Bloomington firm’s story-writing software finds an audience
Steve Wasick has created artificial intelligence-driven story-writing software that CBS Sports, IU Health and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange are using.
Small Business
Articles
COVID-19 pushes small retailers toward e-commerce
Pedcor Cos. is promoting an e-commerce web site for its Carmel City Center retail tenants, some of whom had sold little or no merchandise online until COVID-19 came along.
Fishers tech firm Vibenomics raises $6M in growth capital
Fishers-based audio marketing technology company Vibenomics Inc. on Tuesday announced it has closed on $6 million in Series A funding. The round, which closed Feb. 17, was led by Atlanta-based BIP Capital and brings total company funding for Vibenomics to $13.5 million.
Shake Shack, Potbelly among chains tapping small-biz funds
A review of regulatory filings shows that restaurant chains and companies in industries ranging from mining to manufacturing to cruise travel received large amounts.
Venture investors get stingy during outbreak
Institutional markets became increasingly volatile as COVID-19 spread across Asia, then Europe and now the United States, leaving venture capitalists holding tighter to their cash and spending more time examining the health of the companies in which they’ve already invested.
Gov. Holcomb says state’s economy will restart in a ‘rolling’ process
Indiana governor said employees must have “a very high level of confidence about the workplace” when businesses reopen.
Beyond COVID podcast: Indy Chamber is trying to help companies stay on their feet through the shutdown
Indy Chamber CEO Michael Huber talks about the programs, what kinds of companies need them most and how the experiences have changed the way he’s thinking about his organization and what its mission will be going forward.
Kim & Todd Saxton: You can be an early-stage investor—and startups need you
Investing locally is rewarding as part of a balanced portfolio. It is also exciting and gratifying to be part of allowing a local startup to launch or grow.
Carryout just isn’t cutting it for many local restaurants
Some local restaurants trying to stay afloat without dine-in service report sales have plunged by two-thirds or more, raising questions about how much longer they’ll be able to survive.
Local banks processing relief loans slowed by glitches with federal SBA site
Banks say they’re seeing overwhelming demand for Paycheck Protection Program coronavirus relief loans, and the Small Business Administration’s website is getting bogged down when they attempt to submit loan applications.
Beyond COVID podcast: Why a 90-day sprint is key to getting your company ready for the economy to restart
In this first episode of IBJ’s Beyond COVID podcast, Matt Neff offers advice for businesses trying to get back on track. And IBJ reporter Lindsey Erdody provides an update about Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s stay-at-home order and, in particular, how the latest iteration affects liquor stores.
Here’s how nine small businesses are coping with coronavirus
We check in with firms of all stripes to learn how they’re seeking to persevere—and how some are plotting to gain a competitive advantage when normalcy returns.
Loan pool may help small businesses survive ‘hibernation’
Nearly $350 billion in forgivable federally backed loans could be a lifeline for small businesses and their employees amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Shuttered hair salons face ‘overwhelming’ challenges
Desi Spears and Foster-Adesokan have both heard from clients who want to make appointments for when they reopen their shops.
Not the grand opening coffee shop owner wanted
On the day Rachel Priddy finally got word from her contractor that she could apply for a certificate of occupancy to open her coffee shop in Carmel, Gov. Eric Holcomb ordered all restaurants to shut down in-person dining.
Circle Kombucha sales are down 50%, but CEO’s outlook bright
For now—although some restaurants can still sell Circle Kombucha with takeout orders—most of the company’s sales are taking place at about 150 grocery stores in Indiana and the region.
Gym finds going virtual isn’t panacea for revenue problem
Naptown Fitness is offering its members a different kind of carryout as a way to stay healthy while gyms are closed during the pandemic.
Coronavirus has ‘heartbreaking’ impact on family-owned funeral home chain
Jim Shirley is one small-business executive who isn’t worried about a decline in business during the pandemic. If anything, he’s worried about a surge.
ClusterTruck food-delivery firm misses office orders
About 60% of the company’s sales typically happen at lunch and are delivered to workplaces, which have been stripped down to only the most essential people.
Software firm Lessonly scores $15 million in latest venture funding round
The funding—secured before the coronavirus hit the U.S.—will be used to fuel growth across all segments of the company, said Lessonly CEO Max Yoder.