Business Resources

As part of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce's mission, providing leadership through member engagement, business advocacy, and civic partnerships to strengthen our community and business environment. This includes providing benefits, programs, and resources to help our members be successful.

Business Resources

Chamber Job Board

Job Board

View job postings on the Chamber's new Job Board. Job seekers can submit their resumes and apply for open positions, and employers can access resumes through their member portal.

Members and non-members alike may post jobs to the Job Board and even feature their listings which (1) promotes the post at the top of the board, (2) highlights the post, and (3) publishes it to the Google Jobs Network.

Members can post 30, 60, or 90 day job posts for FREE. Costs for non-member postings can be found on the Job Board site.

For more details on how to post a job, click here.

Job Board

Chamber Business Directory

The Chamber Member Business Directory is a comprehensive listing of businesses that are members of a local chamber of commerce, typically organized by categories like industry, services, or location. This directory serves as a valuable resource for networking, business-to-business interactions, and for consumers seeking local products and services.

Business Directory

Bloomington Solar Eclipse Information

Bloomington Solar Eclipse Information

We are preparing for what has been called, “the largest tourism event in Indiana history” and look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to the Bloomington area to share the experience of this historic event, and you should be prepared for this influx of visitors to the Bloomington area. Here are the top resources regarding this large event!

2024 Solar Eclipse: Advice for Businesses

Visit Bloomington: Events

Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC)

Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC)

The Indiana Small Business Development Center (Indiana SBDC) was created to have a positive and measurable impact on the formation, growth, and sustainability of small businesses in Indiana, and to help Hoosier Entrepreneurs start stronger, grow faster, and work smarter.

The Indiana SBDC creates a positive and measurable impact on the formation, growth, and sustainability of Indiana’s small businesses by providing entrepreneurs expert guidance and a comprehensive network of resources.

The South Central ISBDC is hosted through Ivy Tech Community College in Bloomington.

501 North Profile Parkway
Bloomington, IN 47404
(812) 330-6261
southcentral@isbdc.org

More ISBDC Information

Small Business Administration (SBA.gov)

Small Business Administration (SBA.gov)

Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.

Indianapolis Location:
5726 Professional Cir.
Suite 100
Indianapolis, IN 46241
Phone: 317-226-7272

More SBA Information

indiana_fact_sheet.pdf
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SCORE

SCORE

SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals. Since 1964, we have provided education and mentorship to more than 11 million entrepreneurs.

SCORE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Thanks to this generous support from the SBA and because of the selfless contributions of our more than 10,000 dedicated volunteers, we are able to deliver most of our offerings at no cost.

The South Central SCORE is hosted in Columbus, Indiana, but has virtual options.

Contact:
Fred C. Stadler
500 Franklin St.
Columbus, Indiana 47201
Appointment: 812-372-4457

More SCORE Information

DEI REsources

What is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and why does it matter?

Unconscious Bias Self-Assessments
Implicit Bias Test
The Importance of DEI
Why DEI is Important for Your Business
McKinsey & Company: Diversity and Inclusion

How do I incorporate DEI into my business?

16 steps to incorporate DEI into daily operations
6 small businesses share what they have done to increase DEI
HR Toolkit for Racial Equity
Expanding Equity Inclusion & Belonging Guidebook
Advancing DE&I Representation Goals through Formal Incentives: Oshkosh Corporation Case Study
Using a skills-based hiring approach as part of a DEI strategy: Steelcase Case Study
Business Partners as Part of DEI Strategy: Beacon Capital Partners Case Study
Business Case for Racial Equity

Asian & Pacific-Islander Owned Business Resources

Asian & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Owned Business Directory

Funding:
- FoundHer: An accelerator program tailored specifically to the needs of Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and/or Asian women and mothers starting businesses. Thus far, FoundHer has awarded $240,000 to 10 companies.
- AAPIStrong: Reimagine Main Street is the organization behind AAPIStrong, a program providing 100 cash grants totaling $2 million to AAPI-owned small businesses.
- Asian Women Giving Circle: This unique model is an all-volunteer group of Asian American women in New York City who fund projects led by Asian American women artists and community groups. To date, the group has given $1 million to activist groups and organizations.
- Gold House Ventures: This fund invests in Asian and Pacific Islander (API) entrepreneurs whose companies are transforming industries. It also offers a startup accelerator.
- SBA loans: SBA 7(a) loans can be used for a variety of purposes, including expanding your business, securing more working capital, and procuring equipment. These loans often offer low interest rates and long repayment terms. You’re competing with other minority-owned small businesses, but SBA 7(a) loans can be a good option for AAPI business owners. And since the White House announced its initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, you may have a competitive advantage for being approved for a government-backed loan.
Mentorship & Networking:
- Asian Professional Exchange (APEX): APEX is a 501(c)(3) with more than 10,000 members. Based in Southern California, this network offers community service, professional networking, educational seminars, cultural events, and more to its members.
- Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce (APACC): APACC is an organization that facilitates and promotes opportunities for the Asian Pacific American business community and APACC members.
- Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Innovation and Entrepreneurship program: From the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the AANHPI Innovation and Entrepreneurship program offers resources for independent inventors, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.
- The Asian American Business Development Center: This organization works to increase the representation of Asian Americans at the highest levels of corporate leadership. It hosts events and advocates for Asian American business owners at local, state, and national levels.
- The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship Small Business Resource Center: This group helps AAPI small business owners grow in capacity by providing virtual training, grant opportunities, and technical assistance

Black Owned Business Resources

Black Owned Businesses Directory

Black Business Association: Founded in 1970, the Black Business Association (BBA), headquartered in Los Angeles, the oldest active ethnic business organization in the state of California, has been committed to ensuring that African American and other diverse business owners benefit from our advocacy efforts to impact, improve and implement policy that improves access to contracting and procurement opportunities with the public and private sector, in addition to providing access to financial resources.
Black Enterprise: a website and magazine that provides Black business owners with information about minority business news, trends, and education, as well as opportunities to network with other Black entrepreneurs. Black Enterprise focuses on supplying resources and articles targeted to the specific needs of Black business owners, with content geared towards small business news and financial growth.
Black Founders: creates an ecosystem that stimulates tech entrepreneurs and fosters economic growth for Black business owners. Black Founder’s “Gust” system connects Black-owned startups who are currently raising money and actively looking for investors with a collection of investors around the world. The organization also connects business owners with networking, workshops, conferences, and hackathons.
Black Owned Everything takes a more modern approach to the idea of Black-owned business directories by curating photos and products from Black-owned businesses via a popular Instagram account. Businesses that want to be featured can register with the service and then photos from their Instagram may be promoted for free to a much larger audience.
Bloomington Economic Development Tool: Find local information to help your business make smarter, faster, better decisions.
City of Bloomington - Boards & Commissions: Through a variety of boards and commissions, established by the City of Bloomington, citizens can provide input on the policies that shape their government and their city. There are currently more than 30 boards and commissions that advise the Mayor and City Council on a vast array of issues. To apply to a board, go to https://bloomington.in.gov/boards.
City of Bloomington Business Academy: The City of Bloomington believes that a thriving business community enhances the quality of life for citizens. These are resources are for businesses ready to operate in Bloomington.
City of Bloomington Business Resources: Local government must take the lead in envisioning and creating a thriving community, identified by the health of its environment, the vitality of its economy and the equity among its citizens. Creating such a community requires cooperative participation from both the public and private sectors. This section describes the City's approach to business and sustainability, and the resulting economic development initiatives and business incentives.
Grants
- Coalition to Back Black Businesses
- Minority Business Development Agency
Indy Black Chamber of Commerce: The leading advocate for Black-owned businesses in central Indiana
Minority Business Certification - By Black: The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. has developed ByBlack as the only national certification exclusively for Black-owned businesses. ByBlack provides Black entrepreneurs a way to reach new customers and unlock opportunities to secure contracts with large potential buyers.
Trainings:
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: February 17, “Defining tomorrow,”: Learn firsthand from successful innovators about networking, strategy, and securing funding for a business.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: February 24, “Invest in ideas,”: Learn how your creative spark can help build generational wealth.
U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.: Also known as The National Voice of Black Businesses, the U.S. Black Chambers (USBC) provides leadership and advocacy for economic empowerment of Black-owned businesses. They create resources for a network of African American Chambers of Commerce, which can also be accessed directly on their website. These include free digital training courses and tools, webinars, podcasts, programs and events.
U.S. Small Business Administration continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.

Hispanic/Latin(a/o/x) Owned Business Resources

Hispanic/Latin(a/o/x) Owned Business Directory

The Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to create opportunities for Latinx individuals. For Latinx-owned businesses, ALPFA serves as a valuable support system, offering collegiate scholarships, educational programs, professional connections, and more. Through its initiatives and events, ALPFA fosters a community that nurtures the growth and success of Latinx entrepreneurs, contributing to the advancement of diverse and dynamic businesses in the United States.
The Latino Business Action Network (LBAN) is an organization committed to empowering Latinx entrepreneurs in the United States. In partnership with Stanford University, LBAN aims to foster the growth and success of Latinx businesses through innovative programs. LBAN’s Business Scaling Program equips entrepreneurs with essential skills and knowledge to effectively expand their business ventures. Additionally, LBAN’s Small Business Navigator partnership offers crucial resources and guidance to emerging businesses, enabling them to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in today's competitive landscape.
Rooted in a strong commitment to diversity and inclusivity, the National Hispanic Business Group (NHBG) revolves around providing a supportive ecosystem that enables Hispanic business owners to thrive and prosper. Through a range of programs and initiatives, NHBG empowers entrepreneurs to leverage valuable resources, networking opportunities, and industry insights. NHBG promotes economic advancement within the Hispanic business community through mentorship programs, scholarships, specialized workshops, and even hosts in-person events throughout the year.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) champions Hispanic-owned businesses through the 8(a) Business Development Program.
The U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), founded in 1979, serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers of commerce and Hispanic business organizations around the United States. The USHCC works to develop national programs to help Hispanic businesses, promotes trade between Hispanic businesses in the United States and Latin America, and provides technical assistance and training to Hispanic entrepreneurs. Additionally, the organization hosts events and programming to help businesses stay connected and informed.

LGBTQ+ Owned Business Resources

LGBTQ+ Owned Business Directory

Interested in certifying your LGBTQ+-owned business? The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce offers a certification for LGBTQ-owned small businesses.
The LGBTQ Inclusion Hub for Small Businesses is an online platform helping business owners create inclusive workplaces. The U.S. Chamber Foundation created it as part of its Incorporating Inclusion initiative.
Affinity Inc. is a print and digital magazine that focuses on the LGBTQ+ business community. Affinity Inc. is a member of the NGLCC, and its mission is to support and promote LGBTQ+ equality in the workforce.
Open for Business is a coalition of businesses that are vocal supporters of LGBTQ+ inclusion. This list includes companies like Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
OutProfessionals is the country’s leading LGBTQ+ networking organization. There are monthly virtual and in-person networking opportunities and community service activities.
LGBTQ+-owned businesses can access local resources and opportunities with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA’s networking tool connects small businesses to local offices, where counselors can determine whether the business qualifies for resources like the 8(a) Business Development Program or SBA guaranteed loans. The SBA can also help certify LGBTQ+ businesses through the National LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce.
With a focus on enabling LGBTQ+ founders, StartOut provides businesses with resources to grow. Through a membership program, StartOut offers support to growing businesses by offering empowerment, financing information, advice on creating jobs to uplift the community, and skill development. Membership requires at least one founder of the business to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community and comes with a recommended monthly donation amount. There is also an empowerment, or needs-based, scholarship business owners can apply for.