Office of Diversity and Inclusion Business Development

---

 

Small Business Ecosystem

The Small Business Ecosystem is a directory of small local businesses in the Michiana area. Adding your small business to the directory can help expand your customer base. Apply for the Small Business Ecosystem. 

Are you looking to support small, locally-owned businesses? Browse businesses by industry.

Want to support local women and minority-owned businesses? Learn how to support local women and minority-owned businesses

Small Business Assistance Suite

The Small Business Assistance Suite (SBAS) is a cohort-based business development program offered by the City of South Bend to support service providers, suppliers, and trades-based businesses that offer goods or services the City can procure. The program is designed to strengthen back-office systems, improve operational readiness, and support businesses as they prepare for sustainable growth, funding opportunities, and public-sector contracting. SBAS is offered at no cost to accepted participants.

SBAS services are delivered through experienced professional service providers, including licensed attorneys, licensed CPAs, and qualified business coaches.

Who the Program Is For?

The Small Business Assistance Suite is intended for:

• Service-based businesses
• Trades-based businesses and contractors
• Suppliers and vendors providing professional services, labor, or goods

whose offerings align with the types of services and commodities the City of South Bend regularly procures.

This program is not intended for retail-only or consumer-facing businesses that are not eligible for municipal procurement.

Program Structure

• Four cohorts per year
• Cohorts begin in the second month of each quarter
• Applications are open year-round

Businesses may apply at any time and, if accepted, will be placed into the next available cohort.

What to Expect

Interviews & Placement

Eligible applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview during the following months:

• January
• April
• July
• October

Interviews are used to assess business readiness and determine the most appropriate level of support. Accepted businesses are placed into the next available cohort.

8-Week Cohort Experience

Once accepted, participants complete an 8-week structured cohort designed to combine education, implementation, and professional guidance.

The cohort experience includes:

• Structured business education covering legal compliance, operations, business finance, and marketing
• One-on-one coaching with an assigned business coach to support implementation and accountability
• Guided access to professional service providers, as needed, to address specific business challenges

The cohort model is designed to support participants in strengthening their back office and positioning their business for scalability, whether they are preparing for funding, planning to hire W-2 employees, improving financial records, refining branding, or developing a long-term growth strategy

Areas of Support

Business Coaching

One-on-one coaching focused on knowledge implementation, operational management, workflow development, and strategic growth planning.

Financial Coaching

Support focused on financial organization, cash flow awareness, funding readiness, and strengthening financial decision-making.

Legal Support

Access to licensed legal professionals for contract drafting and review, partnership and operating agreements, procurement readiness, and general compliance guidance.

Tax Assistance

One-time tax preparation or tax planning support provided by licensed tax professionals. Tax assistance is subject to eligibility guidelines and business readiness.

Bookkeeping Support

Introductory bookkeeping education, financial software support, financial organization, and guidance delivered by licensed CPAs.

Marketing & Operations Support

Brand development, marketing strategy, operational planning, and process improvement to support scalable growth.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Small Business Assistance Suite, applicants must:

• Be a service provider, supplier, or trades-based business offering goods or services the City of South Bend can procure
• Live in South Bend or have a business address located in South Bend
• Have completed an approved local incubator or accelerator program (e.g., SPEAP, SPARK, Hustle SBE, etc.)
• Be registered with the Indiana Secretary of State or operate as a sole proprietor with documented business activity (Schedule C)

After Program Completion

Upon completing the 8-week cohort, participants will be positioned to:

• Maintain stronger operational and financial organization
• Pursue funding or procurement opportunities with greater confidence
• Identify clear next steps toward continued growth and compliance
• Connect with additional City or partner programs, when appropriate

Apply Today

Applications for the Small Business Assistance Suite are always open. Businesses are encouraged to apply early to be considered for upcoming cohorts. Apply for the Small Business Assistance Suite

Other Resources

 

MWBE Workshops

Empower Your Business with Certification
Our Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification Workshops are designed to help small businesses navigate the certification process and open doors to new opportunities. These workshops provide step-by-step guidance to help you complete your certification and unlock the potential for growth and collaboration.

Workshop Details

Workshops are held during the second month of every quarter, with each cohort consisting of four sessions.

---

Cohort Schedule

• Cohort 1
  • Sessions: Wednesdays, starting February 4, 2026
  • Registration Period: January 12, 2026 – January 30, 2026
• Cohort 2
  • Sessions: Wednesdays, starting May 6, 2026
  • Registration Period: April 6, 2026 – April 27, 2026
• Cohort 3
  • Sessions: Wednesdays, starting August 5, 2026
  • Registration Period: July 6, 2026 – July 27, 2026
• Cohort 4
  • Sessions: Saturdays, starting October 3, 2026
  • Registration Period: September 7, 2026 – September 27, 2026

Spaces are limited, be sure to mark your calendars for the registration opening date for the session you want to attend!

Register by clicking the link – https://forms.office.com/r/JMp2BT5c2Z 

 

Events

Leadership