Hoosier Momma growing sales, ambitions
For a company committed to slow-but-steady growth, locally based Hoosier Momma has built some enviable momentum.
Small Business
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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.
New company focuses on making football helmets that reduce concussions
Bill Simpson, famous for pioneering multiple advances in auto-racing safety, has turned his attention to a new sport. His new company, SGH Helmets, is making a football helmet that Simpson hopes will help prevent concussions.
WOJTOWICZ: Lenders need financial statements to protect investment
The bank needs to know how your business is doing right now (usually the most recent 30 or 60 days), rather than rely on your current year’s tax return that may have aged several months.
Carmel ad shop FatAtom prospers by defying norms
In a time when many local, regional and national ad firms have been forced to downsize, FatAtom Marketing has seen its revenue increase from $180,000 in 2008 to a projected $1.25 million this year, CEO Todd Muffley said.
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.
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.
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.