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Small Business
New support group aids entrepreneurs: Growing network quick to attract diverse membership
February 27, 2006
Matthew KishBut it's not because Roots doesn't know how to write HTML code. Rather, he's got so much business coming in the doors he doesn't
have any free time for turning wrenches on his own site-www.squishdesigns.com. That's a good problem to have for an entrepreneur
who's still dotting the "i"s on his LLC application. He credits the influx of business to a new networking group for entrepreneurs
that is attracting a sizeable contingent of women and minority business owners. The group-which...
MoreBanning 'McLawsuits': State bill outlawing fast-food litigation nears passage
February 27, 2006
Matthew KishA bill nearing the governor's desk would make it illegal to sue Indiana restaurants-including the state's ubiquitous fast-food
joints-for those extra notches in the belt. Commonly referred to as the "cheeseburger bill," the measure is part of a national
effort by restaurants and small-business owners to protect themselves from enormous class-action lawsuits that have been filed
against some national chains. House Bill 1113 passed out of the Senate Committee on Corrections, Criminal, and Civil Matters
on Feb. 14 by a...
MoreKnow where to look for funding:
February 27, 2006
Charles SimConventional bank loans Banks provide conventional financing, evaluating loan requests against the socalled "five Cs" of credit.
They must feel comfortable that borrowers have: capacity to repay the loan; capital of their own invested in the business;
collateral to offer as a secondary source of loan repayment; creditworthiness, based on personal and business borrowing history;
and character worthy of the bank's trust. It's in banks' best interest to minimize risk. Loans are made only where the likelihood
of being repaid...
MoreDevelopment plans percolating in five urban corridors: East 10th Street, Fountain Square lead FOCUS pack
February 20, 2006
Tammy LieberDataSmith Technologies owner James Smith started looking almost two years ago for a building to house his business, his home
and possibly a revenue-generating tenant. What he ended up with was a dilapidated former bar on a struggling section of East
10th Street that had become a haven for vagrants. Smith took a chance on the building at 2032 E. 10th St., most recently home
to Mustang Sally's tavern, largely because of the involvement of the East 10th Street Civic...
MoreFirms face choice: Spend or be swallowed: Independent third-party benefits administrators watch consolidation wave sweep through
state
January 30, 2006
Tom MurphyFor small companies, "their systems costs are just eating them alive," said Donley, president of Donley & Co. Inc. "If they
lose a couple large clients, all of a sudden they go from being in the black to being in the red." Donley and others say the
skyrocketing cost of doing business has triggered a wave of consolidation in the Indiana market for benefits administration.
Since 2003, larger companies have gobbled or plan to gobble at least seven independently owned...
MoreHome Room Construction: Remodeler's building plan: Double revenue Company targets homeowners considering do-it-yourself projects
January 23, 2006
Julie YoungScott Heinemeyer's business is all about potential. That's why Home Room Construction tackles many kinds of projects-everything
from simple handyman services to complex room additions. After all, what's the point in limiting the possibilities? "We are
a big company that happens to be small right now," Heinemeyer said of his four-person firm. All told, Home Room finishes anywhere
from 200 to 300 projects a year, he said, and revenue is expected to nearly double to $500,000 in 2006. Heinemeyer started...
MoreFirms face choice: Spend or be swallowed: Independent third-party benefits administrators watch consolidation wave sweep through
state
January 23, 2006
Tom MurphyFor small companies, "their systems costs are just eating them alive," said Donley, president of Donley & Co. Inc. "If they
lose a couple large clients, all of a sudden they go from being in the black to being in the red." Donley and others say the
skyrocketing cost of doing business has triggered a wave of consolidation in the Indiana market for benefits administration.
Since 2003, larger companies have gobbled or plan to gobble at least seven independently owned...
MoreBike Line, Broad Ripple firm plan Mass Ave purchases: Two sales would be latest in owner-occupant trend
January 16, 2006
Tammy LieberTwo buildings on Massachusetts Avenue downtown are slated to change hands in coming weeks as two Broad Ripple businesses stake
their claims on the resurging corridor. The first deal scheduled to close is the sale of 409 Massachusetts Ave., owned for
the last 15 years by advertising firm Young & Laramore. Elizabeth Dillon, owner of RN Specialties, plans to move her growing
10-year-old company and its 21 employees into the 17,000-square-foot building after minor renovations to the ad agency's former...
MoreSmall biz preparing wish list: Lobbyists hope to repeat past legislative success
December 26, 2005
Matthew KishBut that doesn't mean the organization and its 16,000 Hoosier members will rest on their laurels for the short legislative
session in 2006. The group will bring a full wish list to the Statehouse in January, lobbying against increased property taxes
and health insurance mandates. It'll also petition lawmakers to restrict eminent domain seizures. Still, observers don't think
the organization will have as much cause for uncorking the bubbly as it did last year. No different than last session, businessfriendly...
MoreWomen inventors pursue their creative dreams: From doggie car seats to valve-less hydraulic systems, these visionaries keep
creating practical products
December 12, 2005
Cynthia A.Windshield wipers, disposable cell phones, Scotchgardâ„¢, the first automatic dishwasher, disposable diapers, Barbie dolls,
nonreflective glass, brassieres, CPR mannequins and "whiteout." These items have one key feature in common-they were all invented
by women. Since the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office does not keep gender statistics, it is impossible to know exactly how
many patents women hold. One thing is certain: since 1809 when Mary Dixon Kies became the first woman to receive a patent
from the government, many other...
MoreHealth care: big problem for small business: Wyoming lawmaker's proposed legislation could end 10-year Senate impasse on controversial
solution
November 28, 2005
Matthew KishMore than 45 million Americans lack health insurance. And more than half of them are employed or dependent on someone who
works for a small business, according to the National Federation of Independent Business. It's a big problem-especially in
Indiana. Between 2000 and 2004, 5.6 percent of Hoosier workers lost employer-provided health care, according to the Economic
Policy Institute. That's a higher percentage than any state except Wisconsin. Legislation just introduced in Congress by Wyoming
Sen. Michael Enzi, however, may...
MoreFine-tuning a business strategy: Local violinmaker finds success by raising prices
November 28, 2005
Matthew KishF ine-tuning a business strategy Local violinmaker finds success by raising prices John Welch made a counterintuitive business
decision two years ago. The violin business was in decline. Asian manufacturers were turning out high-quality stringed instruments
for a fraction of the price of their American competitors. Welch decided to swim against the current. He raised prices. "We
realized the only way to compete with the Chinese was to improve our quality," said Welch, CEO of Indianapolis-based Sofia
Violins. "We realized...
MoreCable firms call foe a phony: Group touting itself as consumer group funded by biz giants
November 21, 2005
Chris O\'malleyAt first glance, Consumers for Cable Choice appears to be one of those grass-roots organizations likely to have a framed picture
of Ralph Nader on its wall. You know, the kind of activist group whose religion is social justice, whose bible is Mother Jones,
and to whom eternal damnation would be to accept a penny from greedy and manipulative Big Business. Not so with Consumers
for Cable Choice. The Indianapolis group that advocates more competition in cable and relaxed regulation...
MoreMerry Realty Inc.: Big plans for small firm Real estate agency tries to win business by teaching buyers rules of the game
November 21, 2005
Ed CallahanReal estate agency tries to win business by teaching buyers rules of the game Large agencies may dominate the residential
real estate game, but Indianapolis-based Merry Realty is trying to prove a small player still can make a big name for itself.
For years, Merry Realty has focused its efforts on properties in Indianapolis, but it is rapidly expanding into a more diverse
market, targeting booming areas like Hamilton County while staying loyal to its inner-city roots. Real estate broker...
MoreTechnology proposals get business focus: IEDC requests new 21st Century Fund applications
November 21, 2005
Peter SchnitzlerIt's been 18 months since state government requested new technology proposals from startups or academics. The days of waiting
are now finished. "We're in business," said the Indiana Economic Development Corp.'s new director of entrepreneurship, Bruce
Kidd. "The open sign is in the window. We want to start accepting applications again." On Nov. 16, the IEDC issued a request
for applications to its $75 million 21st Century Research and Technology Fund. Much has changed since March 2004, when the
state...
MoreStartups offered a fast track: Motorsports-themed incubator gets green light in Brownsburg
October 31, 2005
Matthew KishHendricks County officials hope a new business incubator there revs the engines of local entrepreneurs. The motorsports-themed
facility, to be known as Fast-Start, got the green light after a year-long feasibility study concluded the project was a logical
fit for a community that already houses Prudhomme Racing, John Force Racing and Bill Simpson's Impact Racing. "It would help
achieve some of our goals in Brownsburg," said Jeanette Baker, town council president and treasurer of the Hendricks County
Economic Development Partnership,...
MoreCenter director ready to score: Ball State's new entrepreneurship chief has big plans for top-rated program
October 31, 2005
Scott OlsonThe 6-foot-6-inch Cox visited the Indiana University campus on Dec. 24, 1974, as a member of the Nebraska Cornhuskers basketball
team. The starting center scored 15 points and pulled down five rebounds in a 97-60 loss to the thenmighty Hoosiers. His team
took solace in a free meal from a local fast-food joint that gave each ticketholder a burger, fries and shake every time IU
won by 30 points or more. After scavenging the stands for discarded stubs, the 'Huskers...
MoreKipps Brothers still evolving after 125 years
October 24, 2005
Candace BeatyWalk through the Kipp Brothers showroom and you’ll find the makings of one heck of a birthday celebration: gag gifts
galore, endless sugary treats and headgear that puts the traditional party hat to shame.
MoreBruce R. Frank & Associates LLC: Business, basketball give adviser a leg up International perspective useful for Indianapolis
consulting firm
October 17, 2005
Della PachecoAt 6 feet 8 inches, consultant Bruce R. Frank is an imposing figure. But it's the 30 years of business experience the former
professional basketball player has accumulated that he says helps him tower over his competition. Frank, 51, is the founder
of Bruce R. Frank & Associates, an Indianapolis-based consulting group that helps life-sciences companies develop business
strategies. So far, he has found most of his clients outside Indianapolis: Frank spent seven months on the road last year.
The...
MoreBorn again: Old churches gain new life as commercial space
October 10, 2005
Tammy LieberGod may be eternal, but His houses aren't. Congregations expand, move or fade away. When they leave a house of worship behind,
sometimes they find a different congregation to take over the brick-andmortar expression of their faith. Sometimes they don't.
In the latter case, finding a new life for churches and temples-often solidly built and packed with unique architectural details-can
be something like working a miracle. But a handful of developers have managed to give new life to old churches,...
MoreBiz groups join forces: Agencies hope to reach more minority-, women-owned firms
September 26, 2005
Tracy DonhardtTwo organizations that aim to increase business opportunities for minorities and women have formed a united front, hoping
to foster even greater diversity among companies. Indiana Business Diversity Council and the National Association of Women
Business Owners'local chapter aren't only sharing knowledge and resources-they'll also share space when NAWBO moves in with
IBDC later this fall. NAWBO hopes the partnership will enhance its networking capabilities. It also will give the all-volunteer
organization it first-ever place to call home. For its...
MoreAre you prepared for DISASTER?: Despite warnings, many businesses fail to plan for the worst
September 26, 2005
Scott OlsonAre you prepared for Despite warnings, many businesses fail to plan for the worst Frank Hancock didn't have a disasterrecovery
plan when a tornado tore past his east-side printing company two years ago, causing $5 million in damage. Severe wind gusts
from the Sept. 20, 2003, storm shredded Sport Graphics Inc.'s 5-month-old warehouse and manufacturing facility and tore 13
1,800-pound air-conditioning units from the roof, dumping them on the parking lot below. One was never recovered. Amid the
mayhem that...
MoreBasic utility vehicle rolling ahead-slowly: Assembly would happen in developing nations
September 12, 2005
Chris O\'malleyA not-for-profit group developing vehicles for use in the Third World plans to open a "micro-factory" next month near 65th
Street and Binford Boulevard. But the Institute for Affordable Transportation site won't mass-produce its diminutive vehicles,
powered by lawn tractor engines. Rather, the donated space will become a lab for working out methods to help those in developing
countries assemble the so-called "basic utility vehicles." The facility "is to basically prepare the way for this technology
transfer package so it...
MoreVOICES FROM THE INDUSTRY: Efficient, tasteful design can help maximize productivity
September 5, 2005
Sandi KramerProductivity. Comfort. Longevity. While the old saying about location applies to most commercial real estate decisions, the
issues of promoting productivity, providing a comfortable working environment and choosing materials that last become preeminent
after the lease is signed. current space-is not something you do everyday. If you're part of a mid-sized or small business,
then it's highly likely that you're juggling real estate decisions at the same time you're trying to advance your business.
As a result of this pressure,...
MoreStaffing agency seeks bankruptcy protection: Morley Group begins reorganizing $5.3 million debt
September 5, 2005
Scott OlsonThe 13-year-old staffing agency already owes the bank $1.94 million-a $1.17 million loan used to construct its headquarters
and about $768,000 for operating expenses. President Michael Morley blamed poor economic conditions for the filing. He said
the company hopes to emerge from bankruptcy quickly. "Our business is just now starting to come back and increase," he said.
"We're going to be able to straighten this out. We're not taking this lightly." Other debts listed in the bankruptcy filing
include a...
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Saw the Indy Men's Chorus "Music of Gilbert & Sullivan" at the Indiana Historical Society on Sunday evening.
Temporary workers are not "tools" they are people and companies that keep large amounts of temp staff are cheating.
I miss having them around. I hope one of their stores is in the general Meridian/86th Street area. I will make good use of it.
The Fringe! Plus, the simple fact that there are so many local faves in such close proximity to each other.
I remenber, watching the toll road, being built, through South Bend, when I was 10 years old. I believe, back then that it was estimated, that the toll road, would be paid for in 20 years and then it would be free. I am now 71, what happened? Since the power is in the people, by that, I mean that, we the people are in total control of everything. I, suggest that no one ever use the toll road again, let it go broke. We the people can control the price of everything, from groceries to gas, if we would just do it. If we don't pay the asking price, the sellers will lower the price and if we wait awhile, they will lower the price to what we accept as reasonable. I would like to know why a highway like interstate 94, is so well maintained, a much better highway, than the toll road, but has no tolls. I would also like to know why, a sitting governor, with a term limit, maximum of eight years, can lease, public property, for 75 years. Even though I have transponders in both of my trucks and will not be affected by the increase, I have been and will contine to avoid using the toll road. I make many trips from northern Indiana to Chicago, every year, and I prefer the better highway, I94!