INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) has announced a new partnership, effective today with Ivy Tech Community College’s Bloomington campus, who will serve as the regional host for the newly re-established South Central ISBDC office.

“We could not be more pleased to have a partner in Ivy Tech to host the South Central ISBDC office to localize and expand on the current assistance available for small businesses in the region,” noted ISBDC State Director Jacob Schpok.

The ISBDC offers entrepreneurs expert guidance and a comprehensive network of resources for little to no cost. Services provided include one-on-one consulting, strategic planning, market research and loan assistance.

“Ivy Tech is committed to entrepreneurship education,” said Ivy Tech Bloomington Chancellor Jennie Vaughan. “The Gayle and Bill Cook Center for Entrepreneurship was established at Ivy Tech’s Bloomington campus in 2010 to provide practical tools and resources for students, individuals, and the community. Our new partnership with the South Central ISBDC office will enable us to serve even more entrepreneurs, and provide students and small business owners with expanded resources.”

Leading the local ISBDC office will be Troy Phelps, who currently serves as a Business Advisor for the West Central ISBDC, but is already located in the Bloomington area. Phelps has counseled with over 300 local businesses, specializing in accounting, but also brings significant experience in the banking, medical and insurance industries. His entrepreneurial experience includes starting two businesses of his own and he understands firsthand the challenges of owning a business. In addition, through a partnership with Ivy Tech, Phelps instructed QuickBooks classes for several semesters and is a certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor.

“Ivy Tech and the South Central ISBDC complement each other and form a natural partnership to help entrepreneurs,” said Ivy Tech’s Executive Director of the Cook Center for Entrepreneurship Steve Bryant. “Ivy Tech offers academic programs and consulting services that complement the services that the South Central ISBDC office provides. Our startups and small business owners will be more efficiently served under this new regional partnership.”

To celebrate the new south central office, an open house is planned for Thursday, August 13 from 4:30-6:00pm at:

Ivy Tech Cook Center for Entrepreneurship
2088 South Liberty Drive, Suite 114
Bloomington, Indiana 47403
(812) 345-9395

ISBDC services will be delivered to the following counties:  Brown, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange and Washington.

In addition to state and federal funding sources, the Bloomington ISBDC receives funding support through partnerships with Indiana University, the City of Bloomington, and Monroe County.

About Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.