IUPUI Students Study Near West Merchants and Residents

IUPUI’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) Capstone Program

SOURCE RW takes an active role in the economic development of the Near West (NW) through its involvement on the NW’s Opportunity Task Force. The Task Force is comprised of NW residents and volunteers seeking to strengthen the viability of the Near West business community and connect merchants with business education and services provided by SOURCE RW.

SOURCE RW is excited to announce that our NW Opportunity Project proposal was accepted by the students in the Fall 2018 SPEA Graduate Capstone Class. IUPUI’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) Capstone Program provides Graduate students in their last year with the opportunity to share their expertise with the community by tackling real-world challenges. These students are learning how to work in government, nonprofit, and business roles to make positive changes in their communities.

Formally titled Development of Near West Merchant Alliance and Enhancement of Resident Patronage, our Project will focus on enhancing the shopping/purchasing relationship with and between Near West merchants and residents. The Project encompasses identifying and engaging merchants within the Near West to work with one another and increasing resident patronage. While an out-of-date NW merchant database exists, there is limited cooperation with and between merchants, and a perception that NW residents do not frequent NW merchants on a regular basis. Students’ efforts will include interviewing key merchants from each of the three corridors (Michigan, Washington and 16th Streets) to determine viability, interest, and input.

At the end of the Project, the Capstone students should provide the NW Opportunity Task Force with:   

1) a comprehensive list of Near West businesses encompassing the three major commercial corridors (Michigan, Washington and 16th Street), 

2) a list of identifiable models of and recommendations for a merchant’s association and/or programming to build merchant/resident relations and increase patronage, and

3) a roll-out strategy that includes connecting merchants to Near West residents.

SPEA students “win” too by developing the practical skills that prepare them for careers and to enhance their ability to craft solutions to society's problems. Student projects not only will produce useful knowledge but provide students with meaningful learning experiences and the opportunity to apply their education directly to community issues. We look forward to the Capstone results as we conclude the semester.   

SOURCE RW Entrepreneur Spotlight

Chaunda Fabio, Founder of Creative Custom Crafts

                         Chaunda Fabio

Regularly, we interview a successful SOURCE RW client to ask how SOURCE RW has impacted their business. This month, we feature Chaunda Fabio, Founder of Creative Custom Crafts.

What services have you utilized at SOURCE RW and how have you benefited?

Actually, I utilized them all. I love the Kauffman and Business Track. Both are amazing because when a lot of people go into business, they start off in the dark. It was really great to have the option to sit down and go through each detail from everything like trade, marketing and supplying, to knowing how to research your competition. It really helps to give you a clearer path on not only how your business needs to be structured, but how you can actually increase your chances of having a successful business.

What made you interested in being a business owner?

To be completely honest I got into business by accident. Literally, I am a Minister and I had a very dark time in my life. I was coming out of a horrible divorce and I remember asking God to make me whole. With that being said, I had a ministry conference called “Be Made Whole” and I am a crafter, so for fun I just made T-shirts for my volunteers. The t-shirts didn’t really sell, volunteers didn’t show, and the meeting didn’t go as well as I planned. However, the next week I was attending an event and I was supposed to help someone with their vending table but at the last minute they couldn’t get their product. They suggested that I sell my shirts at their vending table. At that event I actually sold out, so I had to make more and that’s how I ended up in business.

What have you enjoyed most about being a business owner?

What I enjoy most is when I am in situations and I provide a service without being the person they were shopping for. Here is an example. I was at a wedding this last weekend, no plus one, and I was talking to a lady at the table and she was talking about her women’s conference. While she was talking I just got on my iPad and brought up some things for her. She said, “That’s exactly what I was thinking!” Then I told her that I have a shirt business and can do the T-shirts, make canvases, and coasters. She said, “Are you serious?” I love not necessarily needing to sell myself, but just having a product and a service that people need and being able to offer it.

What have you enjoyed least about being a business owner?

Being in business while I am still working a 9-to-5 job. My 9-to-5 I actually love. Most people hate their job, but I love what I do. I am an educator by profession, but I am an entrepreneur by passion. Sometimes it is just hard balancing both. I work with children with exceptionalities, and I always say I’m going to leave, but I love it so I won’t. But yet I have to find time to balance the business. What I have learned is that it is amazing for kids to do a canvas art project. So I have actually been able to incorporate my passion into my 9-to-5 but marketing my business separately has been hard.

Was there ever a point when you wanted to quit?

Nope, I’m not there yet. I’m still trying to get started.

Was there ever a point where you realized you had “made it”?

Yeah, at my first actual business event - that I wasn’t even supposed to be at - I sold out. I think that’s making it. That’s success.

If you could tell aspiring business owners just one thing before their journey – that you wish you had known prior to starting your journey – what would that be?

The one thing I tell everybody is to use the resources at SOURCE River West. All of the time, people will tell them “don’t quit” or “you’ll have bad days,” but the real reason people feel like quitting and giving up is they don’t have the knowledge or support they need. If you are someone starting out right now, there is a wonderful organization who will give you training and the tools necessary for your business to succeed and thrive. SOURCE River West!

Entrepreneurship Indianapolis – Starting at the Kitchen Table

Local Entrepreneur, Saidah Pearsall, shares journey from concept to market

                          Saidah Pearsall

Entrepreneurship Indianapolis kicked off in August with a bang! Attendees learned more about what it means for businesses to exist inside an Opportunity Zone with Tedd Grain from Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC). As is the format of this series, Tedd spent a lot of time answering questions from the audience – some targeted to specific situations and others covering more general overviews of all things small business.

Tuesday, September 11th marks the second workshop in this series. Local entrepreneur, Saidah Pearsall, Owner of Shea BODYWORKS will be sharing her personal story of taking her idea from the kitchen table, to special events, to retail stores, and eventually to online sales!

Saidah will discuss all that she has learned as she went through rebranding of her business, repackaging her products, and all of the trial and error associated with being a start-up business. After sharing her story, Saidah will take questions from the audience and begin a group conversation chalk full of marketing tips and suggestions not only from her, but also from other attendees.

If you have ever wondered how a small business is created from idea to market, this is the session for you! Saidah is a wonderful example of perseverance and the crucial ability to pivot as the market, your customers, and your business change over time.

To learn more and register for this session, please click here!

Other upcoming Entrepreneurship Indianapolis sessions are:

Selecting the Right Encore Career for You
October 9, 2018 | 6:30-8pm | FREE
Presenter: Bill Higgins, Hoodz Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning

Going to Market and Promoting Your Business
November 13, 2018 | 6:30-8pm | FREE
Presenter: Mel McMahon Stone, Indiana Originals

Identifying a “Best Fit” Business Mentor
December 11, 2018 | 6:30-8pm | FREE
Frank Davis, Circle City Rebar

Ronalda Minnis and Shanel Poole win Pitch Fest

Summer Pitch Fest a big success

(From left to right) Ronalda Minnis and Shanel Poole with Mark Roger, Center Director at SOURCE RW

On June 28th, SOURCE RW hosted the third Pitch Fest with participants competing for a $2000 cash business assistance prize. 

Six entrepreneurs successfully competed the 10-week Business Owners Education Series- Kauffman FastTrac® New Ventures making them eligible to pitch their ideas to local judges. Participants bravely and boldly told the stories of how their businesses came to be, services/products offered, who their target market is, and what sets them apart – all to a packed house!

Participation in the Kauffman FastTrac® New Ventures Series is underwritten by a grant from JPMorgan Chase Foundation and Pitch Fest prize money is provided through the generosity of the IU Kelley School of Business at IUPUI! With businesses as diverse as window cleaning, business consulting, property management, and more, and with participants truly putting their best foot forward, the judges had a tough job ahead of them. After deliberating, the judges determined that the decision couldn’t be narrowed down to just one and ended up naming two winners. Both winners were also presented with one-year memberships to Indiana Originals.  Indiana Originals is a statewide directory of products, services, artisans, and businesses established and operating in Indiana with a mission to encourage a local preference and facilitate a greater use of local businesses, services, art, food and more.

The winners were Ronalda Minnis who presented her business: Minnis Consulting (specializing in supplier diversity and inclusion solutions) and Shanel Poole who presented her business: Finesse by Shanel (specializing in life skills and self-sufficiency curriculum for girls ages 9-18).

Honorable mentions include:

Chaunda Fabio – Creative Custom Crafts

Eric Hetland – Hetland Property Management

Al Talison – Benchmark Window and Specialty Cleaning, Inc.

Tia Williams – LifeSavers Plus, LLC.

A special thank you to our Pitch Fest judges:

Mel McMahon Stone, Co-founder of Indiana Originals

Leanne Emery, Certified Mentor with SCORE Chapter 6

Hannah Northup, Owner of NorthupHR

Todd Saxton, Associate Professor, Strategy and Entrepreneurship, IU Kelley School of Business at IUPUI

And, of course, thank you to all who came to support our participants! As any business owner can tell you, having the help and support from friends and family can make all the difference in the world to an entrepreneur.

Join us for the next Business Owners Education Series- Kauffman FastTrac® New Ventures held October 4 - December 13, 2018. For more info and to confirm that the series is a good fit, contact Executive Director, Mark Roger, at info@sourcerw.org or by calling 317-737-2155.

Business Ownership Series to begin October 4th

Taking your business idea to the next step

2018 Summer Business Owner Series participants (from left to right). Chaunda Fabio, Eric Hetland, Shanel Poole, Tia Williams, Al Talison, and Ronalda Minnis

If you read the 2018 Pitch Fest Winners article and wondered how you could get involved – you’re in luck! The fourth SOURCE River West Business Owner Series – Kauffman FastTrac® New Ventures is beginning soon!

With the support from the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, SOURCE RW is able to offer the Kauffman FastTrac® New Ventures complete course at a steeply discounted rate of $149. This 10-week course, facilitated by the Indy Chamber Business Ownership Initiative (BOI) guides new and established business owners through topics including business planning, market opportunities, target markets and competitive advantages, next steps to profitability, and so much more. Both new and established business owners will benefit from this series.

Participants from previous sessions have said:

“This was an experience that was better than my college classes.”

 “The class was above and beyond my expectations. The class materials and assignments were helpful, but there were so many additional resources and ideas provided during the class session.”

 “I feel much more prepared and ready to start.”

Join us for the next Business Owners Education Series- Kauffman FastTrac® New Ventures held October 4 - December 13, 2018. There's still time to take advantage of the payment plan. For more info and to confirm that the series is a good fit, contact Executive Director, Mark Roger, at info@sourcerw.org or by calling 317-737-2155.

SOURCE RW Entrepreneur Spotlight

Ronalda R. Minnis – CEO and Owner of Minnis Consulting

Regularly we interview a successful SOURCE RW client to ask how SOURCE RW has impacted their business. This month, we feature Ronalda Minnis, owner of Minnis Consulting, which she started earlier in 2018.

What services have you utilized at SOURCE RW and how have you benefited? 

              Ronalda Minnis

At SOURCE RW, I participated in the Kauffman FastTrac® New Venture Series. It was very insightful and informative on starting a business. I have also attended several workshops and seminars. Both offered great information and takeaways that I am utilizing in my journey in building my business. I have signed up for the Mentor Connect program and am looking forward to the assistance.

What made you interested in being a business owner?

My position was recently eliminated. After thinking about what was next on the horizon for me, I decided I wanted to go down the path of owning my own business.

What have you enjoyed most about being a business owner?

Developing an understanding of what it takes to own and operate a successful businesses; and identifying new potential business relationships while exploring opportunities with both potential clients and diverse suppliers. 

What have you enjoyed least about being a business owner?

The least liked has been self-doubt from time to time. So glad I have friends who encourage me that “I can do this.”

Was there ever a point when you wanted to quit?

I wouldn’t say I wanted to quit, however, I did have some doubts regarding starting my own business.

Was there ever a point where you realized you had “made it.”

I am not there yet, but my vision to succeed is developing and on the horizon.

If you could tell aspiring business owners just one thing before their journey – that you had wished you had known prior to starting your journey – what would that be?

Be fully committed, have perseverance and enjoy your new venture!

Networking as an Entrepreneur

Perfect your pitch and business presentations

Business ownership often involves developing a wide variety of skillsets. Of those, one of the most essential skills for any entrepreneur is that of networking. Just the very thought can have many entrepreneurs on edge – What to say? What not to say? How to pitch products and services without coming across as “salesy”? How to impress potential investors or business partners?

Business networking is extremely important for entrepreneurs. Networking allows professionals to share knowledge, learn about opportunities, make important connections, and leads to increased confidence. After all, the only way to improve a skill is to practice it!  Not to mention the increased level of connectedness, inspiration, and motivation that happens after quality interactions and networking events.

If you have ever wondered if you could be introducing yourself and your business, product, or service a bit better or more clearly, or if you’ve listened to others talk about their services and products and thought, “How do they do that so well?” Now is your chance to come and find out!

Perfecting Your Presentation | Thursday, August 16 | 8:30am-9:30am | $15

         Mel McMahon Stone

On Thursday, August 16th, Mel McMahon Stone will be leading the workshop, “Perfecting Your Presentation” from 8:30am-9:30am at SOURCE RW.

"Perfecting Your Presentation” will dive into the elements of an “elevator” speech, dissect the elevator speech you are using now, and perfect a pitch you can start using immediately to up your networking game. Participants will walk away with the ability to more clearly articulate what they, and their businesses, are all about!

Mel is known for her ability to articulate ideas and speak clearly and professionally about, well, almost anything! From radio and TV host, to business and nonprofit consultant, to co-founder of Indiana Originals, Mel is no stranger to the nuances of networking.

Register now to learn how to perfect YOUR presentation and up your networking skills! To register, click here.

"Perfect Your Presentation is the third session in the 3-Part SOURCE RW scale-up entrepreneurship Summer Business Series in partnership with Indiana Originals.

Partnering with Immigrant Welcome Center

July 12th 2018 | 6-7:30pm | FREE

SOURCE River West and the Immigrant Welcome Center are working together to provide entrepreneurship education to immigrants who now call Indianapolis their home.

Here in the Near West, an estimated 12% of the population was born somewhere other than the United States. While their reasons for coming here are diverse, one desire unites all of us: To live a good life full of opportunity. Together, SOURCE RW and the Immigrant Welcome Center will provide education for Indy’s immigrants about the potential and opportunity of business ownership.

On Tuesday, July 12th from 6-7:30pm, SOURCE RW will be presenting our Business Trends workshop at the Hawthorne Community Center, complete with a Spanish language interpreter onsite. This workshop is free and open to the public so please plan to join us!

This workshop will be part of the Immigrant Welcome Center’s Reuben Education Series, which offers free monthly programs covering helpful topics for immigrants. This presentation of Business Trends is geared towards exploring the idea of starting a business, looking at potential profit models, business structures, and more. We are very excited to be able to offer this workshop to our city’s immigrant population alongside native English speakers, and with a Spanish translator present. The Immigrant Welcome Center is always happy to see immigrants, those who work with immigrant populations, and those who have an interest in immigrant-related topics and we are happy to see all aspiring entrepreneurs!

If you have ever thought you might be interested in starting your own business, come over to the Hawthorne Community Center for this unique presentation and learn alongside other aspiring entrepreneurs in your own community.

We hope to see you at Hawthorne Community Center, 2440 W. Ohio St., 46222. For more information about the Business Trends workshop with Spanish Translator available click here.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP INDIANAPOLIS is back!

Monthly series starting in August | 6:30-8pm | FREE

Entrepreneurship Indianapolis (E Indy) is a monthly, free series of standalone discussions addressing business ownership from concept, to start-up, to scaling a business.

The Entrepreneurship Indianapolis Discussion Series (E Indy) begins its second season in August. Our popular series combines the stories of local entrepreneurs’ journeys into business ownership with basic business education. Each session, we identify the trending businesses ideas, new business fundamentals and pertinent business struggles the entrepreneur addressed.
 
Workshops are scheduled 6:30pm - 8pm on the second Tuesday of the month at SOURCE River West.  Featured guest speakers join the discussion to share their first-hand perspectives. 

Register for the following sessions:

          Tedd Grain

Benefiting from Indianapolis’ Opportunity Zone Strategy
August 14, 2018 | 6:30-8pm | FREE
Presenter: Tedd Grain, LISC

Looking for an opportune location for your start-up? Trying to determine what local programs might help fund the scale-up of your business?

Join us as we discuss the exciting programs and public/private partnerships starting locally to foster entrepreneurship and employment. Tedd Grain, Deputy Director of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation in Indianapolis (LISC), discusses how local businesses can benefit through the mobilizing of corporate, government and philanthropic support. With a passion for revitalizing communities and bringing greater economic opportunity to Hoosiers, Tedd will identify LISC’s focus on Opportunity Zones and innovative private market funding options.

                             Saidah Pearsall

Starting at the Kitchen Table
September 11, 2018 | 6:30-8pm | FREE
Presenter: Saidah Pearsall, Shea BODYWORKS

Wondering if your business idea is viable? Scrambling to figure out whom to ask to help you scale your business?  

Join us as we follow a local business owner from concept to market. Saidah Pearsall launched her Shea BODYWORKS skin care line in 2014. She has learned everything from rebranding her business to repackaging her products the hard way – through trial and error. With a passion for “telling it like it is” and paying it forward, join us as Saidah shares her inspiring entrepreneurship journey from kitchen table, to special events, to retail stores, and eventually to online sales. This session will be full of great marketing tips and suggestions to make your business successful. 

More upcoming dates:

Selecting the Right Encore Career for You
October 9, 2018 | 6:30-8pm | FREE
Presenter: Bill Higgins, Hoodz

Going to Market and Promoting Your Business
November 13, 2018 | 6:30-8pm | FREE
Presenter: Mel McMahon Stone, Indiana Originals

Identifying a “Best Fit” Business Mentor
December 11, 2018 | 6:30-8pm | FREE
Frank Davis, Circle City Rebar

Introducing SOURCE River West’s Multimedia Intern

Josiah McMiller

                      Josiah McMiller

We are pleased to introduce Josiah McMiller, the newest member of our SOURCE RW team! Josiah is our Multimedia Intern and will be helping to build up our social media presence as well as designing marketing material (brochures, banners, pamphlets, fliers etc.).

Josiah obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from Ball State University in Telecommunications with a concentration in video production and media. He is continuing his education and will complete his master’s degree in Media Arts and Sciences from the IU School of Informatics and Computing at IUPUI, fairly soon. During that time, he has earned a position at IUPUI working as a Research Assistant; which he feels very privileged to have obtained. His job involves conducting research on new emerging forms of media as well as assisting in the Professor’s lesson plan.

Josiah also worked as a graphic designer for the Indianapolis Recorder and he even had one of his comic strips picked up for syndication in the local newspaper. Last year, he released a new film, “Seeking Counsel”, that premiered at the Indianapolis Black Expo.

Josiah enjoys spending his time going to the movies and hanging out with his friends. He is currently in the process of developing his own movie for an upcoming film festival. We tried to pry some more details out of him, but he is keeping it top secret. We can’t wait to watch it. Josiah has proven to have an amazing eye, so we have high expectations. “Film is a passion of mine,” Josiah told us. “I guess that’s why I got involved with multimedia and graphic design. They go hand-in-hand.”

“I was contacted by my advisor that there was a potential opening at SOURCE River West that she thought I would be perfect for. I was excited for the opportunity, because I knew the job would allow me to utilize my skills to their full extent,” said Josiah. “SOURCE River West provides an excellent service. They help communities in need of economic empowerment. I think that’s great. I actually have family who lives in this area. If any of the work I do here pays off, then I will feel like I am truly contributed to my community.”

Josiah believes this job will allow him to connect with his community and truly make a difference in Indianapolis, and is truly happy to be a part of the SOURCE RW team.  

SOURCE RW Entrepreneur Spotlight

Al Talison, Owner, Benchmark Window & Specialty Cleaning, Inc.

                                        Al Talison

Regularly, we interview a successful SOURCE RW client to ask how SOURCE RW has impacted their business. This month, we feature Al Talison, owner of Benchmark Window & Specialty Cleaning, Inc.  which has been in operation since 1982.

What services have you utilized at SOURCE RW and how have you benefited?

At SOURCE RW I'm presently working with a Business Coach and have met with the Executive Director to discuss business development.  It’s been working well.  We have been spending time with my business finances which has always been a weakness for me. I’m also participating in SOURCE RW's business ownership series which I have found very beneficial.  

What made you interested in business ownership?

I had never given thought to owning a business.  But a friend--a mentor--told me that if I spent as much time in developing my own business as I spent in sales (in the late 70's-in Chicago) that I would probably be successful.  I immediately started considering what type of business to open. 

What have you enjoyed most about business ownership?

The joy of servicing a customer's needs, in the area of our expertise, and having them elated at the results. I have always appreciated the joy and freedom of determining my own destiny as a business owner.

What have you enjoyed least about business ownership?

I can't think of any negatives to owning my own business – at least not at this point.

Was there ever a point when you wanted to quit?

Yes, only after I had down-sized the business, about 12 years ago, and I was doing all the work myself. It's pretty physical work and I was getting a little burnt-out. When the business was big and growing I never considered quitting.

Was there ever a point when you realized you had “made it”?

Yes, in the early 2000's we had large robust clients that we were servicing, and we continued to grow.  But one by one we started to loose accounts--through no fault of our own--losing about 70% of our business, and I had to consider down-sizing. I really did have a few very large accounts that made up a majority of the business.

If you could tell aspiring business just one thing before their journey – that you had wished you had known prior to starting your journey – what would that be?

The importance of consulting with an accountant, attorney, and business consultant -- all of the A-B-C's must be followed to ensure success.

Summer Business Series – Perfecting Your Presentation

3 Part Series - $15 each session

The third session in the SOURCE RW scale-up entrepreneurship Summer Business Series in partnership with Indiana Originals is right around the corner!

                           Ryan Hickey

But first, if you haven’t already, there is still time to register for the second session in the three part Summer Business Series, "Digital Marketing for Online Sales", presented by Ryan Hickey. If your business has a website and you are looking for online sales, this is one you won’t want to miss! Come join us on Thursday, July 19, 2018 from 8:30-10am.

The third session in the three part Summer Business Series, "Perfecting Your Presentation", presented by Mel McMahon Stone, will be taking place on Thursday, August 16, 2018 from 8:30-10am. These sessions are standalone or can be taken as a series, depending on an individual’s needs.

More about the third session "Perfecting Your Presentation":

                           Mel McMahon

Join the co-founder of Indiana Originals, Mel McMahon Stone, to learn how to introduce yourself and your company professionally.  This is your opportunity to perfect your presentation and fine-tune it to any audience you may encounter. After all, first impressions matter and in this busy world, there isn’t much time to get the word out!

In sales, you often have 30 seconds or less to keep someone interested in what you are offering. There is no time for a “sales pitch.”  In this workshop, we will dive into the elements of an “elevator” speech, dissect the elevator speech you are using now, and perfect an “intro” you can start using immediately.

Mel McMahon Stone is an entrepreneur, radio and television personality, and local business activist. She and her husband, Lance, are the co-founders of Indiana Originals, a growing statewide directory of locally owned and operated businesses headquartered in Indiana. Mel is a board member of the Indiana Chapter of the TEARS Foundation and the Better Business Bureau of Central Indiana. She is currently heard on 93.1 WIBC, Country 97.1 HANK FM, and B105.7 and often seen on WISH-TV8’s Indy Style and Fox 59’s Morning News.

If you’re looking for a way to make a better first impression – no matter the audience – this is the workshop for you! Come join us on August 16th at 8:30am! Register for the third session, "Perfecting Your Presentation" here.

For more information about the Summer Business Series, click here.

Business owners connecting with industry experts

Mentor Connect Program

Join SOURCE RW’s Mentor Connect – a free program which matches clients to seasoned professionals who work to creatively and honestly solve problems and who work with you to build or expand your business.  

Mentor Connect attempts to identify a mentor in the same or similar business industry or type of business. Someone who better understands your business's specific and unique challenges and concerns. Through mentoring, your chances of success increase with access to the business knowledge and guidance of experienced professionals who share their skills sets and expertise. It’s actually a “win” for our mentors too since they want to see progress and take pride in knowing that their input has been helpful.  

A successful connection can make a difference in getting your start-up implemented on the right foot or scale your existing business. If you're interested in the Mentor Connect program, contact us by phone at 317-737-2155 or email info@sourcerw.org.

Starting an Encore Career

Speaker: Susan St. Angelo, Daily Money Manager and Entrepreneur

              Susan St. Angelo

Susan St. Angelo will be our June Encore Career: What’s Your Next speaker, wrapping up the seasonal Encore Program Series. On Thursday, June 21, 2018 at 3pm, Susan will be presenting, “How to Successfully Navigate Changing from One Career to Another Career.”

Are you thinking about what life might look like in your next chapter of life? Have you thought about owning a business? If this sounds like you, then there’s no better time to start planning for it. "When I decided to walk away from a successful career to start my own business, people thought I was crazy to leave," says Susan. "I thought I was crazy to stay since I was turning 50 and knew there was more to life than the life I was living. So, I started preparing myself for the change I would undergo, she says."

Here are some things to consider before you start or buy a business:

• Discuss what you would like to do with your family BEFORE you do it and get their buy-in.
• Can I start my business and work part-time before I leave my career?
• Can you live without an income as you get your business off the ground?
• What are my start-up costs? Assess your finances both debts and assets.
• Collaborate with your CPA, attorney, Financial Planner, and banker. Make sure they are included and can be of assistance in your desire to start and run a business.
• Look at what you are giving up and not just your income—social outlet, benefits, job structure (9-5PM), family commitments.
• Are you going solo or partnering with someone to venture out into business?  Define your roles and responsibilities.
• Are you organized and able to wear a lot of hats or do you need other people to assist you with some of your tasks as you start and develop your business plans?
• Find a network of like-minded people who will offer support and encouragement.

Susan enjoys helping new Encore entrepreneurs to problem-solve and reduce daily stress, as well as consulting with clients on starting their own businesses and organizing legal documents. To register, click here.

QuickBooks for Start Ups Returning in June!

June, 15 2017 | 9:00am - noon | $95

Given the interest and success of the last QuickBooks for Start Ups workshop, we are offering it again! If you missed out last time this was offered, now is your chance – there is still time to register to attend the Friday, June 15, 2018 QuickBooks for Start Ups workshop.

What happens when you open your business and soon after find QuickBooks overwhelming? Are you struggling? Is just the thought of having to learn the accounting and financial side of operating a business holding you back? You are not alone.

Learn the basics, affirm what you already know and gain the additional knowledge and confidence you have been seeking. This 3-hour course will cover "how to" to some "tips and tricks" of successful QuickBooks users. Our goal is to ensure you are a more comfortable and confident QuickBooks user.

While this course is geared towards Start Up businesses, QuickBooks software is commonly used in many fields. Even if you aren’t quite ready to start your own business yet, we invite you to join us to expand your current knowledge and add to your marketable skills.

Our course is taught with limited "accounting jargon" so you will find it easy to follow along. Our instructor, Becky Massa is a QuickBooks and accounting expert with extensive hands-on "real world" experience handling the accounting function in businesses and consulting with other companies. Becky teaches this course with an emphasis on the practical and relevant features, and makes it easy to understand even if you don’t have a financial background.

For more information about the QuickBooks for Startups workshop, contact us at 317-737-2155. To register, click here.

Summer Business Series begins on June 21

Three Part Series - $15 each session

The SOURCE RW Summer Business Series in partnership with Indiana Originals begins on June 21, 2018. These sessions are designed to stand alone or to be taken as a series, depending on each business’s individual needs.

                Faith McKinney

The first session of the three-part Summer Business Series will be taking place on Thursday, June 21, 2018 from 8:30am-10am, titled "Shipping Solutions and New Technologies," presented by Faith McKinney, USPS worker for 29+ years. If you missed our in-depth look at this workshop geared towards how to leverage the current shipping technology and solutions to help increase your profits, check it out here. Seats are still available so register soon!

Are you growing your business or spinning your wheels?

                                Ryan Hickey

The second session will be taking place on Thursday, July 19, 2018 from 8:30am-10am titled "Digital Marketing for Online Sales – Are you growing your business or spinning your wheels,” presented by Ryan Hickey, Founder of Pulp Functions. This session will focus on tactics and methods to increase your digital marketing productivity.

Business owners and organizational leaders: Are you gaining traction or spinning your wheels when it comes to digital marketing for your brand? Pulp Functions helps small-to-medium sized businesses and non-profit organizations with digital marketing strategy and ongoing management. If you find that you or your team is struggling to connect with existing customers or engage with new leads, this seminar is designed to help you figure out why that may be happening. Come ready to interact and participate.

Ryan Hickey is a native Hoosier; born in Indianapolis, though raised in Lansing, MI. He returned to Indiana in 1995 and graduated from the IU Bloomington School of Public and Environmental Affairs (IU-SPEA) in 1999. Following his college days, he stayed in Bloomington for a year to serve in the AmeriCorps National Service program. Shortly after that, he landed in Indy and has lived here since.

Hickey's career has been non-traditional to say the least. After earning a degree in environmental science and public affairs, he taught himself how to DJ while he entered the world of residential real estate brokerage. Just a few months after moving to Indy, he co-founded ORANJE, an event that started as an idea for an 'art party' for a group of close friends and turned into one of the more exciting cultural events in the Midwest. Over the course of 13 years, ORANJE featured a long list of emerging artists and original music acts, attracting nearly 3,000 adults annually to the one-night event. Throughout this same time, he procured a variety of event planning contracts with Red Bull, Starbucks and Super Bowl XLVI, during which he helped organize the Super Bowl Village and created the Huddle After Hours party in the former downtown Nordstrom space.

In 2013, Hickey re-branded his event services company into Pulp Functions, adding digital marketing strategy and management to the list of services they offered. Pulp Functions helps businesses achieve new business growth through tools such as targeted social media advertising, fresh website content and email marketing. He spends the majority of his time developing new business and helping clients work through unique marketing challenges. Under the moniker DJ Helicon, he continues to play music around the city and beyond.

The complete line-up of the Summer Business Series will be:

"Shipping Solutions and New Technologies” | Thursday, June 21, 2018 | 8:30am-10am | Presenter: Faith McKinney, USPS worker for 29+ years

When it comes to shipping your products, the choices on how to do so can be overwhelming! Whether your business is large or small, shipping solutions at USPS are crafted to help you grow. Learn about the most cost-effective shipping methods for your specific business in this informative, money saving workshop.

"Digital Marketing for Online Sales – Are you growing your business or spinning your wheels?” | Thursday, July 19, 2018 | 8:30am-10am | Presenter: Ryan Hickey, Founder of Pulp Functions and native Hoosier

Business owners and organizational leaders: Are you gaining traction or spinning your wheels when it comes to digital marketing for your brand? Pulp Functions helps small-to-medium sized businesses and non-profit organizations with digital marketing strategy and ongoing management. If you find that you or your team is struggling to connect with existing customers or engage with new leads, this seminar is designed to help you figure out why that may be happening. Come ready to interact and participate.

"Perfecting Your Presentation: How to tell someone who you are, what you do, and how you can help in 30 seconds or less” | Thursday, August 16, 2018 | 8am-10:30am | Presenter: Mel McMahon Stone, Co-Founder of Indiana Originals, and radio and television personality

In sales, you often have 30 seconds or less to keep someone interested in what you are offering. In this workshop, we will dive into the elements of an "elevator" speech, dissect the elevator speech you are using now, and perfect a pitch you can start using immediately.

SOURCE RW Entrepreneur Spotlight

Shanel Poole, CEO/Founder of GLAM Inc. and Shanel Poole, LLC. Consulting

                  Shanel Poole

Regularly, we interview a successful SOURCE RW client to ask how SOURCE RW has impacted their business. This month, we feature Shanel Poole, CEO/Founder of both GLAM Inc. and Shanel Poole, LLC. Consulting.

What services have you utilized at SOURCE RW and how have you benefitted?

I have been working with SOURCE RW over the last several months in refining my business ideas. During this time, I’ve also utilized business coaching, am currently participating in the Business Owners Series - Kauffman and have looked into the Venture Fund.

What made you interested in business ownership?

I believe that God has called me to serve in a unique capacity as a social and business entrepreneur and this is how I serve. I also believe that God will always provide when you’re fulfilling your purpose here on earth.

What have you enjoyed most about business ownership?

I enjoy the opportunity to invest in myself. It is powerful to take your dreams, talents, skills and develop a business. It is even more rewarding to work for yourself and see the fruits of your labor. Being a business owner has helped me to know myself, my worth, and through that discovery God has allowed me to see my purpose. I love being my own boss and holding myself accountable. It truly develops character and leadership skills in the most profound ways.

What have you enjoyed least about business ownership?

What I have enjoyed the least about being a business owner are those beginning growing pains, the patience that is required, the discouragement you get from others as you’re trying to launch your business, and the lack of support from those you think you need the most. And last but not least, its hard work and that hard work and commitment is something that comes from within, so I have to remind myself constantly that I am fulfilling my purpose.

Was there ever a point when you wanted to quit?

There have been numerous times that I have wanted to quit. Often, it’s when I have felt that I didn’t have the support of people believing in my vison. I have overcome those times by reminding myself of the “why.” God has called me and I will serve.

Was there ever a point when you realized you had “made it”?

It was a matter of time. On March 28, 2018, I celebrated my 10 year anniversary. I am thankful for the ongoing support from my mentors, supporters and advisors including Angela Espada, Dr. Gene Crume, and Dr. Khaula Murtadha.

If you could tell aspiring business just one thing before their journey – that you had wished you had known prior to starting your journey – what would that be?

You don’t need validation from anyone, just stay the course, trust the process and never be afraid to invest in you. It’s the best investment you could ever make!

SOURCE RW Wins Big

Love Thy Neighborhood Awards Announced

While it is an honor to just be nominated for a LISC Love Thy Neighborhood Award, we are grateful to have been recognized for the Opportunity Award on April 26, 2018.

Presented by LISC Indianapolis, the event showcases organizations whose work in local neighborhoods fall into the L.O.V.E. categories (Livability, Opportunity, Vitality, Education). Each category had 3 finalists with the winner in each announced during the sold-out event held at the Indiana War Memorial.

The Opportunity category focuses on building human capital, supporting existing businesses, and redeveloping commercial property for viable new businesses. SOURCE RW was recognized for significant impact within the neighborhoods of the Near West. The Award includes a $2500 cash prize that we anticipate reinvesting in our local entrepreneurs to assist them in achieving their dreams.

SOURCE RW wants to thank our neighbors from the Near West who joined us for the awards event and we are grateful for the continued support from the community as we focus on creating opportunities for business professionals – from general business education to business start up/scale up. 

Immigrant Welcome Center Mobile Branches

Indianapolis Public Library partners with Immigrant Welcome Center to assist non-English speaking citizens

As part of The Indianapolis Public Library's strategic goal of introducing new immigrants and non-English speaking citizens to relevant community services and resources, the Library has joined with the Immigrant Welcome Center in Indianapolis to present the "Immigrant Welcome Center Mobile Branches" at several Indianapolis Public Library locations throughout the year.

These free sessions allow immigrants to interact with Natural Helpers from the Immigrant Welcome Center who can help them connect with local resources, including those of the Library. Attendees can drop in anytime during the sessions to speak with Natural Helpers in such languages as Arabic, English, French, Karen, Kiswahili and Spanish.

"Immigrant Welcome Center Mobile Branches" are presented at the following locations:

East Washington Branch, 2450 E. Washington Street, 46201
Tuesdays from 5 - 8 p.m.
Saturdays from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Languages spoken: English and Spanish

Lawrence Branch, 7898 N. Hague Road, 46256
Mondays from 4 - 7 p.m.
Languages spoken: English and Spanish

Nora Branch, 8625 Guilford Avenue, 46240
Mondays from 5 - 8 p.m.
Saturdays from 1 - 4 p.m.
Languages spoken: Arabic, English, Karen and Kiswahili

Pike Branch, 6525 Zionsville Road, 46268
Thursdays from 2:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Saturdays from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Languages spoken: English, French, Karen and Spanish

Call 317-275-4088 for more information about these free Library programs.

Introducing the Summer Business Series

Three Part Series - $15 each session

Being an entrepreneur involves developing an array of varied skillsets, oftentimes very quickly! Here at SOURCE RW, we aim to provide entrepreneurs with easily accessible resources to learn new skills and identify “best practices” from local business owners providing their real world perspectives.

In this spirit, SOURCE RW and Indiana Originals have teamed up to create a new educational series for Indianapolis entrepreneurs. Our three-part Summer Business Series, made up of standalone sessions that can be taken together or individually, will run June to August. The Series will present business tips from experts on a variety of fundamental topics. From how to use services and new technologies of the US Postal Service to making the most of digital marketing to boost online sales, to creating the perfect 30 second “elevator pitch”, the Series promises to identify useful and practical business ideas.

The partnership between SOURCE RW and Indiana Originals is a natural one as Indiana Originals’ mission is “to create healthier, stronger communities and more jobs in Indiana by encouraging and facilitating a greater use of local, Indiana original businesses.” Here at SOURCE RW, we are all about small business growth and opportunity. Our Summer Business Series will provide valuable insights and information applicable to all small business owners.

Participants are welcome to attend one, two, or all three parts of the series, but are asked to register in advance. To do so, and for more information, find us online at www.sourcerw.org. All workshops will take place at SOURCE RW, 2230 W. Michigan St.

Workshop topics and presenters will be:

"Shipping Solutions and New Technologies” | Thursday, June 21, 2018 | 8:30am-10am

Presenter: Faith McKinney, USPS worker for 29+ years

                     Faith McKinney

When it comes to shipping your products, the choices on how to do so can be overwhelming! Whether your business is large or small, shipping solutions at USPS are crafted to help you grow. Learn about the most cost-effective shipping methods for your specific business in this informative, money saving workshop.

Speaker, Faith McKinney, is a Hoosier who has worked for The USPS for over 29 years. One year ago she joined the Sales Team, which is a perfect fit for her personality and love of people. Faith has a lot of experience working with Small Business owners throughout the state of Indiana and offers a wealth of knowledge and resources. Faith lives in Indianapolis with her husband and daughter and is very proud of her newly married son and daughter-in-law. Fun fact: Faith loves skydiving!

" Digital Marketing for Online Sales – Are you growing your business or spinning your wheels? ” | Thursday, July 19, 2018 | 8:30am-10am

Presenter: Ryan Hickey, Founder of Pulp Functions and native Hoosier

                           Ryan Hickey

Business owners and organizational leaders: Are you gaining traction or spinning your wheels when it comes to digital marketing for your brand? Pulp Functions helps small-to-medium sized businesses and non-profit organizations with digital marketing strategy and ongoing management. If you find that you or your team is struggling to connect with existing customers or engage with new leads, this seminar is designed to help you figure out why that may be happening. Come ready to interact and participate.

In 2013, Hickey re-branded his event services company into Pulp Functions, adding digital marketing strategy and management to the list of services they offered. Pulp Functions helps businesses achieve new business growth through tools such as targeted social media advertising, fresh website content and email marketing. He spends the majority of his time developing new business and helping clients work through unique marketing challenges.

" Perfecting Your Presentation: How to tell someone who you are, what you do, and how you can help in 30 seconds or less ” | Thursday, August 16, 2018 | 8am-10:30am

Presenter: Mel McMahon Stone, Co-Founder of Indiana Originals, and radio and television personality

                       Mel McMahon Stone

In sales, you often have 30 seconds or less to keep someone interested in what you are offering. In this workshop, we will dive into the elements of an "elevator" speech, dissect the elevator speech you are using now, and perfect a pitch you can start using immediately.

Mel McMahon Stone is an entrepreneur, radio and television personality, and local business activist. She and her husband, Lance, are the co-founders of Indiana Originals, a growing statewide directory of locally owned and operated businesses headquartered in Indiana. Mel is a board member of the Indiana Chapter of the TEARS Foundation and the Better Business Bureau of Central Indiana. She is currently heard on 93.1 WIBC, Country 97.1 HANK FM, and B105.7 and often seen on WISH-TV8’s Indy Style and Fox59’s Morning News.