Meet Your Regional Business Coach

Indy Chamber News Archives

Business Ownership Initiative, a member of the Indy Chamber’s Entrepreneur Services, is proud to introduce our regional business coach, Darice Maxie! As we expand our free business coaching services into the Indy region, we are excited to have an experienced business coach like Darice assist entrepreneurs. 

Q: How did you get started in this business?
I’ve consulted with small business owners for 15 years as I’ve built my own businesses. I was first drawn to entrepreneurship as part of a special presentation by the Junior Achievement organization I attended in the eighth grade. The speaker owned a shoe store and came to talk to us about his life as a business owner. I completely bought into the idea of entrepreneurship that day and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Working with entrepreneurs is a special calling. It is exciting to be around such passionate people and I feel as though I’m a good fit as a coach because I understand the nuance of encouraging my clients and at the same time challenging them to do great things with a plan in place.

Q: What is the #1 piece of advice you would give to someone looking to start a business?
Test your idea before you take on risk. Make sure you can satisfy a need in the marketplace and build a business that is sustainable.

Q: How have your past work experiences helped you prepare for this job?
My experience is a perfect set up for the position here at BOI. Not only have I worked in banking as a Branch Manager helping small businesses with SBA loans, I am also an entrepreneur who has started several small business enterprises. I know painstakingly well what it’s like to see a need in the marketplace and bring an idea to fruition. I’ve had the long sleepless nights thinking about how to generate revenues and experienced the trials and tribulations that come with how to promote my business.

Q: What have you found to be the most common issue small businesses owners turn to BOI for?
The most common issue I’ve seen thus far is the lack of preparation for starting a business. Many of my conversations aren’t around what type of services to offer or what type of products to make, the clients are well aware of that. The missing link is the plan – how the business will operate, what it will cost in terms of overhead and how it will continue to generate revenue month after month and year after year.

To schedule a free business coaching session, call 317.464.2258 or email [email protected].