History

Eastern Indiana was awarded a competitive Strategic Skills Initiative grant marketed as GrowthStart Project by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development to create new jobs in agri-business, small business, and entrepreneurship advancement.

Because of the economic challenges identified in these areas, the Regional Workforce Board has developed the Growth Start Project, which is aimed at jump starting and growing the economy through the creation of jobs and wealth.

Small Business Support

The GrowthStart Project is looking for early-to-growth stage companies with innovative business models that are within the Economic Growth Region 6. The company or project idea should have the potential to provide job opportunities for citizens in the region.

The GrowthStart Project can assist entrepreneurs with matching funds for Business Plan Development, Feasibility Studies and Technology Evaluations.

Process

Question: How much is available?
Answer: The RWB can provide up to $10,000 per project.

Question: What is the match requirement?
Answer: The RWB can pay ½ the total cost so for a project with a total cost of $5,000 the RWB and applicant would each pay $2,500

Question: Where does the money go to?
Answer: The RWB will contract and pay the consultant directly.

Question: What features does the RWB look for in entrepreneurs or proposed projects?
Answer: Some of the features we look for in potential entrepreneurs include: