STATEHOUSE (Aug. 11, 2020) – State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) encourages Hoosier small-business owners and entrepreneurs to apply for a free program that provides direct technical support to help build their online presence.
"Hoosiers are increasingly looking for products and services online rather than in person, especially now during the coronavirus outbreak," Barrett said. "Helping small businesses increase their online presence can aid in reaching a broader audience to ensure their continued success."
The Indiana Small Business Development Center launched Project HOPE and recently partnered with the Indiana University Kelley School of Business to support long-term economic recovery of Hoosier small businesses and entrepreneurs. Barrett said through the program, eligible companies may apply for no-cost assistance to help establish or increase their online presence through website development, e-commerce support, and other digital tools and services.
To be eligible, Indiana small businesses must meet the following criteria:
Barrett said Kelley School of Business students and recent graduates are able to receive paid internships through this program to assist Hoosier companies with creating or modifying websites, building e-commerce platforms, improving cybersecurity frameworks, migrating data and more. Interns are overseen by faculty members, and projects are completed within two weeks. According to Barrett, more than 75 student interns have participated in the program and are providing more than 8,000 hours of support to 97 small businesses in 28 counties.
Through the Indiana Economic Development Corp., the Indiana SBDC approved $150,000 in federal funding provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration through the CARES Act to support the statewide launch of Project HOPE. To learn more about COVID-19 resources and no-cost counseling available to Indiana entrepreneurs and small businesses, visit isbdc.org/indianacovid19smallbusiness.
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State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) represents House District 56,
which includes portions of Wayne County.
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