How happy are your employees?
A survey shows workers like their jobs better than they did a year ago, but not as well as before hard times set in.
Small Business
Articles
WOJTOWICZ: Relief available for firms with falling real estate values
New law allows banks to refinance existing real estate and equipment debt through the U.S. Small Business Administration 504 loan program.
Rise of machines bodes well for tech firm Mesh Systems
The founder of Mesh Systems, a company that develops wireless “machine-to-machine” communications software and hardware, says his products have countless applications. Earlier this month, Mesh closed on a $2.5 million private placement from investors in Indiana and Wisconsin.
Ingredients in place for plethora of Hoosier IPOs
Some Indiana firms are adding management and board firepower—moves likely to help them win over investors should they move ahead with public offerings.
Family has steely plan for shifting business to next generation
Westfield Steel owners Karyn and Fred Prine are well on the way to transitioning to the next generation—son Fritz—thanks to timely planning.
Slow economy grinds on long-time sausage maker Claus
Claus Muth has a proud heritage of making specialty meats, but now he faces circumstances that stand to threaten his south-side business: family-owned Claus’ German Sausages and Meats.
INSIDE DISH: Mexican mainstay puts second spot on front burner
After 25 years at La Margarita, stabilizing sales and surviving family tragedy, owner Lori Rangel-Grubbs is branching out to Fountain Square.
Indianapolis entrepreneurs rescue Choc-Ola from oblivion
The chocolate beverage Choc-Ola, launched in the 1940s and pitched to a generation of fans in the 1970s by Cowboy Bob on WTTV-4, is hitting store shelves again. South-side entrepreneurs Dan Iaria and Joe Wolfla are leading its comeback, landing an 18-state distribution deal.
Frozen yogurt hot item on local retail scene
Frozen yogurt businesses are sprouting up all over the Indianapolis area, with owners hoping to cash in on the public’s appetite for what they perceive as a healthy treat.
Franciscan Alliance takes control of VNS home health agency
Visiting Nurse Service Inc., a 200-employee agency based in Indianapolis, will operate under the umbrella of Franciscan St. Francis Health, the organizations announced Thursday.
City’s last independent map retailer set to fold
Odyssey Map Store in downtown Indianapolis will close Aug. 31 after a 27-year run. The owners attribute the closing to the proliferation of GPS devices and smart phones.
Grant doubles size of 21st Century fund
The fund, which had been ravaged by budget cuts, is now approaching its normal size.
SHEPHERD: Credit cards hurting too many businesses
Expensive personal credit undermines credit scores and ultimately the odds of more traditional lending.
Credit unions gun for more traditional bank business
A push by credit unions for more leeway with small-business lending is fueling an old fight with their banking rivals.
City proposes stricter towing rules
A proposed ordinance would crack down on “predatory” towing practices by requiring tow-truck operators to adhere to several rules meant to protect consumers.
Ratio finishing City Market design work
The architectural firm is set to be awarded a $120,000 contract to complete the work after the original designer of the renovations, Woollen Molzen and Partners Inc., disbanded last month.
Fountain Square project to include concert venue
The new owner of a 110-year-old building in the heart of Fountain Square is planning a renovation and expansion that will turn it into a restaurant, bar and 450-seat music hall called Pioneer.
City slow to spend $29M in federal funding for neighborhoods
Indianapolis has lagged in making payments to not-for-profit developers executing a huge federal program to rehab neighborhoods, putting a strain on those groups and setting the city behind in spending its share of the money.
Retail, eateries planned for Keystone office area
A local developer’s $12 million project is transforming a four-story office building and five acres of surface parking lots adjacent to The Fashion Mall at Keystone into a new retail and restaurant destination.
INSIDE DISH: Monon restaurant gets lesson in shifting gears
Tim Williams learned to make big changes on the fly during the first year of his fledgling Broad Ripple eatery, including scrapping counter service, adding a wait staff and revamping the menu.