About Us
The Hoosier Heartland Small Business Development Center (HHSBDC) is dedicated to growing
Indiana’s economy by providing entrepreneurs with the education, information and tools to build
and grow a successful business.
We serve as:
- Sounding board for business ideas
- Gateway to local and national business resources
- Guide in focusing on key issues and developing viable action plans
- Connection to networking, mentoring and training opportunities
Today, we are one of 10 Indiana centers based in chambers of commerce, economic development
organizations, universities and units of government, and are part of a national network of
some 1,000 centers.
We receive both public and private funds, the majority of which come from the U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA), the State of Indiana, local host Purdue University, and co-sponsor Purdue
Research Foundation.
What the Program Does
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Program is designed to deliver up-to-date counseling,
training and technical assistance in all aspects of small business management. SBDC services include,
but are not limited to, assisting small businesses with financial, marketing, production, organization,
engineering and technical problems and feasibility studies. Special SBDC programs and economic
development activities include international trade assistance, technical assistance, procurement
assistance, venture capital formation and rural development. The SBDCs also make special efforts
to reach minority members of socially and economically disadvantaged groups, veterans, women and
the disabled. Assistance is provided to both current or potential small business owners. We also
provide assistance to small businesses applying for Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR)
grants from federal agencies.
Indiana Counties Served
- Benton
- Carroll
- Cass
- Clinton
- Fountain
- Howard
- Miami
- Montgomery
- Tipton
- Tippecanoe
- Warren
- White
Our Mission
To have a positive and measurable impact on the formation, growth, and sustainability
of small businesses in Indiana, and to develop a strong entrepreneurial community.
Our Vision
To be recognized, endorsed and funded as Indiana’s premier source for small business assistance.
Additional Information
In addition to the SBDC Program, the SBA has a variety of other programs and services
available. They include training and educational programs, advisory services, publications,
financial programs and contract assistance. The agency also offers specialized programs for
women business owners, minorities, veterans, international trade and rural development.
For more information contact:
Ruth Sampson
rsampson@isbdc.org
Our Staff
Susan B. Davis has been the Regional Director of the Hoosier Heartland Small Business Development Center since its inception in 1991. She has owned and operated two businesses and has counseled hundreds of business owners in all industries, including retail, healthcare, service, biological sciences, as well as other high tech start ups through the Purdue Research Park. Susan received her Master of Science in Guidance in May, 1979 with a minor in Business Administration from Radford University (formerly Radford College) in Virginia. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the State University College at Potsdam in New York. She is also a Certified Technology Counselor through the Association of Small Business Development Centers. Susan works at the West Lafayette - Purdue University campus location.
Monty Henderson is a Business Advisor and has been with the HHSBDC since May 2007. Prior to joining the HHSBDC, Monty served as the Project Director for the North Central Indiana Economic Development District, which promoted North Central Indiana region for economic development. As a business owner himself, he has operated his family farm since 1981 and is experienced in all facets of the agriculture business, particularly grain crop operations. Monty was also a Tipton County Commissioner for four years and has an insider's knowledge of how local government functions and operates. He has served on many local, regional, and state boards. Monty received his Bachlor's Degree from Purdue University in Ag Economics, and his graduate certificate in Public Management from IUPUI. Monty's area of interest and expertise is in cash flow development / budgeting, business legal structure, economic development protocol, and business planning / strategy. Monty works at the Inventrek - Kokomo location.
Kathy Graham has been the Program Development Director for the HHSBDC since March 2007. Prior to joining the HHSBDC she served as an Administrative Assistant for the American Cancer Society and worked 13 years in the medical field as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She is an Ambassador for the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance, an active member of the Women's Business Counsel and a member of the Kokomo Downtown Promotions Committee where she serves as Co-Chair for the annual Strawberry Festival and October Festival. She is an active member of the Rainmakers Chapter. Kathy received her Bachelor's Degree from Indiana University - Kokomo in General Business and her AAS Degree in Office Administration with a Medical Specialty from Ivy Tech Community College and a Technical Certificate in Medical Transcription. Kathy also graduated from Leadership Kokomo in 2009. Kathy works at the Inventrek - Kokomo location.
Ruth Sampson has been the Administrative Assistant for the HHSBDC since March 2008. Prior to joining the HHSBC she spent nine years as the showroom manager at Big Sky Carvers and Warm Springs Production in Atlanta, GA and Montana. Ruth has attended Ivy Tech Community College and Indiana University - Kokomo focusing on computer science/programming and English studies. Ruth works at the Inventrek - Kokomo location.