The Indiana Small Business Development Center opened an office on the IU Southeast campus on May 29, 2025, as part of a partnership with the university.
A ribbon-cutting was held McCullough Plaza, attended by representatives from IU Southeast, the ISBDC, 1SI, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, as well as several elected officials.
IU Southeast Chancellor Debbie Ford welcomed the Indiana SBDC to campus and praised the partnership between the organization and the university.
“With the ISBDC now located on the IU Southeast campus, small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs will have greater access to resources and support, including direct connections to our expert faculty in business—resources that were not previously available in this way,” said Ford. “We also see this as a tremendous opportunity for our students. Those with dreams of launching their own ventures can now engage with real-world advisors and gain firsthand insight into the entrepreneurial landscape.”
IU Southeast School of Business Dean David Eplion said the partnership is a step forward for the campus and the entire area.
“By joining forces, we are creating new opportunities for students, entrepreneurs, and our local business community to connect, grow, and innovate together,” said Eplion.
Eplion also spoke about the opportunities the partnership creates for IU Southeast students and the community.
“For students, this partnership opens the door to real-world experience and meaningful career pathways. For the community, it brings new collaboration opportunities that will enable us to continue growing our local economy,” said Eplion.
Mike Fulkerson from the Indiana SBDC spoke about the strong partnership that exists between the university and the organization.
“Our presence on this campus is more than just a new location,” said Fulkerson. “It’s the result of a strong and meaningful partnership with IU Southeast and the School of Business — a relationship that has been many years in the making.”
IU Southeast has worked with the Indiana SBDC on community initiatives such as The Next BIG Thing Pitch Competition, Innovate WithIN HS pitch competitions, the Main Street Corydon Business Assistance Program, and the Novaparke 2025 Innovation Expo.
State Representative for District 72 and IU Southeast alumnus Ed Clere said the partnership puts the Indiana SBDC in the center of things in a way that helps create opportunities for small businesses in the community as well as students and faculty at IU Southeast.
“This will make IUS and the SBDC each, and together, even more of a one-stop shop for helping business owners in our community find the resources they need and make meaningful and useful connections,” said Clere.
The Indiana SBDC provides entrepreneurs with expert guidance and resources on how to start and grow a business. With a network of 10 regional offices throughout the state, the Indiana SBDC creates a positive and measurable impact on the formation, growth, and sustainability of Indiana’s small businesses. The office will be located in Hillsaide Hall.
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