Small Business Resources

Grant and Loan Programs

BANKABLE

Bankable provides access to affordable capital and coaching for Indiana small businesses.. Bankable is a certified SBA lender that can provide flexible microloans to Hoosier small businesses. The Bankable team works with entrepreneurs at any stage of business to build their credit, secure capital, increase financial literacy, and grow sound business foundations to make them Bankable in the future. Click here to learn more. 

BOI

BOI, with the Indy Chamber, provides small business loans and other entrepreneurial supports. Their small business loans could be right for any kind of business, but the answer depends on your needs and circumstances. They’re great if your business is new and you don’t have a long credit history, can’t provide adequate collateral, or if you only need a small loan (up to $50,000). Their loans are also helpful for building credit, helping prepare you for traditional lending down the road. If your business needs a small loan – up to $50,000 – and you don’t have access to a traditional bank loan, a BOI loan might be the best choice for you. Learn more here.

BUILD FUND

The Build Fund is a loan fund operated by Renew Indianapolis that is dedicated to helping businesses grow and create jobs in the Indianapolis area. We connect businesses to flexible, affordable and responsible funding. Click here to learn more.

INDIANAPOLIS CDFI COLLABORATIVE WEBSITE 

Check out this website where there is a shared intake form that businesses can fill out in case they are unsure of what CDFI lender to use. This form will automatically send you to the CDFI that is the best fit. Click here to learn more. 

LISC FACADE GRANT PROGRAM

The Small Business Façade and Property Improvement Program provides grants to property and small business owners that are interested in renovating the front exterior. This grant was created to encourage property owners and small businesses to improve the exterior of their buildings and storefronts to attract new customers and beautify the area. These front exterior improvements could include signage, exterior lighting, windows, murals, painting, doors, and/or structural or design changes. This is a rebate program where business and property owners receive reimbursement for between 50-90% of the cost of the project in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 for completed work. For more information and grant cycles, click here.

LISC/KIVA MICROLOAN PROGRAM

Learn about how you can get extra support, available in multiple languages, from LISC/Kiva here.

REAL ESTATE ASSISTANCE FUND FOR BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES

With financial support from Cummins, through their Cummins Advocating for Racial Equity (CARE) initiative, and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, LISC Indianapolis has established a real estate assistance fund to provide up to $20,000 grants for Black businesses in Indianapolis that are seeking to purchase commercial property or retain their commercial property through capital improvements. These grants can be applied toward loan closing costs. The Real Estate Assistance Fund for Black-Owned Businesses grant assistance is available for eligible businesses approved for a real estate loan from one of the Indianapolis Small Business CDFI Collaboration partners: BuildFund, Business Ownership Initiative, Bankable or LISC. The Indianapolis CDFI Collaborative is a partnership of four community development financial institutions (CDFIs) that have a focus on commercial or small business lending in Indianapolis. To learn more and/or apply, click here. 

Mentoring and Coaching Programs

CENTRAL INDIANA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (SBDC)

The Butler University SBDC provides guidance and resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners at all phases—concept, startup, growth, and maturity. The Central Indiana Small Business Development Center’s mission is to have a positive and measurable impact on the formation, growth, and sustainability of small business in Indiana and to develop a strong entrepreneurial community. Learn more here.

EDNA MARTIN CHRISTIAN CENTER – ENTREPRENEURIAL INCUBATOR SERIES AND MICROENTERPRISE PROGRAM

This is a great resource for entrepreneurs who want to start a business or have already started their business. You can sign up here.

SCORE

SCORE has the largest network of free volunteer small business mentors in the nation. No matter what stage your business is at SCORE has a mentor for you. Easily request a mentor to help you start, grow, or transition your business today! Learn more and find a mentor here.

SOURCE ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTER

SOURCE Entrepreneurship Center exists to provide support for small and emerging businesses with a focus on Indianapolis neighborhoods.

SOURCE provides accelerator series, workshops, social media/website services, and one-on-one coaching. For more information, click here.

Toolkits and Training Opportunities

INDY EAST PROMISE ZONE SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES

The Promise Zone’s Business Resource Toolkit was developed by the Indy East Promise Zone. The listed resources are based on feedback from Near Eastside businesses and community partners. Check it out here.

REDI ENTREPRENEURSHIP CLASSES

ReEntry Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDi) creates opportunities for current and formerly incarcerated individuals to explore small business ownership as a means of self-sufficiency. This five-week training course and one on one coaching is for justice-involved individuals. Click here for more information.

CÓMO INICIAR UN NEGOCIO: TALLERES GRATUITOS PARA EMPRESARIOS

El Consejo de Negocios Hispanos del Indy Chamber en colaboración con La Plaza y LISC Indianapolis ofrecieron 10 talleres gratis sobre cómo iniciar una empresa en los Estados Unidos. Para ver las grabaciones de los talleres, haga un click aquí.