Entrepreneurship Business Information Network

The Indiana WIRED region has launched eBin (Entrepreneurship Business Information Network) to support entrepreneurship in Indiana. It is based on an element of the highly successful Economic Gardening model, established in Littleton, Colorado which addresses several fundamental barriers faced by those wanting to start and grow a business. One of these big hurdles is access to good business information. Entrepreneurs need to answer some fundamental questions:

• What other products or services are out there that are similar to mine?
• Who are my potential customers, and how do I reach them?
• What are my potential customers like?
• What are the latest trends in my industry?
• What legislative issues could affect my business?

Several partners came together to develop this eBin. The unique partnerships includes Purdue Extension Economic and Community Development, the Purdue University Krannert Management and Economics Library (MEL), and the Greater Lafayette Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

MEL subscribes to a vast array of business data resources vital in developing business ideas and launching new businesses. Until now, these resources have only been available to Purdue faculty and students on campus. But through special arrangements, many of these same resources are being offered at a select number of Purdue Extension offices in the North Central Indiana region.

Entrepreneurs will be able to go to a local Purdue Extension office and use the e-Bin Enterprise Center—a specially designed computer station with access to MEL’s business information resources. In addition to the databases, e-Bin users can also get help, via instant messaging and telephone, from MEL’s specially trained business library staff, who can help point users in the right direction to find the answers they need.

MEL staff will also conduct workshops at the Purdue Extension sites to help entrepreneurs understand the basics of business research and how to use e-Bin. Users can also connect with SBDC, which provides in-depth counseling and support to small business owners.

e-Bin is a project of Indiana WIRED's  entrepreneurship strategy which has a goal of make North Central Indiana the best place in the Midwest to start and grow a business. e-Bin is one of several projects designed to support entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship.

This model could be replicated in nearly any region; all the partners are there: universities, extension, SBDC.