Southern Indiana program aids small entrepreneurs
Shawn James has plenty of things going on in his life.
In addition to working nights as a counselor at Charter Hospital and raising three sons, he recently went into business for himself, opening Corn's Cream ice-cream service in Jeffersonville.
But prior to establishing his business, James realized that he had a lot to learn. That's when he discovered the Microenterprise Training Program hosted by Community Action of Southern Indiana Inc. in Jeffersonville.
Community Action of Southern Indiana is part of a national network of Community Action agencies whose mission it is to support and empower families. It offers a range of human development services, including Head Start, GED training, youth services, energy assistance and Section 8 housing rental assistance.
The Microenterprise Training Program, which is funded through a $125,000 annual grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration, teaches aspiring entrepreneurs the basics of running a business through hands-on technical assistance. Participants study issues that relate and can be applied to their individual businesses.
James said he learned about creating a budget, marketing skills and tax issues from his participation in the training sessions.
"I really needed it," he said. "It was a good class. It was really helpful."
James is one of eight individuals who graduated June 17 from the Microenterprise Training Program, which has been revived after taking a hiatus in recent years. A similar program had been offered from 1995 to 1997 under a different name.
James has been operating Corn's Cream, which takes its name from his nickname, "Corn," in Jeffersonville and New Albany for about a month. He has a van with an on-board freezer. He sells ice cream to children and visits a nursing home on his route. He targets minority neighborhoods.
Leigh M. Sahiouny, coordinator for microenterprise development with Community Action of Southern Indiana, said James' experience is indicative of what can happen when someone gets involved with the program.
"You develop a peer network," she said. "I think that's what people sense. You're developing friendships."
In addition to being the only trainer, Sahiouny manages the SBA grant and is trying to expand the program. She is a microenterprise practitioner and is certified by the Association for Enterprise Opportunity in Chicago.
The Microenterprise Training Program is an eight-week, 32-hour program that also demonstrates techniques of basic business or business expansion, market research, business plan preparation, business record-keeping and time management. It meets twice a week for two hours per session.
In addition to James, the other recent graduates are: Catrina Billingslea, owner of Cat's Rise Enterprise; Celeste Brown, owner of Brown's Budgeting; Mary Brown; Kenny Martin, owner of Ken-do Video Services; Owen Tucker, owner of Not Just Another D.J.; Ron Vaughn, owner of Shoe Shine Express; and Marine Walls.
Showing people how to balance career goals and personal lives is another objective of the training, Sahiouny said. Other services offered include access to an Individual Development Account (IDA) -- an accelerated savings plan program for qualifying individuals -- and networking opportunities with area business and community leaders.
People involved in start-up businesses or with businesses still in formation are invited to participate, according to the coordinator. The next training begins Aug. 26 and will feature a new Internet component for business research. Registration is currently open.
The program serves clients in Clark, Floyd and Harrison counties in Southern Indiana. Up to 30 participants may be accepted in the next session.
The cost of the program is $40 per person, but because the classes are geared "primarily for disadvantaged businesses," scholarships are available, Sahiouny said.
Eligibility for the training entails meeting income guidelines, completing an assessment interview and a basic business plan, and having a willingness to work hard within a supportive peer environment.
Usually, the program accepts people who own businesses seeking capitalization of $25,000 or less and that have five or fewer employees, Sahiouny said.