The Community Navigator Pilot Program is an American Rescue Plan initiative designed to reduce barriers that underrepresented and underserved entrepreneurs often face in accessing the programs they need to recover, grow, or start their businesses. Of 751 organizations that applied for this program, 52 organizations were chosen, and out of the 2 in Indiana, the West Central Indiana Small Business Development Center was chosen.
The Intentional Outreach Network (ION) is the West Central region’s version of this program, developed to strengthen outreach and advise services to underserved communities’ underserved businesses. Using a hub and spoke model, this program utilizes already established organizations in our community to bolster their support efforts and connect to businesses in the following communities:
- Rural Owned
- Black Owned
- LGBTQIAP+ Owned
- Veteran Owned
- COVID-19 Impacted businesses
This program will serve Clay, Owen, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Vigo counties. If you are interested in meeting with one of our targeted business advisors, click the following link: https://isbdc.ecenterdirect.com//signup?centerid=28.
To learn more about the program, please visit our website at www.wcnavigators.com.