IUN Startup Training Program graduates present business plans

People darted around the crowded room, inspecting merchandise, shaking hands, and exchanging business cards. These vendors weren't just peddling their wares, they were peddling their dreams.

The New Business Vendor Showcase was held as the culmination of the four-week Start Up Business Success Program. The course was created by the City of Gary and his partnership with IUN and taught 49 students the ins and outs of starting a small business.

“This is truly the realization of our mission,” said Cynthia Roberts, dean of the IUN School of Business and Economics.

Tables filled with baked goods, custom clothing, balloons, dioramas and more filled the room.

Tekeya Spann said she drew on her life experiences when starting her business, “Walking with Purpose.'' This nonprofit organization mentors and supports women in financial crisis.

“I learned a lot from the class,” Spann said with a laugh, tapping away at the white binder containing his business plan.

Throughout the course, students heard from guest speakers who are experts in marketing, money management, and audience segmentation. Each student leaves the course with a certificate or certificate and a polished business plan, but that's not all they receive.

This startup class is part of the city's larger small business grant program. Over the winter, Mayor Jerome Prince and Gary Common Council approved using a portion of the American Rescue Plan Act to fund the city given to support small businesses and nonprofits. In the end, 90 small businesses were awarded more than $1.7 million, and 30 nonprofit organizations were awarded $487,637. Some students who participate in the startup course receive funding for their small and medium-sized enterprises.

A review committee made up of members from the city administration, the Common Council and IUN will use information gathered during the vendor showcase and the students' business plans to conduct their evaluations over the next few weeks.

Shanta Phillips, who has been selling clothing for about 10 years, said the grant would really help get his business off the ground. Ms. Phillips' Aymaninova children's clothing and wigs, named after her two grandchildren, are aimed specifically at her children 12 and under. Mr. Phillips started selling his custom T-shirts and clothes out of a tent, but then was able to save enough money to buy a truck, and in August, he opened a store at 5126 Broadway.

The grant will allow Philips to add more products.

“I was paying out of pocket, so I was broke,” Phillips explained.

Similarly, Judy Brown said the grant will help pay for needed equipment. Her business, Flawless Treats and Catering, focuses on creating nutritious desserts and preparing healthy meals. With more money, Brown will be able to expand her product line and eventually open a bakery with a commercial kitchen.

Brown grew up always watching her mother and grandmother baking. When his father's health problems forced him to change his eating habits, Brown was inspired to start a business specializing in healthy eating. She sold at several pop-ups in 2019, but the coronavirus pandemic derailed her burgeoning business.

When Brown heard about the startup class, “everything changed for the better,” Brown said. Although he was confident in his cooking and marketing skills, everything was new to him, including creating a business plan and establishing a limited liability company.

IUN MBA student Ruhani Sharma was the graduate assistant for this class. She said the best part of the course was seeing the students get to know each other and exchange business cards. Roberts said she hopes students will continue to reach out to each other and her IUN when they need help.

“Start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises are at the heart of economic development and growth,” IUN President Iwama told the students.

Another group of startup courses will start in early 2024. Roberts said he hopes the program eventually becomes permanent.