Dreaming of owning your own business someday? Not certain where to begin? Indiana University Northwest’s School of Business and Economics is a regional business school, accredited through the AACSB International-accredited programs. The Small Business Institute (“SBI”), a program housed within the School of Business program, offers consulting services to businesses and organizations by working closely on projects that develop solutions to help meet the challenges of owning a business in today’s market. SBI has been in existence for over twenty years and is affiliated nationally.
The Course, J403, works with small and medium businesses. Students work with teams of 4 to 5 students. All students are required to take the semester-long class prior to graduation. During its tenure more than 200 companies have been assisted. The clientele are word-of- mouth referrals.
The many components in the program involve focusing on skills simulated through a real-life environment and providing resources for solutions to problems and issues in business. Leadership skills are taught through projects, internships and applied learning experiences. Students are given the opportunity to design business plans, logistics, analysis and website help. They also conduct research and prepare for success through linking classroom learning with business practices throughout Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area. Personal assessment is also provided to enhance student skills. Students network with local businesses and provide research to assist with branding and economic outlooks by participating in projects that allows them to apply their knowledge to regional and national situations.
The commercial price tag for SBI’s services generally runs from $7,000 to $10,000. The students make a presentation and produce a professional report that is provided to the client “Free of Charge.” Through its role of providing, “What it matters, Where it matters, Indiana University Northwest is taking a leadership role within the community by giving back."
Raj Selladurai has been Director of SBI for the past fifteen years. He can be reached via phone at (219) 980-6867 or e-mail at rsellad@iun.edu for more information.