North Central ISBDC Workshops

The North Central ISBDC is dedicated to providing our clients with the resources needed to start a business. Attending our start-up workshops helps begin this process by giving you the basic information needed; however, it is only the beginning and should be followed up with one-on-one counseling sessions with our experienced Business Advisors. Before calling please register.

If you are in business register here:
If you are not yet in business register here:

We will contact you within two business days of receiving your Pre-Client Assessment to discuss the next step.

Business Feasibility - Can I Make Money at This?

As a prospective small business owner, it is important is to determine whether your idea makes sense. This two-hour seminar will provide a roadmap designed to help you evaluate your idea, the local market, and the resources available to assist you in determining whether you should proceed with your new business.

Participating Instructors: Alan Steele (SBDC Business Advisor)
Length: 2 hours
Tuition: $25 (includes materials)

View our Calendar to find out when this course is next offered.

If the location or time the feasibility seminars are offered do not work for you we offer three other options because we feel this is such an important first step.

1. Buy the manual without the class for $25.
2. Subscribe to our Navigator Feasibility online manual for $25.
3. Attend an online feasibility class for $25.

Legal Considerations for New Businesses

This interactive discussion will help you to learn more about the steps you must take in order to start a new business, protect your personal assets, and gain a realistic view of all that is involved. Topics discussed include: business filings, licenses, legal structure, insurance, taxes, financing, advisors, etc.

Participating Instructors: Bruce Huntington (Botkin & Hall Attorneys at Law)
Length: 2 hours
Tuition: $25 (includes materials)

View our Calendar to find out when this course is next offered.

Preparing Your Business Plan

The business plan is often called the "blueprint for success" because it forces an entrepreneur to think through his or her ideas and to be able to communicate them clearly. Without a good business plan, you may find it difficult to obtain capital. The purpose of this workshop is to help you determine what your business plan should contain, in how much detail, and in what order. Participants will also learn how to make it effective in communicating their company's strengths and potential.

Participating Instructors: Dana Trowbridge (First State Bank)
Length: 2 hours
Tuition: $25 (includes materials)

View our Calendar to find out when this course is next offered.

Introduction to QuickBooks

This two-part class will improve your overall use of this innovative software in an accountant facilitated, hands-on environment. You will learn how to set up your company files, work with bank accounts, process sales & invoices, enter & pay bills, and reconcile your accounts.

Participating Instructors: Robert York (SBDC Business Advisor)
Length: 8 hours
Tuition: $125 (includes materials)

View our Calendar to find out when this course is next offered.

Developing Your Marketing Strategy

Marketing your business involves much more than you might think. From determining exactly what your customers want and how they buy, to designing the product, setting the right price, making the product readily available, and letting people know how to get it - all are components of the marketing function. This seminar covers the components and characteristics of a good marketing plan.

Participating Instructors: Alan Steele (SBDC Business Advisor)
Length: 2 hours
Tuition: $25 (includes materials

View our Calendar to find out when this course is next offered.

Online Training

The Small Business Training Network, offered by the SBA, provides quality and targeted online training to meet the needs of both prospective and existing small business owners. From Starting a Business to e-Commerce and International Trade, the SBA has a course for you. To learn more about SBA's online training click here.

Special Events

Throughout the year the North Central ISBDC offers workshops and seminars focused on helping small business owners and entrepreneurs market and manage their businesses during these tough economic times. Click here to read about upcoming Special Events to help small business owners in north central Indiana.