Pandemic puts retailers in college towns to stiff test
The worst part for the hundreds of Hoosier small-business owners whose livelihood is linked to universities is the uncertainty.
Small Business
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Q&A with Dr. Doug Strobel, creator of anti-bacterial balm
A lifetime athlete and neurologist for nearly 20 years, the Carmel resident has created an organic, anti-bacterial balm that treats everything from itchy, dry skin and eczema to migraines and joint pain.
International Marketplace district welcomes new, reopening restaurants
Meanwhile, plans are in the works for a $12 million International Marketplace welcome center and museum that would replace a former Value City Furniture store.
Groundbreaking well-being app targets Black women’s stressors
Entrepreneur Katara McCarty says the Exhale app she developed “speaks to the path of women of color.”
Amount of pandemic pain felt by small businesses varies by region
In Indiana, 24.6% of companies reported a large negative overall effect from the pandemic. That was 8.4% lower than the national average.
Software keeps kids on school buses safe from sickness
Indianapolis-based Synovia Solutions’ latest platform—Bus Guardian—helps with contact tracing and hygiene verification for school buses.
Bloomington sports-tech startup scores with D.C. schools partnership
IU senior Hawley Hunter has developed a platform that gives high schools the same types of video analysis and analytics big universities and professional teams use—at a much lower cost.
Crew Carwash taking over former CVS site
Crew got approval for the project even though it doesn’t conform to the city’s land-use plan. Also this week: Mass Ave Merchants Association, Prodigy Burger & Bar, Indy’s Burger Joint, Stage to Screen Catered Cabaret.
City Market leadership hopeful better times are ahead
The historic market’s leaders are optimistic the market can overcome its current troubles and emerge as a stronger institution. But they also acknowledge the hurdles ahead.
After years of struggle, WhatFriendsDo finds its wings
The online platform designed to rally support around people who are sick or otherwise in need is now on a path to expansion.
Independent music venues face closures without help
About 60 entertainment stages, bars and studios across Indiana have joined forces in a new association to fight for government assistance they say is needed to survive.
Vonnegut Museum shifts gears on Bluebeard-managed cafe plans
Fletcher Place restaurant Bluebeard, which was the museum’s original choice of cafe operator, says it can’t tackle the project right now because of uncertainty around the pandemic.
Fine-dining Japanese restaurant opens downtown
Hinata, which opened July 31, promises to offer diners authentic Japanese cuisine. Also this week, Tina’s Traditional Tearoom, Colts Pro Shop, The Warehouse Sale.
Market Wagon looks to expand produce-delivery service nationwide
The 4-year-old company uses proprietary software and legions of small farmers and gig drivers to create an Amazon-like system that delivers fresh produce, meats, dairy products and other local food.
Fast-growing Sharpen Technologies could add 75 employees by end of 2021
Sharpen Technologies, an Indianapolis-based developer of cloud-based customer service software, came out of the gates fast this year, and despite a pause in March has continued to experience dramatic growth right through the pandemic.
San Francisco organization launching initiative it says can boost Indy tech sector
One America Works, a Bay Area not-for-profit, is helping Silicon Valley tech firms find the talent they need to grow, and thinks Indianapolis has talent to harvest. Its founder intends to bring Silicon Valley firms here to capitalize on the strengths of the region.
Wisconsin-based Gener8tor speeding entrepreneurial growth in Indiana
The business accelerator has launched a blitz of business-accelerator programs in Indiana since arriving in the state two years ago.
Venture firm opening Indy office to target the overlooked
Cincinnati-based Lightship Capital is opening an Indianapolis-area office within three months to provide underrepresented entrepreneurs here access to a $50 million investment fund.
Barnes & Noble uses COVID-19 shutdown to refresh stores
It’s part of a chain-wide move to give store managers more autonomy. Also this week: Apocalypse Burger, Enterprise Car Sales, and America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses.
Entrepreneurs launch local delivery service aimed at small retailers
The owners of Moonshot Games are launching a delivery service they say can help local independent retailers compete with Amazon.com and the big-box stores.