CENTRAL INDIANA REGIONAL PROGRAM

IBE Black Business Training Institute

The Black Business Training Institute was developed to (1) ensure that participating business owners have sufficient knowledge, opportunities and relationships to sustain and grow their business; (2) help upskill entrepreneurs and provide support that ultimately helps increase their revenues; and (3) to develop community wealth and help close the racial wealth gap.

This program is offered free of charge to those who are accepted. BBTI training sessions focus on practical business skills that can immediately be applied by small business owners.

Central Indiana Details & Application

CENTRAL INDIANA REGIONAL PROGRAM

IBE Black Business Training Institute

The Black Business Training Institute was developed to (1) ensure that participating business owners have sufficient knowledge, opportunities and relationships to sustain and grow their business; (2) help upskill entrepreneurs and provide support that ultimately helps increase their revenues; and (3) to develop community wealth and help close the racial wealth gap.

This program is offered free of charge to those who are accepted. BBTI training sessions focus on practical business skills that can immediately be applied by small business owners.

Central Indiana Details & Application

Central Indiana 12-week BBTI Cohort

In partnership with KeyBank and the Indiana Small Business Development Center, IBE has created this robust 12-week business management program for businesses in Central Indiana.

Award

A $5,000 award will be provided to the top business owner/business in each cohort that excels in the program. Businesses will also be eligible for growth grants after completing the program. In partnership with the Central Indiana Small Business Development Center, each participant will receive technical support and business advice throughout the program.

Central Indiana Cohort Training Topics

The 12-week cohort session will consist of the following topics:

Week 1: Program Overview

Week 2: Business Development and Planning

Week 3: Financial Management – Part 1

Week 4: Financial Management – Part 2

Week 5: Operational Management

Week 6: Marketing and Branding

Week 7: Technology

Week 8: Procurement – Doing Business with the Public and Private Sector

Week 9: Access to Capital – Part 1

Week 10: Access to Capital – Part 2

Week 11: Program Conclusion/Technical Assistance

Week 12: Networking Reception

Eligibility Requirements

The following is a list of criteria, not exhaustive and eligibility requirements:

  • You must be a Black-owned business.
  • Only the business owner is eligible to participate.
  • If a business owner operates more than one business, only one application for a single business will be accepted.
  • The business name on the application must match the records with the state, county and city. Your business must be in good standing with the state, county and city.
  • The business must have a Certificate of Good Standing.
  • The business must have a business address in Central Indiana.
  • Agree to share financials and other essential information.

What businesses are NOT eligible to apply?

  • Businesses that are franchises and chains.
  • Liquor stores, cannabis, etc. (per SBA guidelines).
  • Independent contractors operating multilevel or network marketing businesses (such as Avon, Mary Kay, 5LINX, Pampered Chef, etc.).
  • Independent contractors working on gig platforms such as Airbnb, Fiverr, Uber, Lyft, Instacart, etc.

Is the information and data within my application held private?

  • Yes. Individual applicant information and data will not be shared beyond the purposes of review during the selection process. Applicant data will not be sold. Aggregated applicant data may be reported for evaluation and knowledge-sharing purposes.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact us at Communications@indianablackexpo.com

Apply For the Central Indiana Cohort

Program Sponsors & Partners