The support of area u
niversities is further solidifying the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center’s mission to spur the growth and development of region businesses.
Indiana University Northwest, Ivy Tech Community College and Purdue University Calumet continue to encourage entrepreneurship in the region through the SBDC, with PUC serving as the host organization. Purdue University North Central is a new supporter, offering assistance beginning next year.
“Under the umbrella of our university partners we are able to provide a mechanism for supporting small businesses in the region,” said LeAnn McCrum, regional director of the NWI SBDC. “As we continue to look toward small businesses as the lifeblood of economic rejuvenation, prompting growth of entrepreneurship cannot be done by one entity alone. It is through a united effort of community leaders and institutions that we will truly have an impact.”
“The success of small businesses is vital to the economic infrastructure of Northwest Indiana,” added PUC Chancellor Thomas Keon. “For that reason, Purdue Calumet remains committed to supporting the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center with faculty expertise, hands-on student assistance and other resources that help small business thrive and achieve.”
McCrum said the inclusion of PNC presents a more substantial avenue for the SBDC to back the business community in LaPorte County and beyond. PNC’s Center for Economic Development and Research offers another component of collaboration. CEDaR provides educational opportunities, conducts research, supports workforce development through contract training services and serves as a repository for regional reports and data.
“Purdue University North Central is pleased to be a part of the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center. PNC has for many years played a vital role in advancing the economic development efforts of Northwest Indiana,” said PNC Chancellor Dr. James B. Dworkin. “Our goal is to serve to foster stability, growth and economic development in our area. Being a part of the SBDC seems like a natural fit as we strive to fulfill the tenets of Learning, Discovery and Engagement through our role as a community resource.”
“The Purdue University North Central partnership with the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center will allow us to better serve the needs of our region,” added Dr. Alan Krabbenhoft, PNC Dean of the College of Business. “The PNC Center for Economic Development and Research and the College of Business faculty hope to serve as a valuable resource for the SBDC ventures.”
Serving seven counties in the region, the NWI SBDC offers free assistance for entrepreneurs starting or expanding their businesses. Through one-on-one consulting, the NWI SBDC helps guide small businesses toward their goals by offering referrals, workshops, training opportunities and other essential business tools. It is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Small Business Administration, the State of Indiana and other local partners. For more information, visit www.nwisbdc.org.