20 Indiana Small Businesses Receive Economic Entrepreneurship Awards

Sponsored by the ISBDC, the awards recognize clients of the agency’s 10 regional offices located throughout the state in two categories – emerging and established businesses. Recipients were chosen by their regional SBDCs.

“Indiana continues to outperform our counterparts in the Midwest and across the country for small business growth and development,” stated Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann. “The hard work and innovation displayed by the small businesses honored with EDGE awards are essential to growing our local and state economy.”  

In 2014, the ISBDC network helped entrepreneurs create 1,393 full-time equivalent jobs, raise over $111M and launch 215 businesses.

“The U.S. Small Business Administration is proud to partner with the Lt. Governor and ISBDC to support the hard working small businesses in Indiana,” said Stacey Poynter, Indiana District Director.  “The SBA provides access to capital, contracting, and counseling to small businesses across the state.”

According to the SBA there are approximately 28 million small businesses in the United States. Over 50 percent of the working population works in small business, generating over 65% of net new jobs in the U.S. since 1995.

2014 EDGE Award Recipients:

Emerging Category

• 3 Stories Trading Company, LLC (Salem)
• Beyond Borders Language Center (Kokomo)
• ChicagoLand Popcorn, LLC (Merrilville)
• garb2ART Cosmetics (Columbus)
• Myers' Market (Greencastle)
• New Corner Brewery (Muncie)
• Rectify LLC (Indianapolis)             
• Sunshine Juice Co. (Evansville)
• Sylvan Cellars Event Center (Rome City
• Yummy Cupcakes (South Bend)

Established Category

• Be Adaptive Equipment LLC (Columbia City)
• Café Arazu (Newburgh)
• Competition Accessories, LLC (Clarksville)
• Farmhouse Creative (Farmland)
• Klarer Automotive, Inc. (Munster)
• Mr. Canary (Carmel)
• Nutrabiotix, Inc. (West Lafayette)
• Paragon Force, Inc. (Bloomfield)
• Soapy Soap Company (Bloomington)
• Titus, Inc. (Plymouth)

2014 ISBDC Partner of the Year:

Indiana State University

2014 Small Business Person of the Year:

Christopher “Shane” Conner, Owner/President
Advanced Technologies in Electrical and Communications, Inc. (ATEC)

About the ISBDC:

The ten Indiana Small Business Development Centers (ISBDC) support the formation, growth, and sustainability of Indiana's small businesses by providing entrepreneurs expert guidance and access to a network of resources.

Funding for the regional ISBDCs comes from state universities, chambers of commerce, economic development offices, mayor offices and banks. Statewide financial support is provided by U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of Indiana and Ivy Tech Community College.

Administratively, the ISBDC Lead Center is operated by the Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (OSBE), an agency of the Office of Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann.

To learn more about the ISBDC and to become a client visit: www.isbdc.org.

Media Contact: 

Emily Duncan
Public Relations Director
Office of Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann 
[email protected]
c: (317) 471-9048