Assistance for Suppliers

Marketing

Get "Certified"

Many large organizations (especially government) have goals to do business with a certain percentage of companies that are certified in one or more categories like Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (VBE), and/or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE).

There are 17 different certifications of this nature that a business from Indiana could pursue. If you are not yet certified, the first step is to identify which certification(s) that your potential customer recognizes. Download The Value of Diverse Business Certifications handbook (published by the Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council) and learn which certification is right for you.

For no-cost assistance with certifications, see the Management Education & Technical Assistance section below.

Money

Options for Capital

Businesses needing money to grow and sustain contract opportunities can work with a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) business advisor to find the right solution(s). This includes determining needs and (when needed) the navigation of non-traditional sources of capital like the City of Evansville Revolving Loan Fund and Community Development Financial Institution lending (see CDFI Friendly Evansville Region to learn more).

See the next section and contact the SBDC for assistance with: understanding the financing options available to you, applying for financing, and sustainably using the money in your business.

Management Education & Technical Assistance

Training Classes, Workshops and Other Events

See the Events page for a list of upcoming events that may be of interest to Supplier Development Program participants.

1:1 Technical Assistance

Southwest Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

For no-cost and confidential 1:1 help with areas like: creating and interpreting financial statements; developing a growth plan; marketing/sales; certification as a Minority, Woman, Veteran or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise; identifying financing options and assistance applying for them; insurance/bonding guidance; human resources; leadership; contract/procurement fundamentals; and other areas necessary to sustaining a successful business, contact:

(812) 425-7232 | Fax: (812) 421-5883 | southwest@isbdc.org

318 Main Street, Suite 500 | Evansville, IN 47708

Visit isbdc.org/locations/southwest-indiana-sbdc to see profiles of expert business advisors on staff and ready to assist.

IN APEX Accelerator

For help with state/federal contracting opportunities and certifications, contact:

Jim Haddan - Indiana APEX Accelerator Counselor, Southwest

Mobile: (812) 340-5174 | JHaddan@iedc.IN.gov

SSBCI Technical Assistance Program

Indiana's State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Technical Assistance (TA) program is on a mission to empower Hoosier entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses. Our carefully selected Technical Assistance providers will train and advise Indiana entrepreneurs in financial and accounting topics that are tailored to individual business needs. Our goal is to provide access to capital and create ecosystems of opportunity, while promoting economic equity across the state.

Peer Group

Join the Supplier Development Program Peer Group to regularly network with and learn from other suppliers and procurement professionals. Contact sdp@evvregion.com or (812) 425-7232 for more information.

Mentorship

Need a mentor to provide ongoing guidance in a specific area? Could you be a mentor to others? Email sdp@evvregion.com or call (812) 425-7232 to request a mentor - or express interest in being a mentor.

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