With Project HOPE, Kelley School and Indiana Small Business Development Center work together to move small businesses online.

The Indiana Small Business Development Center and Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington are offering a no-cost technology consulting service to small businesses with the goal of establishing or increasing their online presence and/or creating digital capabilities.

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a tremendous impact on the economy. Particularly hard hit are small businesses that have traditionally operated in person, without significant online presence. Even after stay-at-home orders have lifted, many consumers will prefer online service.

The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington is offering a no cost technology consulting service to small businesses with the goal of establishing or increasing their online presence and/or creating digital capabilities. Each project will be completed by students under the guidance of a faculty member or professional mentor. The focus is on quickly solving one technology problem or providing one new online or digital capability. Our goal is to complete each project in two weeks to maximize the number of organizations we can assist.

The services include but are not limited to:

  • Create or modify a website
  • Create or modify a digital storefront
  • Enable remote operations for staff or customers
  • Assess and improve information security

We can assist on most digital tools and resources that are available on the web or in the cloud. Onsite hardware and software installation and configuration is not feasible given the current environment. The focus is on helping existing businesses who have experienced business interruption or financial crises due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We will work with you in partnership with your regional Small Business Development Center (SDBC), which is an excellent resource for general business assistance.

To be eligible, Indiana small businesses must meet the following criteria:  

  • Be an Indiana SBDC client.
  • Have been in business as of February 15, 2020.
  • Be able to demonstrate a negative impact from COVID-19.
  • Identify a project that will improve the business’ capacity to respond to COVID-19.
  • Identify a project related to the business' digital capabilities.
  • Be willing to grant access to necessary accounts to complete the project.
  • Nonprofits are not eligible under this program.

To get started please answer the following questions on the application form.

  • Organization name
  • Name and Contact Information of person making request
  • Organization Description (what type of business are you and what products or services do you offer)
  • Website link (if applicable)
  • Digital problem or opportunity to address

APPLY

We are unable to perform some types of services and thus may not be able to help everyone who requests assistance. For questions, please email us at KSBHope@indiana.edu.

If you have any questions, please email KSBHOPE@Indiana.edu.