A new state program is available to aid small businesses seeking help in building their online presence.
A partnership between the Indiana Small Business Development Center and the Indiana University Kelly School of Businesses has launched an initiative to assist eligible businesses at no cost to either help grow their business online, provide e-commerce support, or develop or improve a website.
“As a state, we're focused on encouraging long-term planning and investments to propel Indiana's economy into the future,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger. “With this new partnership, the Indiana SBDC will continue increasing its support for Hoosier small businesses and entrepreneurs during the COVID-19 pandemic, improving access to critical tools and resources to help companies adapt to new markets and enhance their competitiveness by growing their online presence.”
The Indiana SBDC and IU launched Project HOPE to support Indiana small businesses negatively affected by COVID-19.
Through the program, Kelley students and recent graduates are offered paid internships to assist eligible companies in expanding their online presence, solving technology issues or providing new digital capabilities. The projects, which include creating or modifying websites, building e-commerce platforms, improving cybersecurity frameworks, migrating data, and more, are overseen by faculty members and completed within two weeks.
Eligibility includes:
- Being an active Indiana SBDC client
- Operational since Feb. 15, 2020
- Ability to demonstrate a negative impact from COVID-19
“Since our founding 100 years ago, our school has believed we have a responsibility to support the Indiana business community,” said Idalene Kesner, dean of the IU Kelley School and the Frank P. Popoff chair of strategic management. “Due to the COVID-19 situation, the need for support is greater today than ever before. Our dedicated faculty and engaged students are ready to apply their expertise and skills to help our state in its efforts to recover from the pandemic.”
The state said more than 75 student interns have participated in Project HOPE, providing more than 8,000 hours of direct technical support to 97 small businesses in 28 counties.
