ASSETS Elkhart County

What's Your Idea?

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur with ideas and need a plan to start your own business?

Or do you have a plan and feel you need to improve it? Perhaps you simply want practical training and advice about how to run your own business? We can help.

ASSETS Elkhart County is a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide an engaging environment and resources for micro-entrepreneurs starting and growing businesses in their communities.

Build a business plan

Work with a mentor

Collaborate with peers

Choose your pace

Be an alumnus and stay connected

Our Mission

Since 2003, our mission has been to provide a community for micro-entrepreneurs throughout Northern Indiana to receive education about business planning with peers; to receive financial assistance; to build coaching and mentoring relationships with business professionals; and to engage in community networking opportunities.

Our 23 session, 12-week program assists you with the learning required to develop a comprehensive business plan.

Purpose & Mission: The program starts with an introduction module that helps you define your dream, mission and understand the challenges that entrepreneurs face.
Target the Right Customers: The second module assists you with market research and the development of a targeted marketing plan.
Finances & Bookeeping: The third module teaches you about financial statements, budgeting and bookkeeping.
Risk Management: Finally, you will learn about legal, insurance, facility, financing, loan and credit issues.

Program Features

The program includes the following support:

Practical business planning program taught by business professionals
Peer collaboration and information sharing
Step-by-step assignments, free software, and tools that aid in the development of a business plan
3 Program format choices: complete a business plan; only complete homework assignments; audit the program
Coaching and business planning lab sessions
Success stories from other entrepreneurs
Business plan feedback from professionals
Ongoing mentoring, networking, and alumni events
High value and affordable