The Business Academy @IUN

IU Northwest Business Academy lockup for web version 4

The Business Academy @IUN Equips Entrepreneurs with Competence and Confidence while Creating a Community of Encouragement and Elevation.

The Business Academy @IUN supports the entrepreneurial and small business community of Northwest Indiana by providing speakers, workshops, clinics, and other programs and services specifically geared toward helping entrepreneurs prepare for the realities of business ownership and making social connections.

Navigate your entrepreneurial journey

Whether you “just have an idea,” are ready to put your plan on paper or open your doors, or are actively operational and ready to expand, the IU Northwest Business Academy stands ready to come alongside to help you on your journey. Connect with us today!

Upcoming events

Refer to the campus map for details on navigating our campus and parking

  • January 24, 2025 – 1 to 3 p.m.
    • Doing Business with INDOT
    • Bergland Auditorium
    • Register
  • January 25, 2025 – 9 a.m. to noon
    • Telling Your Story with Dr. Jana Szostek + Small Business Clinic
    • Dunes 1156
  • February 22, 2025 – 9 a.m. to noon
    • Excel and Google Sheets Basics with Anna Burke + Small Business Clinic
    • Dunes 1156
  • March 8, 2025 – 9 a.m. to noon
    • Grant Writing with Dr. Janell Harvey
    • LCC 105
    • $50 (registration coming soon)
  • March 22, 2025 – 9 a.m. to noon
    • AI and Tech for Business with LeBarron Burton + Small Business Clinic
    • Dunes 1156
  • April 19, 2025 – 9 a.m. to noon
    • Company Culture with Jamie Mazepa + Small Business Clinic
    • Dunes 1156
  • April 25 and 26
  • May 3, 2025 – 8 a.m. to noon
    • Human Resources 101 sponsored by People's Bank
    • LCC 105
  • May 17, 2025 – 9 a.m. to noon
    • Understanding Financial Statements with Anna Burke + Small Business Clinic
    • Dunes 1156
  • June 14, 2025 – 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
    • Start and Sustain your Nonprofit with Janell Harvey
    • LCC 105
    • $50 (registration coming soon)
  • June 28, 2025 – 9 a.m. to noon
    • Marketing on a budget with Ruhani Sharma + Small Business Clinic
    • Dunes 1156
  • August 23, 2025 – 9 a.m. to noon
    • Starting your Business on a Shoestring Budget with Melissa Barkow + Small Business Clinic
    • Dunes 1156
  • October 25, 2025 – 9 a.m. to noon
    • Is it a Hobby or a Business with Melissa Barkow + Small Business Clinic
    • Dunes 1156
  • November 22, 2025 – 9 a.m. to noon
    • Branding your Business with Ruhani Sharma + Small Business Clinic
    • Dunes 1156

Connect with the Center for Professional Development

For more than 20 years, the Center for Professional Development has been a catalyst for business innovation and career advancement in Northwest Indiana.

From business consulting to professional certifications and training programs for small businesses, we offer affordable, high-quality programs to transform your professional success.

From software training for administrative professionals to process improvement courses for managers and teams, the Center for Professional Development is the region’s best choice for professional certifications. Contact Director Jana Szostek for more information.

Connect with Business Support Organizations

Many resources are available for entrepreneurs and small business owners in Northwest Indiana. The links below provide wealth of information pertaining to starting a business.