Mapping Small Business Resources: Making Entrepreneurship More Accessible in Indianapolis
Bridging the Gap for Small Businesses
Entrepreneurship is a key driver of economic growth, yet many business owners struggle to find the resources, mentorship, and funding they need to succeed. While Indianapolis has a strong network of free and low-cost support services, navigating them can be overwhelming—especially for new entrepreneurs.
To solve this problem, I led an initiative to map and organize the city’s small business resources into a comprehensive, easy-to-use online guide. Inspired by the LA Business Portal, this project helps business owners access the right tools at the right time, whether they are just starting out, expanding, or managing day-to-day operations.
Building a Better Roadmap for Business Owners
Mapping the Ecosystem – I conducted in-depth research to catalog free and low-cost small business resources across Indianapolis, ensuring that entrepreneurs could easily find funding opportunities, mentorship programs, legal assistance, and more.
Creating a Step-by-Step Online Guide – I developed a user-friendly website that walks business owners through the Start, Grow, and Manage phases of business ownership. This resource connects entrepreneurs with local organizations, cutting through the confusion and making it easier to access the help they need.
Identifying Gaps & Strengthening Collaboration – Through this work, I recognized a lack of opportunities for business owners of all industries and growth stages to connect. Many small businesses were operating in silos, missing out on peer-to-peer learning and cross-sector collaboration.
Launching 1 Million Cups Indianapolis
To fill this gap, I helped establish 1 Million Cups Indianapolis, a weekly event series designed to bring entrepreneurs together. By creating a space where business owners can share their challenges, learn from each other, and build relationships, this initiative has helped foster a stronger, more connected entrepreneurial community in Indy.
Impact & Next Steps
This project created a lasting resource for Indianapolis entrepreneurs—one that simplifies the process of finding support, connects businesses with key resources, and fosters a culture of collaboration. By pairing digital tools with in-person networking, we’ve made it easier for business owners to access the help they need, when they need it.
As Indianapolis continues to invest in small business growth, this initiative serves as a foundation for even greater collaboration between public, private, and nonprofit sectors—ensuring that entrepreneurs of all backgrounds have the tools to succeed and grow.