HENDRICKS COUNTY

Small Business
Booster Academy

The Small Business Booster Academy aims to empower Hendricks County small businesses through a series of monthly training seminars, inspirational talks by noteworthy speakers, a monthly podcast, and meetups with influential mentors. This initiative is designed to provide continuous support, education, and networking opportunities to foster growth and resilience in the local small business community.
Skills Training Seminars

Small business owners will be equipped with essential skills and knowledge through Business Booster workshops covering key areas such as marketing, finance, social media best practices, data privacy, and search engine optimization.
Noteworthy Speakers

Business leaders and economic development influencers will inspire and motivate cohort members through success stories and expert advice.
Monthly Podcast Series

Through our monthly podcast, we will showcase and celebrate the achievements of local small business owners in our program through a high-quality podcast interview that will be promoted through various channels.
Networking Meetups

Our networking meetups will get conversation flowing and provide a platform for mentor-mentee relationships. AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions with business leaders will help clear roadblocks.
Coworking Membership

Complimentary coworking membership is included in the program, providing access to a connected workspace with ongoing networking opportunities and room for business growth.
recovery and growth

Purposeful Focus

This program was developed to support established entrepreneurs and micro business owners operating in or near Hendricks County who need additional training, support, and resources to take their business to the next level.

The Small Business Booster Academy provides a comprehensive support system to empower local small businesses, fostering a vibrant and resilient business community.

A combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics is used during and after each cohort to measure program success.
Business Resilience
Technology Training
Mentorships
Podcast Features
Business Resources
Valuable Networking
seminars and workshops

Intentional Topics

This is a sample of potential seminar and workshop topics. Topics will be chosen based on the needs of each cohort and may include others not listed.

  • Digital Marketing

    • Google Analytics

    • Google Ads

    • Social Media

    • Search Engine Optimization

    • Short Form Video (Reels, Tik Toks, etc)

    • Digital Media Trends

  • Business Finance

    • Business Insurance

    • Personal Insurance

    • Retirement Planning

    • Business Credit & Loans

    • Tax Abatements and Public Grants

  • Technology

    • Quickbooks

    • Canva

    • Calendly

    • Amazon Sales

    • Facebook Sales

    • Squarespace

    • Digital Business Cards

  • Business Ecosystem

    • IEDC / ISBDC Resources

    • Economic Policy & Making Connections

    • Chambers of Commerce

    • Venture Capitalists
making the case for small business support

Community Alignment: Economic Recovery and Vitality


Hendricks County Needs Assessment Alignment Points

  • Need for access to training and education for new or better careers

  • Access to living wage job opportunities


Hendricks County Comprehensive Plan Alignment Points

  • Create opportunities for lifelong learning

  • Include the use of civic facilities

  • Connect business funding and resource needs with potential municipal sources

  • Encourage business relocation to the area

  • Partner with economic development organizations to enhance education on opportunities like tax abatements

  • Support the expansion of existing businesses

  • Encourage business development for entrepreneurs

  • Economic diversity through small business retention

  • Increase employment opportunities for skilled workers


Covid-19 Small Business Data

According to the US Chamber of Commerce, due to economic and lifestyle shifts caused by the pandemic, new small businesses increased by 24% post-Covid with about 380 of every 100,000 adults becoming new entrepreneurs each month since 2020 - a steady trend driven by both opportunity and necessity - as individuals pursue their own business ventures instead of returning to corporate jobs.

The HCEDP has reported a 20% increase in local business partnerships and community-driven initiatives aimed at mutual support and recovery for small businesses. Post-Covid, 99.4% of businesses in Indiana are small businesses, and 43.8% of employed Indiana residents work for small businesses. 

  • Provides community-driven support and diverse resources to encourage local business partnerships and improve economic diversity through small business retention and increased employment opportunities for skilled workers.

65% of small businesses in Hendricks County have permanently shifted to online sales and digital marketing. According to the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, about 60% of small businesses have invested in digital tools and e-commerce platforms since 2020. 

  • Provides hands-on training for a variety of digital platforms that are otherwise difficult to access.

The HCEDP reported that around 40% of local small businesses have continued to offer remote work options for their employees. 

  • Exposes participants to a hybrid workplace resource that can allow business owners to network, increase productivity, and expand their teams.

According to the IU Kelley School of Business, about 30% of small businesses in Hendricks County are operating at lower revenue levels than pre-pandemic. 

  • Aims at increasing participating business revenue through skills building and media exposure.

  • Support through grant funding allows businesses to participate at little or no cost.

The HCEDP noted that 70% of small businesses have adapted services and products responding to sustained consumer preferences. 

  • Identifies or improves adaptations to changes in consumer behavior through industry mentorship and training on marketing and online data trend analysis.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) indicated that mental health support programs have seen a 25% increase in utilization among small business owners in the county since the pandemic began. 

  • Addresses the mental health challenges faced by small business owners and entrepreneurs by providing a supportive and nurturing environment through several key components including a supportive peer network, mentors, and motivation.