Small Bus Development

Small Business Development

Are you interested in starting or growing a small business in Jay County?  Then check out our current resource guide:

2022 Jay County Small Business Resource Guide

Or consider entering our annual small business pitch competition, Launch Jay!:

2021 Launch Jay Recap

Small Business Development Center

Within the state of Indiana, a network of small business development centers have been developed to assist in the growth and development of our regions’ largest growth sector – small business. Jay County is represented by the East Central Indiana SBDC. They are located as follows:

East Central Indiana SBDC
122 East Main Street, Room 147
Muncie, IN 47308-1912
Phone: 765.282.9950
Fax: 765.254.1450
Website: www.isbdc.org
E-Mail: eastcentral@isbdc.org

The SBDC can offer a variety of services to the following:

  • How to start a new business – can help to walk a prospective business owner through the process, the good, the bad and the ugly….
  • How to manage and grow your existing business – as your business expands, the SBDC can help you with your new challenges and opportunities including management, human resources issues, strategic planning, operations – just to name a few

Often the SBDC will do one-on-one counseling as the first step. Sometimes, the SBDC will offer classes similar to the following:

  • Business basics
  • Making the best Hiring Decisions
  • Increasing your Bottom Line

Sometimes the SBDC can offer your business some pertinent market or data research. It can also help you analyze a financial statement so you better understand your financial situation. Sometimes, the SBDC can link your prospective company to another company that will help you provide your product or service. Networking can be critical for your emerging business.

Local Links to Small Business

Many will start investigating the possibility of a new visit with a visit to the local Chamber of Commerce. Jay County is blessed to have a very competent and able Chamber of Commerce who can often assist you in analyzing the initial steps of your potential business venture. They can be contacted at the following for an appointment:

Jay County Chamber of Commerce
118 South Meridian Street, Suite A
Portland, IN 47371
Phone: 260.726.4481
E-mail: tsprunger@jaycountychamber.com
Jay County Community Development
118 South Meridian Street, Suite D
Portland, IN 47371
Phone: 260.726.3497
E-mail: cshauver@jaycodev.org

Venture Capital/Angel Networks

East Central Indiana has developed several venture capital funds that may assist you in raising capital for your new business venture. Also, there is an established “angel” network that can often match your new business idea with someone who may be able to invest in your idea. Please contact the JCDC office at 260.726.9311 for further contact information.