By NANCY VORIS
Indiana Correspondent

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Rural residents interested in starting a new business venture have a new resource to help them explore the possibilities.

The Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) is now offering its “Launching Your Own Business” workshops to rural Indiana communities in partnership with the Rural Entrepreneur Network (REN).

All participants receive a comprehensive sixty-page workbook which includes a step-by-step guide for evaluating the likelihood of business success, as well as critical elements necessary to start a new business. In addition, the two-hour workshops are moderated by a seasoned small business owner who has extensive experience in training entrepreneurs.

The workshops are designed for rural residents and are concentrated in Indiana counties with populations of less than 50,000. REN Director Jim Roudebush said participants are looking at ventures including agritourism, online sales and businesses, hair salons and fitness centers.

“The program has been tested and proven throughout Indiana, and has been shown to reduce failure factors in starting a new business,” Roudebush said. “The ISBDC has used this workshop with hundreds of success stories.”

Scheduled workshops include: Dec. 10, Martinsville; Dec. 15, Greenfield; Dec. 16, Switz City; Dec.17, Shelbyville; Jan. 7, New Castle; Jan. 12, Franklin; Jan. 19, Loogootee; Jan. 20, Orleans/Orange Co.; Feb. 3, Manilla; Feb. 16, Greene Co.; Feb. 18, Osgood/Mila/Versailles; Feb. 24, Bedford; Feb. 25, Greensburg.
Cost is $15. Call Roudebush at 317-850-3012 or e-mail jroudebush@ isbdc.org for more information.

The ISBDC is looking for local sponsors for the “Launch Your Own Business” workshops. There is no cost for sponsorship; however local help is needed in promoting the workshops and finding meeting space.

Several openings are available in early 2010. Contact Roudebush for more information.

Since 2005, REN has assisted entrepreneurs in more than 30 rural counties with training and network support. Now, in partnership with ISBDC, REN will be serving entrepreneurs across the state and within many of the sixty-five Indiana counties with populations of less than 50,000 people. While ISBDC has 10 regional offices where candidates receive expert small business training and counsel, REN is helping to extend their resources to reach more rural Indiana residents.