Startup aims to take business cards into digital age
Indianapolis entrepreneur Nick Carter thinks he’s found a way to eliminate the “black hole” of marketing data: smart business cards that track how recipients use them.
Entrepreneurship
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Hoosier Momma growing sales, ambitions
Seller of Bloody Mary mix adds new concoctions, broadens distribution to seven states.
IU grad pitches biz idea to TV ‘sharks’
CoatChex founder Derek Pacqué is gearing up for a Friday product launch party that coincides with his appearance on the ABC television show “Shark Tank,” where he pitched his idea to potential investors including serial entrepreneur Mark Cuban.
Real estate firm’s niche is commercial Hispanic clients
Real estate entrepreneur Kelli Membreno, a bilingual native of northern Indiana, has built a business on helping Hispanic entrepreneurs navigate the barriers of language and American business customs.
Small firms using social media to tighten ties to customers
More small businesses are turning to technology to connect with clients. Nationwide, over half of firms with fewer than 100 employees use social media, according to a 2012 survey from research firm SMB Group Inc.
Fishers launching business incubator
The town of Fishers is making a bid to keep its entrepreneurs close to home, investing $350,000 to develop shared office space for the startup community. Co-working facility Launch Fishers is slated to open this fall.
TechPoint plans summit, entrepreneurial bootcamp
The first-ever Indiana Entrepreneurial Bootcamp will only be open to the first 100 who register.
Local distillers produce Indiana sorghum spirit
Two central Indiana entrepreneurs are making a new spirit from an old crop—supplied largely by an Amish farmer who doesn’t drink alcohol. The product is Sorgrhum, a distilled liquor made from the syrup of sweet sorghum, a stalk-like grain used as a sweetener before sugar cane became widely available.
Dog treat startup wins challenge
Self-proclaimed “foodie” Sherri Campbell knew she was onto something when she started making frozen treats for her three dogs, but even she didn’t expect to win the inaugural Hottest Kitchen Entrepreneur Challenge.
Firm gives college kids the opportunity to run a painting business
Student Development Co. helps college students run Textbook Painting businesses, to learn the ins and outs of entrepreneurship. Thirty students in seven states are participating this summer, including 10 student entrepreneurs in Indiana.
Web startup aims to connect private businesses, investors
Private firms that need to raise relatively modest amounts of capital have a hard time finding money. Now three Indianapolis entrepreneurs think they have the answer: crowdfunding. Individuals make small investments that are aggregated to fund a business. Indianapolis-based Localstake wants to be the matchmaker.
Duo introduces app for hairstylists
Founders of MyBestFriendsHair.com aim to help professionals manage client information.
Does entrepreneurial speed dating work?
The annual Innovation Showcase aims to connect area entrepreneurs with interested investors. Think speed dating with higher stakes.
Purdue offers Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for disabled vets
The Krannert School of Management is one of eight programs around the country that teach the boot camp aimed at helping post-9/11 disabled veterans start their own businesses.
Co-working spaces multiply, giving independent workers options
Co-working sites—shared office spaces designed to give entrepreneurs, free-lancers and consultants the tools they need to get the job done as well as the chance to interact with other professionals, sans cubicle—are gaining popularity nationally and, finally, in Indianapolis.
Boutique Anderson ad agency expanding to Indianapolis
Four-person shop opening office downtown got its start at Flagship Enterprise incubator.
Taxing career path ultimately appeals to entrepreneur
Accounting, church jobs lead to software firm that helps tax accountants manage property tax disputes.
Mentors give entrepreneurs a business boost
Good mentors can make a world of difference to up-and-coming entrepreneurs. Countless business owners find themselves in need of a gut check from time to time and, these days, mentors are an essential part of their toolkit.
Not-for-profit hoping to grow microloan program
Small amounts of funding often ignored by larger banks.
For graying generation, startups are booming
Since the 1990s, the demographic makeup of new entrepreneurs has been steadily shifting toward baby boomers as they seek personal and financial fulfillment. Count Fountain Square Brewing Co.’s Bill Webster among them.