PopUp Business School was a success!

Thank you to our IUPUI host, co-hosts, sponsors, and community partners who made the Indy PopUp Business School possible including: PopUp Business School, IUPUI, John Boner Neighborhood Centers, The City of Indianapolis, Kelley School of Business, IU Innovate Indiana, Indiana Small Business Development Center, Taft, Business Ownership Innovative, Forward Cities, Indy Black Chamber of Commerce, Pattern, Taxwright, Browning, Indianapolis Urban League, and Centers of Wellness for Urban Women. 

Thanks also to the attendees for their commitment and enthusiasm. We had a great turnout of 105 attendees. 

The PopUp Business School team, Simon, Liam, and Jessica shared start-up information that urged us on and challenged our thinking - all with a large dose of humor. Our participants learned everything they needed from taxes, to social media, to finding the confidence necessary to be an entrepreneur. It was an amazing event that gave raising entrepreneurs the chance to get their business off the ground, and help out our community. 

The public Marketplace at the Alford House was a huge success too thanks to community support. We were joined by Major Joe Hogsett and many community members who came out to see all of the products and services our participants had to offer.  This gave them the opportunity to gain exposure to possible future clients, and even make their first sale! We saw great products such as the Kangoo Jumps brought by SweattBoxx, and all the great food provided by various chefs who shared their own traditional foods with all of us. 

Check out what the local media had to say!

• Inside Indiana Business

• WISH TV 8

• Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper

• Crimson Catalyst

We are so thankful to have had the opportunity to bring such an amazing program to Indianapolis, and we hope to be able to have them back next year!

Entrepreneur Spotlight

Victoria Davis: Make It Classy

We are excited to announce that Victoria as our next entrepreneur for the “Entrepreneur Spotlight Series.” We have been interviewing past clients to hear their story and get some advice from them.

“Applying for that seed fund and receiving it really started me off.” — Victoria Davis

Website: https://makeitclassydiy.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakeItClassyDIY/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classycurlies/?hl=en

What is your business?

“My business is Make It Classy. It’s a DIY beauty box and it’s based here in Indianapolis. It’s basically like a do it yourself dinner box, but for beauty.”

How did you get started?

“I have a blog called Classy Curlies and I’ve had that for the past almost ten years now. Through that platform I was able to teach a lot of classes around the Indianapolis area which gave me the exposure I needed to get my business going.” 

How has SOURCE impacted your business journey?

“Huge! When I started, I was here taking different business classes and workshops, but I found out about their seed fund which was a huge help for me. It helped me to be able to not only order the boxes, but the ingredients as well. Applying for that seed fund and receiving it really started me off.”

How has SOURCE impacted your business journey?

“Huge! When I started, I was here taking different business classes and workshops, but I found out about their seed fund which was a huge help for me. It helped me to be able to not only order the boxes, but the ingredients as well. Applying for that seed fund and receiving it really started me off.”

Since coming to SOURCE and receiving the Seed Fund, Victoria has been able to get her business off the ground and moving along. She has held DIY workshops, ran her own blog for over ten years, and sold products to customers all over the country.

The Seed Fund she received is funded by the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.  It is a multi-step process available to all entrepreneurs through SOURCE, and is an award of $2,000 to use toward growing their businesses.

Entrepreneur Spotlight

Karla Nowlin, Owner of Angels of Hope, LLC

Spotlight Entrepreneurs are hardworking business owners who have taken advantage of SOURCE RW’s educational resources.  

“SOURCE River West is like the best people I’ve ever met. They have been a God-send to me…” — Karla Nowlin

Business Website: https://angelshocinc.com/

Tell us about your business.

“My business is Angels of Hope Home Agency, LLC, and we are a personal home health agency. We hire nurse aids and go out to people’s homes and help their loved ones with anything from personal care to housekeeping assistants.” 

How did you get started as an entrepreneur?

“I was raised volunteering and helping at the church food pantry. I slowly realized that some people weren’t coming because they couldn’t care for themselves, so from a young age I wanted to figure out a way to help them and that started my passion in this field.” 

How has SOURCE impacted your business journey?

“SOURCE River West is like the best people I’ve ever met. They have been a God-send to me. People think that when they want to start a business that there’s no help out there. Years ago, I thought the same thing. When I asked SOURCE, they helped me so much, and they gave me so much information.” 

Since coming to SOURCE and attending the Business Accelerator Series, Karla has moved her business out of her home and into River West Works co-working space. She has hired several employees, gained new contracts, and has handled the roller-coaster that is entrepreneurship with grace, flexibility, and sheer determination.  

SOURCE Operations Manager, Elizabeth Davis says, “Karla’s compassion for people who are struggling and in need of assistance is admirable. She has overcome many hurdles to grow her business and it is so clear that what motivates her every single day is how much she truly cares about her clients and employees. Her business is her vehicle to do what she is most passionate about, which is helping people in their time of need.”

Meet SOURCE’s New Communications Coordinator Intern

Kennady Livers

We are happy to introduce Kennady Livers, the newest member of the SOURCE team.

Kennady is our new Communications Coordinator, who will focus on promoting SOURCE and surrounding events to the community. She will be running all social media platforms and assisting with website design and print advertising.

Kennady is a Sophomore at IUPUI pursuing a major in Marketing at the Kelley School of Business.

Before coming to SOURCE, Kennady worked as a Marketing Intern for Nix Companies in Poseyville, IN, and a Graphic Design Intern for Berry Global in Evansville, IN. Through these internships, Kennady has gained valuable experience working on both the design and the print side of marketing as well as learning the ins and outs while working alongside professionals in the marketing field.

While Kennady is fairly new to the urban lifestyle, she hopes to make an impact while working at SOURCE by helping people get their dream business up and running.

Start a Business NOW and Debt-Free!

By Riley Smith, Program Coordinator Intern

Growing up, I remember my father time and time again trying to make it as an entrepreneur. He had the passion and work ethic to make a business sustainable but too often good ideas died on paper because traditional business thinking stopped him.

My father abandoned his business dreams because of traditional business thinking. The kind that says you need to put yourself in debt, quit your job, and have everything planned in intricate detail to start a business. With kids to feed, healthcare to worry about, and no business school education to speak of, my father often felt out of his league and overwhelmed.

PopUp Business School doesn’t follow traditional business thinking. PopUp Business School helps anybody turn passion into a business for free and without debt. Funded by sponsors, the PopUp Business School is completely free to attend.

Had my father attended a PopUp, he would have been able to get over the traditional mindset holding him back and learn the skills needed to push him forward. Taught by internationally recognized experts, PopUp covers practical business skills such as how to build a website, show up on Google, run a social media campaign, get financing, and negotiate. 

I hope you take advantage of this great opportunity. Having lived with a struggling entrepreneur, I know firsthand the kind of frustration a lack of resources can cause. PopUp Business School is a great way to get over that hump and start making money doing what you love.

From October 21st to November 1st PopUp Business School will be at the John Boner Neighborhood Centers every weekday from 10am-3pm. Because this life changing program is funded by sponsors, it is 100% free to attend. Space is limited: for more information and to register visit http://www.sourcerw.org/popup-about.   

Speed Up Your Business Growth

There is still time to register!

Come to our Dream It - Start It - Grow It Business Accelerator | October 9 - December 11, 2019, Wednesdays, 6pm – 9pm

In the SOURCE Dream it - Start it - Grow it Business Accelerator serious entrepreneurs take charge of their business destiny by setting and meeting strategic, financial, marketing, legal, and communication goals.

“I learned how to build my business to my lifestyle.” - Business Accelerator Graduate

“This was an experience that was better than my college classes.” - Business Accelerator Graduate

“I learned what MY target clients look like and how to reach them.” - Business Accelerator Graduate

Over the 10-week series, our expert instructors and coaches will guide you on your path while you learn by doing. You will meet and network with successful business owners and experts from banking, finance, marketing, law, and social media while working to take charge of your business’s identity. 

Seats are limited. Register for your spot today!

Indy 500 has nothing on the Near West

by Steve Thrash, Executive Director at SOURCE

One night on my way home, my car’s tire warning light came on at Pershing Ave. between Michigan St. and 10th St. I stopped and got out of the car to see my left rear tire going flat. A quick check with GPS told me there was a tire and muffler shop within 2 miles on 16th Street. I gingerly drove on my flat tire to what turned out to be IMC Tires and Muffler Service.

With the skills of a professional driver I carefully negotiated traffic and arrived at the IMC shop. When I pulled off the road and into their parking lot, Carlos, possibly the owner and clearly the man in charge, was at my car door before I could step out to ask how he could help me. I told him about my dilemma, that I was on the way home and hit a chuck hole or ran over something and warning lights came on that my left rear tire was going flat.

Carlos waved over his team and got to work. He placed the portable hydraulic jack under my left rear fender, lifted the car and within 60 seconds one of the young men had the lug nuts removed with a air speed wrench. They examined the tire and sure enough, a screw had lodged itself in the tire and was causing the tire to deflate quickly. Carlos and his crew said they could repair it, plugging the hole for $15.

Upon my nod of acceptance, the team rolled the tire into the garage and reappeared within no more than 2 minutes with my tire, plugged, fully inflated and tested with water to ensure there was no longer a leak. Within another 2 minutes the tire was placed back on my car, lug nuts speed wrenched on and the car lowered to the ground and ready to go.  The total experience took less than 5 minutes, solving my problem and getting me back on the road to my evening appointment.

This is but one example of Near West great customer service. IMC now has a customer for life, and a champion to promote their business.  I witnessed other cars rolling on and off the IMC lot with similar care and speed, so it was clear my experience was not a one-off, but a way of doing business. Carlos and his team at IMC all appeared similarly motivated and are a great example of how to perform superior customer service, delighting customers and making a difference in the neighborhood. IMC and businesses like IMC are leaving a very positive impression of the Near West and impacting people’s lives.

As a small business supporter and the Director of SOURCE River West, I applaud IMC and hope to encourage other neighborhood businesses to approach their neighbors and customers with this same enthusiasm and service. IMC is a great example of a small business that cares. INDY 500 has nothing on IMC and this near west business. IMC Tires and Muffler Service | 3521 W 16th St. Indianapolis, IN 46222 | 317-426-2011

Steve Thrash

SOURCE River West, 2230 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46222

317.737.2155 o

317.201.9660 c

Meet SOURCE’s NEW Program Coordinator Intern

Riley Smith

We are happy to introduce Riley Smith, the newest member of the SOURCE team. Riley is our Program Coordinator, who will focus on customer service for our clients by assisting with workshop enrollment, answering questions, recommending best-fit programs and services, and by making individualized referrals to our partners. He will also handle the back-end management of programming and tracking statistics and trends.

Riley is a Junior at IUPUI pursuing majors in both Political Science and Philosophy with a minor in History. Before coming to SOURCE, Riley worked as an Operations Intern with the Indiana Department of Correction and as an Academic Affairs Intern with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. Through these internships with the State Government, Riley has developed a passion for helping people, a passion he looks forward to pursuing more directly while working at SOURCE.

Having grown up in an entrepreneurial family, Riley is aware of the unique challenges facing small business and start up owners. He hopes to leverage this perspective to implement programming that accurately addresses the concerns of SOURCE clients while meeting people where they are.

When not working at SOURCE, Riley is a Teacher’s Assistant for Ethics, President of Model United Nations, Undergraduate Student Senator, hockey fan, and history podcast enthusiast.

Techno Talks: Smart Phone | Smart Video | Smart Marketing

Wednesday, September 25 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm | $5
Keep your business in your hands.

Did you know that 81% of businesses use video content as a marketing tool? Most companies prefer this method because viewers retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video compared to only 10% when reading it in text. (biteable.com)

Creating marketing videos can seem overwhelming to a busy entrepreneur in the beginning of their start-up. Not to mention, the difficulties of finding the money to hire a professional.

If you aren’t already creating videos, it may be something to consider adding into your marketing strategy. Most customers report that they would rather learn about a new product or service by way of a video, so give the people what they want!

Join us on Wednesday, September 25th from 4-5:30pm to learn how to turn your phone’s camera into a powerful marketing tool. This workshop focuses on the creation, filming, editing, and publishing of professional-looking marketing videos. Since all this can be done from your smartphone, no expensive cameras, experience, or expertise is required!

Learn more and register here!

Shopping with SOURCE and Basketball – All in One Day

Join us in the Near West on Saturday, August 17th from 11am-2pm!

Basketball and shopping don’t usually go together, but on Saturday, August 17th, we’re about to change that. While the street outside of SOURCE RW will host the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, inside our doors will be a shopping extravaganza!  

The vendors at Shopping with SOURCE are local entrepreneurs – many of whom are working to grow their small business. Their passion and pride in their products and services are evident and they contain the high quality that one can expect from locally produced products.

In the past, Shopping with SOURCE has had products for sale such as body scrubs and lotions, pet costumes, food, art, jewelry, home décor, clothing, and so much more!  

This is a great time to come and check out what the Near West has to offer. With Shopping with SOURCE happening at 2230 W. Michigan St., basketball in the intersection of W. Michigan St. and King St., and the Haughville Park located 1 block north at 520 Belleview Place, there is definitely something for everyone!  

Every dollar spent at Shopping with SOURCE stays local and supports the Indianapolis economy. When we support small business owners, we’re helping to put food on the table for hardworking men, women, and their families and we’re supporting the dream of business ownership.

DeAndra Glass, Owner of Black Amethyst, LLC

SOURCE RW Entrepreneur Spotlight

Spotlight Entrepreneurs are hardworking small business owners who have taken advantage of SOURCE RW’s educational resources.

“We do ourselves a huge disservice when we don't take the time to pause and really discover who we are and what we are passionate about!” – DeAndra Glass

Name: DeAndra Glass

Business Name: Black Amethyst, LLC

Business Website: BlackAmethystNaturals.com

Business Facebook: Black Amethyst Naturals

Tell us a little about your business.

Black Amethyst is a self-care and wellness brand that connects the community with the knowledge of how to incorporate holistic thinking into their everyday lives. Through our workshops, Black Amethyst creates an environment for individuals to learn and personalize their own self-care products. Black Amethyst also offers an assortment of artisan organic skin and hair products for men and women and children.

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

Source River West has a multitude of resources that have aided Black Amethyst in its development.  We have attended the one-on-one business coaching, Techno Talks, and SBA programs. We will continue our desire to improve through Source River West’s business accelerator program in the fall of 2019. We have benefited greatly from the constructive feedback! It has allowed us to remain confident in our strengths while assessing opportunities for growth.

 What made you interested in being a business owner?

I’ve always been a person that wants to help people. I initially started off my professional career in the medical field. After some self-reflection, I realized that my passion is to meet people where they are on their self-care journey and help to develop them into the best version of themselves. I wanted to help people on a deeper, more personal level—before they got sick. I wanted to be able to help the people in heal the many different aspects that could be impacting their lives in a not so positive way. That inspired me to start studying holistic approaches to people’s common problems. After several years, I decided to create Black Amethyst.

 What have you enjoyed most about being a business owner?

So far, helping people! Black Amethyst hopes to become a staple partner and trusted resource hub for the community. The feedback we receive from our clients is everything! We get to watch our clients grow from the knowledge we’ve been able to provide through our workshops. Then to top it off, we get to see the magic that happens when our clients use our products.  It gives a sense of pride to be able to see our clients moving forward in their journey to self-care.

 What have you enjoyed least about being a business owner?

Not being able to reach as many people as we want to. We are a new business and that comes with its own unique set of challenges. For us, it is mainly exposure. I find myself wanting to spread the word to everybody about what Black Amethyst has to offer and not always finding the best vehicle to do so. We really want to be a company that has a positive impact on people's lives and that makes a change in this world!    

Was there ever a point when you wanted to quit?

Not really. I’m very passionate about impacting the community in a positive way. If I ever have thoughts about quitting I think about the testimonials our clients. Being able to help even one person makes every challenge worth it!

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

Oh not quite yet. We have some really big goals! We have been making strides but I don't think I will be able to say we have "made it" until we are able to grow a bigger platform and reach more people.

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 it be?

Perseverance is key. I actually wrote that on my graduation cap before I had ever dreamed about being an entrepreneur. We do ourselves a huge disservice when we don't take the time to pause and really discover who we are and what we are passionate about! Then rinse and repeat! We have to allow ourselves the grace to make mistakes, learn lessons and change our minds. Always maintain your desire to preserve, be inspired by life to keep growing and find the joy that comes from doing what you are passionate about.

Black Amethyst has rented space at SOURCE and will be holding DIY workshops on Saturday, September 7th. Check them out here! For information about hosting your next meeting or event at SOURCE, please contact us at info@sourcerw.org.

Techno Talks: Using Your Phone to Boost Your Business

Wednesday, August 28 | 4:00-5:30pm | $5
Keep your business in your hands.

Smartphones have become a powerful force in society and like it or not, they’re here to stay. For small business owners, this can be both a blessing and a curse.

With faster speeds, stronger computing power, easy access to cloud storage, and ever-improving cameras, working from a smartphone has become a reality for many entrepreneurs.

The freedom and portability of a smartphone does have a downside. Distractions in the form of social media, games, web browsing and more are abundant. Not to mention the multitude of apps all claiming to help you run your business more efficiently!

With so many choices out there, how can business owners avoid spending wasting time with downloading, testing, and ultimately deleting apps that don’t work like they are advertised to?

Let us do the work for you. When you come to the August Techno Talks: Using Your Phone to Boost Your Business, you’ll have the opportunity to view several different apps within the categories of Business Operations Management and Marketing. You’ll get an inside look and overview of what each app can do so you can make an informed decision for your business.

Even better, at the end of the presentation, there will be plenty of time to ask questions specific to your business and to work with onsite assistance to find, set up, and get started on using the best apps for you! Register today!

Pitch Fest Wrap-Up

Congratulations to the graduates of the Business Accelerator Series!

Over the last 10 weeks, 13 small business owners met each Thursday evening for an intensive study in building their business. On Friday, June 28 the Dream It – Start It – Grow It Business Accelerator Series culminated in Pitch Fest, giving each participant the chance perform their business pitches and win $2,000 in seed funds to continue growing their business.  

With topics ranging from defining a target audience, market research, obtaining funding and budget creation, marketing, and more, these businesses are poised to grow. The development of their business pitches has put them in the position to seek funding from outside sources by showcasing their ideas, plans, and sustainability in the best possible light.  

While all business owners put in a tremendous amount of time and effort, one stood out from the crowd.

Maurice Dunn, Owner and CEO of The Carpenter’s Son

Congratulations to the winner of the Summer 2019 Pitch Fest, Maurice Dunn, Owner and CEO of The Carpenter’s Son ! 

The Carpenter’s Son provides the highest level of construction management services while maintaining the project’s budget, schedule, and quality of work. The Carpenter’s Son is committed to providing superb services for Commercial or Federal clients regardless of the scale or project intricacies.  

Maurice will be receiving $2,000 in seed funds for his business, which he plans to use on his staff’s continuing education.

Congratulations also to the rest of the cohort on their hard work and dedication to their businesses! Participating businesses included:

Sharpened Minds, LLC

Owner: Nikki J. Henson 

Total Dynamic Organization

Owner: Dr. Tracey Danner-Odenwelder, CFRE 

Angels of Hope Home Agency, LLC

Owner: Karla Nowlin 

DC One Connect

Owner: Crystal Griffen 

The Normies, LLC

Owners: Chris Johnson, Runa Mohammad, Marketa Ruzickova 

Acclaim Creative Group, LLC

Owner: Karen Dabney  

Resell Indy, LLC

Owners: Rolonda Lolla 

Her Development, LLC

Owners: Michele Annee and Charity Stowe 

Dream It – Start It – Grow It Business Accelerator Series is offered twice per year. The next round will begin in October. Sign up now! 

How NOT to Think About Opportunity - Entrepreneurship Defined

Written by Steve Thrash, Executive and Entrepreneur in Residence at SOURCE

Steve Thrash –Executive and Entrepreneur in Residence at SOURCE River West Entrepreneurship Center

Many definitions exist for what true entrepreneurism is and how to recognize entrepreneurial traits in individuals. Numerous self-help books and well-meaning gurus set entrepreneurship up as engaging in a risk taking, role-of-the-dice undertaking, intended only for those of us with a strong heart and weak mind willing to risk it all to become the new Steve Jobs or fill in the blank billionaire maven. 

I'd like to suggest an alternative profile to the wild-eyed, throw caution to the wind persona. 

A current online course from Harvard Business School Online defines entrepreneurship as "the pursuit of opportunity beyond the resources currently controlled.” A far cry from the more traditional definitions and a bit of a yawner. However, the course goes on to identify the attributes below as key characteristics of successful endeavors by entrepreneurs.

Mind you without some risk, there is no reward. I'd suggest however without some return - monetary or otherwise - you shouldn't bear the risk.  Calculated risk is just smart management.

A process taken on by many successful serial entrepreneurs involves:

1. Identifying an opportunity (i.e. a problem to solve, improvement to make, an added value to a circumstance.)

2. Forming a hypotheses and test. We have good ideas, but to ensure a viable business can be formed you must test - at low cost in a limited time - your idea and your hypotheses.

3. Tracking results, adjusting, expanding or abandoning based on your findings. It is this step that gets lost in the mix when considering a venture. Without it, your investment of time, money, reputation and energy is at a far greater risk.

4. Launching.  When your idea proves itself out - you have found how to capture and create customer value in testing, only then is it time to plan and launch your business. 

The caveat is ventures start, scale, fail and need adjustment constantly. The process is never done, and the true entrepreneur loves the hunt. 

For more information on planning, starting, scaling and succeeding at business, contact SOURCE River West Entrepreneurship Center for programs and guidance on next steps as you pursue your opportunity.

Techno Talks: Ramping Up Your Online Business Presence

Thursday, July 25 | 4pm-5:30pm | $5

Strategic marketing in the Digital Age

If your business already has social media linked to a website, you are on the right track! Now more than ever, social media plays a large role in creating a sustainable business. In 2014, 92% of marketers claimed that social media was important for their business. (https://www.forbes.com/sites/jaysondemers/2014/08/11/the-top-10-benefits-of-social-media-marketing/#36baee181f80).

But these platforms have grown in size and many depend on them to connect, market, and advertise.  So with more users now than ever turning to social media to learn about businesses, it is time to evaluate your social media marketing approach.

Social media marketing leads to increased brand awareness, better search engine rankings, higher sales conversions, and more. It also creates an opportunity to interact directly with your customers on platforms where they already are active.

While many of us have personal social media accounts, business accounts require a different way of thinking. By being strategic in the frequency and type of posts sent out, your business will be able to control your image and direct your customers where you need them to go. Establishing your marketing plan is crucial to ensuring that your business’s image remains what you want it to!

Social media is not a passive marketing tool, but rather one that is constantly evolving with endless opportunities to engage in real time. But where should your business even begin? How much time is too much?

Join us on Thursday, July 25 from 4-5:30pm for Techno Talks: Ramping Up Your Online Business Presence and find out! Following a brief presentation, there will be plenty of time to talk about YOUR specific business questions and needs.

NOTE:  This session is geared toward business owners who already have social media profiles and working knowledge of social media. 

Start your business this summer!

Business Start Up Summer Series | Tuesdays, 6/25, 7/23 & 8/27 | Noon - 1 pm | Free

Presented in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

If you have been waiting for the right time to start a business, here it is! 

There are a lot of reasons people wait to start their own business. Some are worried about the unknown – what is it really like to be a small business owner? Others are concerned about not having enough start-up capital, or that a lack of education puts them at too much of a disadvantage. Others have been told they aren’t ready or can’t do it.

If you’re ready to find out for yourself what being a small business owner is all about and how you can get started, join us this summer for our Business Start Up Summer Series. 

Small business ownership is a journey and an exciting one at that! But, with all of that excitement also comes uncertainty. When small business owners were asked, “What’s the best way to learn more about entrepreneurship?” 51% responded with, “Start a company.” If you’re still feeling a little unsure about what to expect as a small business owner, join us on Tuesday, June 25 from Noon-1pm for our Business Start-Up 101 workshop.  

Approximately 33% of small businesses are started with less than $5,000 and 58% got started with less than $25,000. Many businesses require little start-up funding which gives the owners time to start slowly and grow their business as the market demands it. If funding is a concern of yours, check out the July 23rd Noon-1pm workshop – Funding Options for Small Business.  

When it comes to formal education, about one-third of small business owners have not attended college. The good news is that a college degree isn’t the only way to be successful. But knowing what you have and how to account for it is!  If you’re worried about your accounting skills, join us for the August 27th Noon-1pm workshop – Financial Management for Small Business.  

All three of these workshops will be presented by the SBA (Small Business Administration) at SOURCE River West and are geared toward people who are considering starting their own business but need information before taking the leap. You are welcome to attend one, two, or all three! You may attend in person at SOURCE River West Entrepreneurship Center or online through Skype in the convenience of your home or office. 

This could be the summer that changes your whole life! 

(For more entrepreneurship-based statistics and the sources for the ones found in this article, check this out: https://smallbiztrends.com/2019/03/startup-statistics-small-business.html)

Remembering Jason Andrews

Honoring the memory of one of SOURCE RW’s biggest supporters.

On Monday, May 20th the SOURCE River West Family got a little bit smaller. Our friend, supporter, and Board Member, Jason R. Andrews died in a car accident.

Jason was the Founder of Equity Financial Services where he served as the President and a Certified Financial Planner. Outside of work, Jason volunteered his time to many notable causes including as Varsity Football Coach for Ben Davis High School, Co-Chair of the Opportunity Committee for the Great Places 2020 Initiative, and Board Member and Treasurer for Pathway to Recovery.

For SOURCE RW, Jason was a dedicated Board Member and one of the Co-Founders of the Seed Fund program. He was a shining example of successful entrepreneurship and lived the mission of SOURCE RW by providing guidance, advice, support, and encouragement to entrepreneurs at all stages. We are fortunate to have known him and to have benefitted so greatly from his entrepreneurial experience and knowledge.

Because of his high level of dedication and commitment to our cause, we are renaming our Seed Fund program to the Jason Andrews Seed Fund in his honor and memory. Jason will be missed but his entrepreneurial spirit will live on in the work we do here at SOURCE RW.

It is time to get your finances in order!

QuickBooks Online for Beginners | Wednesday, May 22 | 9am - 11am | Fee: $95

Now that tax season is officially over, let’s get ready for next year and make sure you are ready!  

If you’re a small business owner using or considering using QuickBooks Online, listen up! QuickBooks Online is one of the most used accounting software by small business owners. QuickBooks Online is easy to learn, saves time tracking income and expenses, performs difficult calculations, and puts reports at your fingertips.  

But what good is a tool if you don’t know how to use it or can’t take advantage of all of the features?

That’s where we come in. SOURCE has teamed up with Becky Massa, QuickBooks and accounting expert, for this QuickBooks Online for Beginners workshop.  

Join us on Wednesday, May 22nd from 9am-11am to learn how to navigate the software, record paper checks, prepare invoices, reconcile your bank accounts, and more! This course is taught with limited “accounting jargon” so you’ll find it easy to follow along.  

This workshop is perfect for those who have been using QuickBooks Online as their accounting software but aren’t sure they are “doing it right” and for those who are only just getting started with QuickBooks Online.  

Choosing accounting software for your small business is an important decision. If you’d like to come and see what QuickBooks Online is all about at register now to hold your spot!.

SOURCE River West Entrepreneurship Center

2230 W Michigan Street, Indianapolis IN

www.sourcerw.org

Entreprenueur Spotlight!

Danielle Noble, Owner of Developer Essentials

Spotlight Entrepreneurs are hardworking entrepreneurs who have taken advantage of SOURCE RW’s educational resources. 

“I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur, but it’s taken a while for me to figure out the best business model for me.” – Danielle Noble 

Website: https://www.developeressentials.space/

Tell us a little about your business.

Developer Essentials is a product supplier that specializes in upscale and unique building materials servicing the Construction and Design Industries. Our highly curated but well-priced product offering was handpicked by a team with over 20 years of design experience. We are committed to helping our clients create forward-thinking, innovative spaces.

Our Core Categories include:

• Cabinetry

• Lighting

• Private Label Upholstery

• Art

• Casegoods

• Decorative Hardware

• Shower Enclosures & Bath Fixtures

I am also pleased to announce that Developer Essentials is now a certified WBE/MBE business!

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

I’ve utilized SOURCE RW extensively. Most recently, I just graduated from the Kauffman FastTrac New Ventures business ownership course this past fall. I’ve also attended other weekly courses that have centered around topics such as Financing your Business and Identifying a Business Mentor. I’ve also attended a business coaching session at SOURCE RW. 

The benefits have been monumental… For example, my Kauffman class gave me the tools to put together a Business Model Canvas. This business plan is crucial for the running of my business as it identifies my key partners, value propositions, customer segments, etc. It’s my roadmap to conducting business as it even details the expected revenue per business segment. The Kauffman class also introduced me to a money management tool that is instrumental in keeping my finances on track. 

What made you interested in being a business owner?

 I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur, but it’s taken a while for me to figure out the best business model for me. 

What have you enjoyed most about being a business owner?

 I love the flexibility to follow atypical projects. I also enjoy being able to control my own destiny.

 What have you enjoyed least about being a business owner?

It can definitely be a grind… I’m a creative person, so I have to constantly remind myself that I must be mindful of the books and keep things up to date.

 Was there ever a point when you wanted to quit?

Not quite, per se. But there are definitely times when I say to myself “Who do you think you are?” Luckily those thoughts tend to be quieted after hearing a bit of good news.

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

Oh no… My company is in its infancy, I have yet to make it. Really, I don’t know if any entrepreneur ever feels as if they’ve ‘made it’.

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 it be?

Be smart about branding your business from the outset. Factor it into your start-up costs. It seems frivolous but it’s amazing the credibility you’ll gain from a consistent branding strategy.

A new name and new way to start or grow your business

Dream it – Start it – Grow it Business Accelerator

Thursdays, April 25 – June 27, 2019 | 6pm-9pm | Fee: $149

We believe in you!  Small businesses have the ability to transform lives, neighborhoods and even the economic landscape of a city. You have the knowledge, passion, and drive – we have the training, tools, and resources to make your ideas a business reality. 

Dream it – Start it – Grow it Business Accelerator was created for serious entrepreneurs who are ready to start a business, or who have been running a business and are ready to take a hard look at its foundation or grow. 

Over this 10 week series, our expert instructors and coaches will guide you on your path while you learn by doing. When you complete the Accelerator you will have a firm business foundation including understanding your value proposition, identification of customer segments, identification of financing options, the ability to brand and market your product/service, and more! Participants will also have the opportunity to meet, learn from, and network with successful small business owners and experts.

Thanks to the generous funding of the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, we are able to offer this class for only $500 $149. That’s $14.90 per class for the tools and resources necessary to creating a solid business foundation.

Register now!