SSBCI Technical Assistance Program

Helping Hoosier small businesses obtain the operating capital they need to grow in Indiana.

Financial and Accounting Advising and Training for Indiana's Small Businesses

Indiana's State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Technical Assistance (TA) program is on a mission to empower Hoosier entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses. As the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) deploys $99 million throughout the state, we want to ensure businesses are prepared to successfully apply for capital programs and expertly manage the capital they receive. Our carefully selected Technical Assistance providers will train and advise Indiana entrepreneurs in financial and accounting topics that are tailored to individual business needs. Our goal is to provide access to capital and create ecosystems of opportunity, while promoting economic equity across the state.

Find the Right Provider for Your Business' Needs!

Through a competitive process, the IEDC has chosen qualified TA providers to offer personalized support and group training to eligible Hoosier entrepreneurs and small businesses as they seek capital from the IEDC's SSBCI programs and other state or federal programs. The SSBCI TA Program provides up to 5 hours of free advising to Hoosier businesses, particularly focusing on socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and very small businesses with fewer than 10 employees. Services include assistance with financial documents, accounting practices, SSBCI program applications, financial management, and creating presentations for investors or loan applications.

Technical Assistance Providers

Click on each provider's profile to read more about their unique service offerings and determine which provider is the best fit for your business' needs.

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Success Stories

Indiana Black Expo (IBE)

Quick Bio

IBE celebrates cultural diversity and inclusiveness across all races, ethnicities, nationalities, generations, socioeconomic levels and religious affiliations. IBE continues to strive for excellence by providing unique events and programs that reflect the changing landscape of Indiana and the world. IBE's commitment to excellence through personal enhancement and community development exemplify our dedication to improving the quality of life for all. With a statewide infrastructure now including 12 chapter affiliates, IBE continues to be a major economic and social contributor to our youth and the Indiana community.

Services Provided

One-on-One Virtual Counseling covering topics necessary to prepare for obtaining loans and the effective management of capital.
Webinar Group Trainings covering the following topics:
- The 5 C's of Credit (Capacity, Capital, Character, Collateral, and Conditions), Capital Readiness Assessment - The financial advisor will share underwriting criteria of individual lenders and a capital readiness checklist to complete which will include criteria such as:
  - Status (specific purpose for financing, estimate of cost to start or expand business, experience in industry/running business, investment of money in business),
  - Personal (credit score, personal assets and liabilities, up to date personal tax filings, monthly household income and expenses, previous bankruptcies, collateral, US citizenship or immigration status, ITIN, felony convictions, garnishments, liens, child support or alimony)
  - Cash Flow (ability to pay bills on time, budget for how to use the loan received, current cash flow will cover loan payments)
  - Accounting & Bookkeeping (accurate financial statements, including balance sheet and income statement; CPA, bookkeeper or accounting system; business bank account; list of business assets and liabilities)
  - Quickbooks 101 Training (fundamentals of setting up a company file to navigating the user-friendly interface, chart creation, client and vendor management, transactions, financial management and reporting)
  - Effectively Managing Capital and Debt (financial health strategies, including the creation and maintenance of a budget, paying down debt strategies, healthy spending habits, tax avoidance and building emergency funds)

Virtual or In-person Offerings

IBE will offer a hybrid of a virtual one‐on‐one counseling sessions, virtual webinar group trainings, and a full‐day financial management training. IBE can also offer in person advising for Indianapolis and the surrounding counties.

Best Suited for

Indiana Black Expo (IBE) Technical Assistance program is best suited for entrepreneurs who are in the early to mid-stages of their business and seeking guidance on accessing and managing capital. This program is ideal for those looking to enhance their financial literacy and improve their business creditworthiness.

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More Information

Programing for this opportunity is provided from monies awarded to the State of Indiana from the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) under The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which reauthorized the SSBCI and the TA Grant Program. This SSBCI TA program provides funding to assist small, SEDI-owned businesses and entrepreneurs and VSBs in accessing capital needed to invest in job-creating opportunities as the country emerges from the pandemic. The SSBCI TA Program shall prioritize services that meet the IEDC’s goals of increasing awareness and readiness to apply for capital, the successful acquisition of capital and support throughout the length of the loan, increased financial and business management skills, and geographic coverage across the state.

The services provided through this program will be audited by the Treasury and therefore are subject to the reporting and operational requirements of the Treasury and the IEDC. Users of the program will be required to submit contact information, demographic information, and evaluation reports to the IEDC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Intake Form Submission

To receive services from the program, each small business or entrepreneur will need to complete an intake form to provide the IEDC and TA providers information regarding the business, point of contact, capital needs, and services requested. This information will not be shared publicly without the explicit permission of the business owner and/or point of contact. All information submitted will be shared with the Treasury.

Assessment/Scope Drafting

The TA service provider will do an assessment of the needs of your business to ensure they align with the services they offer. If you have selected one-on-one advising, the TA provider will work with you to develop a scope based on the intake form you have provided, and the capital advising needs of your business.

Technical Assistance Services Provided

You will work directly with a TA provider to complete the deliverables as outlined in the scope of work or as outlined in the training summary.

Reporting/Evaluations

You will receive report requests and evaluations of the services provided to you. Your response to these requests helps the IEDC continue to offer services, provide required reporting to the Treasury, and improve the program.

Still Have Questions?

Please email additional questions to ssbci@iedc.IN.gov