Small business development office offers opportunity for student entrepreneurs

KOKOMO, Ind. - Indiana University Kokomo celebrated a partnership that brings entrepreneurial resources to its students with a ribbon cutting for new offices for the Hoosier Heartland Indiana Small Business Development Center (HHISBDC).

Chancellor Mark Canada, along with Tim Branyan, HHISBDC coordination manager, Caitlin Sheets, Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance economic development manager, and Madi Cardenas, membership development coordinator, led the ribbon cutting outside the Kelley Student Center.

Canada said it makes sense for the ISBDC to have a presence in IU Kokomo's Innovation Hall because of its mission to help future entrepreneurs grow their small businesses.

"We really believe in innovation, and students getting hands-on learning, even before they graduate," he said. "The idea that they can meet Tim and other members of the team right here on campus and start thinking about how they can bring their ideas to life really excites me. It's what we're all about here: getting students' knowledge into action."

Branyan said having an office on campus gives students easier access to free one-on-one advising, workshops, training, and connections to state and national resources.

"This ribbon cutting represents more than a new office space on campus," he said. "It signifies a bridge or an on ramp. When done well, it will be a link between entrepreneurs, education, ideas, and action between students who are curious and business owners who are creating real impact in Howard County and the surrounding areas. I'm super excited about what this place is going to be for the entrepreneurs that come through these doors.

Guests toured the KEY Center for Innovation, where the ISBDC will host office hours two Thursdays per month. Alan Krabbenhoft, director of the KEY Center for Innovation, shared the space's resources, highlighting two group collaboration areas and a dedicated conference room for meeting with potential clients.

In addition to hosting the ISBDC, Krabbenhoft also connects area business owners with students who can use what they've learned in class to help with projects.

"This space represents a tremendous opportunity," he said. "This is an opportunity for students to practice what they're doing in school and use their own work to advance an organization. We want this to become a vibrant center for our community."

Innovation Hall is funded in part by a $1.5 million grant from the first round of funding from the Indiana READI program and matching funds from Indiana University. Located in the west wing of the Kelley Student Center, it includes a media lab/eSports arena, a technology studio, and a business analytics lab, as well as professional offices and other training and gathering spaces for students.

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.

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