IKANSTART has been working with cities and towns for a long time to help their small businesses adapt to changes, learn new strategies and remain vibrant. The last several years however have been difficult with the ongoing pandemic. According to Yelp data reported by CNBC, 60% of business closures due to the coronavirus pandemic are now permanent. In fact, in some cities those numbers are even higher. This is undoubtedly difficult for municipalities that rely on business taxes but extremely excruciating for those that lost everything: their life savings and livelihood.
During the last several years, IKAN has partnered up with cities to help small businesses adjust, rethink their offerings and better understand their customers, while seeking to acquire new sales.
IKAN created a four-week program to address these needs and help small businesses once again thrive!
WelcomeTo CDBG
Microenterprise Program
The CDBG Microenterprise program aims to provide assistance and technical support to microenterprises, particularly those owned by individuals from low- and moderate-income backgrounds. Microenterprises are typically defined as small businesses with a limited number of employees, often five or fewer, including the owner(s). The program recognizes the importance of these small businesses in generating employment opportunities, fostering local economic growth, and contributing to the vitality of communities.
With the assistance of the Lake County Redevelopment Commission, IKANSTART will offer technical assistance and training programs for microenterprise owners throughout Lake County Indiana and may include: business workshops, mentorship programs, business planning guidance, marketing support, and other training aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of microenterprise owners to operate and grow their businesses successfully.
To determine eligibility for the CDBG Microenterprise business training program, specific guidelines will be utilized to determine eligibility; factors include:
Business size: Typically, microenterprises are defined as businesses with five or fewer employees, including the owner(s).
Owner qualifications: The program may require that the business owner(s) meet certain income thresholds or demonstrate that they are from a low- or moderate-income background.
Job creation/retention: The program may require that the business creates or retains jobs for low- and moderate-income individuals in the community.
The National Objective Decision Tree is a tool used to determine if a proposed activity or project meets one or more of the national objectives set by the CDBG program. The national objectives include:
Benefit to low- and moderate-income individuals: The activity or project must primarily benefit individuals or households with incomes at or below the specified thresholds.
Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight: The activity or project must address conditions of slums or blight in the community.
Address urgent community development needs: The activity or project must address an immediate threat to the health and welfare of the community, primarily benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals.
When applying for the CDBG funding training program, you may need to provide information and documentation to demonstrate your eligibility and how your business or activity aligns with the relevant national objectives.
Small Businesses
… account for 99.9 percent of all US businesses
… create nearly 65% of all new jobs
… account for 45% of the total private payroll in the US
4 WEEKS – 4 TOPICS
Always Small Interactive Groups
Week #1 – Identifying Problems & Finding Solutions
Week #2 – Knowing Your Product, Finding Customers & Identifying a Business Model
Week #3 – Marketing on a Shoestring Budget
Week #4 – Running a Lean Business
CITIES & TOWNS HELPING SMALL BUSINESS
If cities and towns are going to continue to survive and thrive, municipalities must provide assistance to small businesses. The pandemic had a significant impact on all small businesses, but money alone is not going to guarantee a business’ continued existence.
Small Businesses need to learn new strategies to identify problems and solutions, identify their customers and find new customers, and better market their products/services, etc.
IKAN customizes programs based on the unique needs of each city and town. We can run a one-time workshop or conduct multiple courses over 4 to 8 weeks. Below is a typical 4 week program that meets onces a week.
Testimonials
Shauntavia Dowd
“IKANSTART gave me
key strategies that I can
apply to improve my
business and all the
different ways I can
insure that my business
is around for a long time.“
Michael Anderson
“Dushan Nikolovski was
great with relating
to each of us
and our businesses.
He personalized the class
with his experience and stories.“