FINANCING
  • SBA Guaranteed Loans – For small business entrepreneurs who cannot get traditional forms of credit, and SBA-guaranteed loan can fill that need. The SBA guarantees loans made by lending institutions to small businesses that would not otherwise be able to obtain financing. The SBA’s free Online Learning Center courses help you start and grown your business. Courses available include: Writing Your Business Plan, Legal Requirements for Your Small Business, Small Business Financing Options, Digital and Traditional Marketing to Win Customers, Your Options During Disaster.
  • BOI Loans – BOI loans are often a good fit for sole proprietorships, businesses with few employees, women-owned businesses, minority-owned businesses and other businesses that have trouble getting access to traditional lending with favorable terms. They’re great if your business is new and you don’t have a long credit history, can’t provide adequate collateral, or if you only need a small loan (up to $50,000).
WOMEN & MINORITY OWNED BUSINESSES
  • Women’s Business Centers – This national network of community-based Women’s Business Centers offer training and counseling to women interested in starting or expanding their business. Each center offers a variety of programs in finance, management, and marketing.
  • Indy Black Chamber of Commerce – The Indy Black Chamber of Commerce is the leading advocate for Black-owned businesses in central Indiana. The mission of the Indy Black Chamber of Commerce is to serve as an information resource with developing Black Owned Businesses and educate and enhance the economic status of the Black Community while creating a positive community climate of intellectual exchange of goods and services with all businesses.
  • City of Indianapolis Office of Minority & Women Business Development – The office of Minority & Women Business Development strives to make great opportunities available to all business owners through certification, education, and outreach. This office works to provide equal access to contract opportunities from the City, County, and privately-funding projects in Central Indiana.
VETERAN OWNED BUSINESSES
  • Veterans Business Outreach Centers – Veteran entrepreneurs or small business owners can receive business training, counseling and mentoring, and referrals to other SBA resource partners. They also provide veterans with procurement guidance which can help their business better compete for government contracts.
MENTORSHIP & ADVOCACY
  • SCORE – The Nation’s largest network of volunteer business mentors harness the passion and knowledge of real-world business executives to provide invaluable mentorship.
EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
  • Small Business Development Centers – SBDC counselors help your business remain competitive through access to free one-on-one counseling and low-cost training on topics including marketing, regulatory compliance, technology development, international trade, and more.
  • Online Learning Center – The SBA’s free Online Learning Center courses help you start and grown your business. Courses available include: Writing Your Business Plan, Legal Requirements for Your Small Business, Small Business Financing Options, Digital and Traditional Marketing to Win Customers, Your Options During Disaster.

Questions?

You can contact Sharon Harvey, Economic Development Specialist with the Indiana District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) at 317.226.7272 ext.123 or sharon.harvey@sba.gov.