Six from Indiana make top 500 on Inc.‘s fastest-growing list
A half-dozen Indiana companies were ranked in the top 500 in Inc.'s annual list of the the nation's fastest-growing private companies, but only two are from Indianapolis.
Small Business
Articles
Remodeling rebounds as homeowners opt to fix what they have
More homeowners are taking the plunge on pricey home remodeling projects—ranging from kitchens, bathrooms and basements to outdoor living areas and whole-house makeovers—after a roughly five-year lull that began with the housing downturn.
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.
LEADING QUESTIONS: Music promoters grow gig schedule
In four years since begging indie acts to hit Indianapolis, MOKB Presents has become a ubiquitous name on the city's marquees. The concert-promoting duo expects to have a hand in 150 shows this year, a 50-percent increase from 2011.
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.
Slingshot SEO branches out after Google throws it for a loop
Search-engine optimization remains part of Slingshot SEO’s name. But one of the region’s fastest-growing tech companies is abruptly shifting strategy—in part because changes by Google have undercut its core business.
Former chamber head Dorson joins startup ViewYou
Startup ViewYou, which launched in October 2011, provides matchmaking services for job-seeking college students and companies with open positions.
Marketing software firm CIK plans to expand, add 57 jobs
CIK Enterprises LLC, a marketing software and services firm, plans to add the jobs by 2016. The company will continue to lease a 30,000-square-foot facility on the city’s west side.
Farmers to get advice on coping with crop losses
Indiana farmers worried about what to do with their withered corn crops will gather in Vigo County this week to discuss crop insurance, cattle feeding options, and other topics related to the drought. Purdue University agricultural experts say some crops already are beyond saving.
What’s New: Blue Marble Design
Meet M.J. Meneley and Randy Royer, landscape architects who rolled out Indianapolis-based Blue Marble Design LLC as a full-time enterprise in May.
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.
Multi-employer health clinic to open downtown
NoviaCare Clinics LLC will open a multi-employer health clinic in downtown Indianapolis this fall, opening the door for smaller employers to add the service to their health benefits.
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.
Venture funding falls 12 percent in second quarter
Funding for U.S. startups fell 12 percent in the second quarter as venture capitalists poured less money into fewer deals than a year earlier. But the number of companies getting funded in the earliest stages of development reached the highest level in more than a decade.
INSIDE DISH: Unlikely pair pilot Ship to profit
OK, so an accountant and a tattoo artist start a bar. Except it's no joke. Clearly defined roles have helped the odd-couple co-owners of The Sinking Ship navigate a turbulent startup and land on solid financial ground.
Mudathlon makes a splash as obstacle course races grow
A 3-year-old Westfield has taken advantage of the adventure-race trend by staging Mudathlons–obstacle courses conducted in the mud. More than 12,000 people were expected to participate in Mudathlon’s four races this summer, up from about 2,000 at the company’s first two races in 2010.
Duo introduces app for hairstylists
Founders of MyBestFriendsHair.com aim to help professionals manage client information.
Gen Con gaming for another attendance record
As crowds get bigger, businesses take more notice.
Does entrepreneurial speed dating work?
The annual Innovation Showcase aims to connect area entrepreneurs with interested investors. Think speed dating with higher stakes.