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.

NEW – sponsor a Business Academy program to obtain valuable promotional opportunities! Scroll down for more information!

2024 Business Academy Sponsors

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

  • July 27, 2024 – SPEAKER + CLINIC
    • Dunes 1156
    • Speaker: Personal Wellness for the Entrepreneur, Kasee Smith, Zenblends. 9 to 10 a.m.
    • Clinic: Obtain one-on-one assistance from people with business ownership experience. 10 a.m. to noon.
  • August 8, 2024 – SPEAKER – 6 p.m.
    • Nate' D. Walton from the City of Gary will join us to discuss the City of Gary's general business license process. If time permits, she will also discuss the short-term rental process.
    • Dunes 1156
  • August 23, 2024 – SPEAKER – 2 p.m.
    • A conversation with Sharon Harvey, Small Business Administration
    • Dunes 1156
  • August 24, 2024 – SPEAKER + CLINIC
    • Dunes 1156
    • Speaker: Valuing Your Business, Gabrielle Cubberly, Region Supply Group. 9 to 10 a.m.
    • Clinic: Obtain one-on-one assistance from people with business ownership experience. 10 a.m. to noon.
  • September 28, 2024 – SPEAKER + CLINIC
    • Dunes 1156
    • Speaker: Credit: Who needs it? Terri Armand, RoyalT Credit Solutions. 9 to 10 a.m.
    • Clinic: Obtain one-on-one assistance from people with business ownership experience. 10 a.m. to noon.

Sponsorship Information

Sponsors are those who support Business Academy programs by doing any of the following:

  • Presenting information of interest to entrepreneurs. Do you have knowledge or information to share with business owners? We can give you the platform to provide that information, build confidence, and promote your brand.
  • Providing sample product to attendees of a program. Does your business manufacture or create a product? We can give you a distribution opportunity. Please note, we cannot distribute food product.
  • Providing financial support, gift cards, food, or supplies for a program of the Business Academy.
  • Providing other services or support to enhance the operation of the Business Academy. We're open to your proposals!

Benefits of sponsorship include:

  • Notation in the marketing materials for the program being sponsored.
  • Five-minute Sponsor's Pitch during the program being sponsored to promote your business. This can be done by you, Business Academy staff, or virtually (commercial).
  • Inclusion on our list of sponsors on our website, www.iun.edu/sba.
  • Permission to include on your own marketing materials the phrase: "Proud sponsor of the Indiana University Northwest Business Academy."

For more information on how to sponsor the Business Academy, contact Jana Szostek at jaszoste@iu.edu.

For more information on navigating our campus and parking, see the campus map.

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 the School of Business and Economics

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.