ASSETS Elkhart County

What's Your Idea?

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur with ideas and need a plan to start your own business?

Or do you have a plan and feel you need to improve it? Perhaps you simply want practical training and advice about how to run your own business? We can help.

ASSETS Elkhart County is a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide an engaging environment and resources for micro-entrepreneurs starting and growing businesses in their communities.

Build a business plan

Work with a mentor

Collaborate with peers

Choose your pace

Stay connected

Our Mission

Since 2003, our mission has been to provide a community for micro-entrepreneurs throughout Northern Indiana to receive education about business planning with peers; to receive financial assistance; to build coaching and mentoring relationships with business professionals; and to engage in community networking opportunities.

Our 23 session, 12-week program assists you with the learning required to develop a comprehensive business plan.

Purpose & Mission: The program starts with an introduction module that helps you define your dream, mission and understand the challenges that entrepreneurs face.
Target the Right Customers: The second module assists you with market research and the development of a targeted marketing plan.
Finances & Bookeeping: The third module teaches you about financial statements, budgeting and bookkeeping.
Risk Management: Finally, you will learn about legal, insurance, facility, financing, loan and credit issues.

Program Features

The program includes the following support:

Practical business planning program taught by business professionals
Peer collaboration and information sharing
Step-by-step assignments, planning software, and tools that aid in the development of a business plan
3 Program format choices: complete a business plan; only complete homework assignments; audit the program
Coaching and business planning lab sessions
Success stories from other entrepreneurs
Business plan feedback from professionals
Ongoing mentoring, networking, and alumni events
Monthly coffee talks
High value and affordable