Our mission: To create an environment where all entrepreneurs can thrive

Our education and economic initiatives promote and encourage business ownership by assisting in the launch of entrepreneurial ventures and support start-up to scale-up businesses that create jobs, improve the quality of life, and strengthen the community in Indianapolis’ Near West and central Indiana.

In 2016, Local Initiatives Support Corporate (LISC) designated the Near West/River West a Great Place 2020 neighborhood. The Near West Quality of Life Plan was created by residents and neighborhood stakeholders in response to declining employment and business vacancies in Near West. The Steering Committee identified the need for an entrepreneurship center to serve as a catalyst for economic growth, and SOURCE RW was created to fill that need. 

The IUPUI Office of Community Engagement supports the Near West Quality of Life Plan and River West Great Place on behalf of Indiana University by serving as fiscal agent to support SOURCE RW. IUPUI provides staffing, planning support, grant management, and funding assistance.

We serve

ENTREPRENEURSHIP INDIANAPOLIS IS BACK!

Entrepreneurship Indianapolis (E Indy) is a monthly, free series of standalone discussions addressing business ownership from concept, to start-up, to scaling a business.

The Entrepreneurship Indianapolis Discussion Series (E Indy) begins its second season in August. Our popular series combines the stories of local entrepreneurs’ journeys into business ownership with basic business education. Each session, we identify the trending businesses ideas, new business fundamentals and pertinent business struggles the entrepreneur addressed.
 
Workshops are scheduled 6:30pm - 8pm on the second Tuesday of the month at SOURCE River West.  Featured guest speakers join the discussion to share their first-hand perspectives. 

UPCOMING SESSIONS!!!

Entrepreneurship Indianapolis
November 13, 2018 | 6:30-8pm | FREE
Presenter: Mel McMahon-Stone, Co-Founder of Indiana Originals

Having your product or service “stand out” in the market is more challenging than ever. 

Join us on Tuesday, Nov 13 to learn more from Mel McMahon-Stone. Mel’s passion is to encourage local preference and facilitate greater use of local businesses, services, art, food, etc. As the co-founder of Indiana Originals, she assists local entrepreneurs in getting their products, businesses, and services in front of customers with a local preference.  Mel will be discussing her experiences in taking services/products to market, how she identifies the value proposition of a company, and how to make the most of your marketing dollar. 

Entrepreneur Spotlight

Tia Williams, Owner of LifeSavers Plus LLC

Every month, we shine a Spotlight on a hardworking entrepreneur who has taken advantage of SOURCE RW’s educational resources. This month, we feature Tia Williams, Owner of LifeSavers Plus LLC.

Tia Williams

"The law of attraction states that what you think and feel determines what you’ll attract into your life," says Tia, pulling from The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne.

Business Website: Coming Soon! www.lifesaversplusllc.today

Business Email: info@lifesaversplusllc.org

Business Facebook: https://fb.me/lifesaversplusllc

What services have you utilized at SOURCE RW and how have you benefited?

I was a part of the Kauffman Business Owners Series, but beforehand I attended several business workshops. Also, I have a great business coach, Sarah MacInnis of BOI, who provides open, honest, and useful information for new business owners like myself.

What made you interested in being a business owner?

Being a business owner came from my passion and dedication working in the healthcare field. I have always enjoyed working and helping others. Working in many healthcare settings and seeing different health emergencies occur gave me the drive to pursue my dream.  

What have you enjoyed most about being a business owner?

Believe it or not I’ve enjoyed the process it takes to become a successful business owner. I’ve learned so much on this journey and met some great networks along the way.

What have you enjoyed least about being a business owner?

Although it’s rewarding and worthwhile it can be a bit challenging and intimidating when you’re in the start-up stage or even thereafter. I say this because you should be different from your competitors.  

Was there ever a point when you wanted to quit?

Of course! I still struggle with that now sometimes, but I always think back to what I read in The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. In essence, “The law of attraction states that what you think and feel determines what you’ll attract into your life.” That alone makes me shift my mindsight to what I want my business to become along the way; which is successful.

Was there ever a point when you realized you had “made it.”

In all honesty I’m not there yet, however I’m on the path to that moment. Opportunities like this lets me know I’m headed in the right direction.

If you could tell aspiring business owners just one thing before their journey – that you had wished you had known prior to starting your journey – what would that be?

I would say connect with someone who is successful in the industry you’re starting your business. Whether it be through social media outlets, business groups or workshops. Also, stay the course and never give up on your dream. In the words of Denise Heard, “This is your baby and you want it to live on with great success”.

WHO WE ARE

Do you want to launch or scale your business?