Building a Business Partnership That Lasts: A Practical Guide for Columbus-Area Owners
According to the Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC), 99.4% of all businesses in Indiana are small businesses, employing over 1.2 million Hoosiers — making collaboration among small firms one of the most powerful drivers of the state's economy. A well-chosen business partnership can expand your reach, fill capability gaps, and unlock opportunities that would take years to build on your own. But partnerships also fail — often not because the idea was wrong, but because the groundwork wasn't
IU Columbus to host spring visit days
Indiana University Columbus is hosting visit days in April for students and families to learn about earning an IU degree right here in Columbus. Visitors can explore IU undergraduate and graduate programs, receive hands-on assistance with the application process, take a campus tour, and get answers to their questions. Spanish-language materials and information about FAFSA for federal financial aid, scholarships and work-study opportunities will also be available. All visits begin at the Admissions Office,
From Gut Feel to Data: How to Scale Market Research for Your Decatur County Business
Market research is how businesses stop guessing and start deciding. At its core, it's the practice of collecting and analyzing information about your customers, competitors, and market conditions so your next move is based on evidence, not instinct. For businesses in the Columbus area, building a scalable research process means you can adapt as conditions shift — without starting from scratch every time.Why Research Beats Guessing Most businesses already do some form of market research — they just don't
40th Our Hospice Concert Sept. 5 th Labor Day Weekend - Free Concert returns Downtown to Library Steps
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Columbus, Indiana] February 25, 2026 – The 40th Annual Our Hospice Concert will take place Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Bartholomew County Public Library steps in downtown Columbus, where the concert began in 1987. While Our Hospice has served the community since 1980, the concert tradition started 40 years ago to bring neighbors together to learn about hospice care in support of our mission to Make Every Moment Count. This 40th milestone year
Popular athleisure brand Lululemon expands to Indiana Premium Outlets
EDINBURGH, Ind. (WISH) — Good news for Lululemon lovers! The popular athleisure brand will open at Indiana Premium Outlets in March, growing the national brand-name of retailers at the mall. Known for their buttery soft leggings, Lululemon is one of the most popular athleisure brands with a focus on apparel and accessories that fuel movement, mindfulness, community and more. “We could not be more excited to welcome one of the most sought-after brands to Indiana Premium Outlets”, said Will Slack,
How Small Businesses in Columbus Can Boost Operational Efficiency
Small businesses across Columbus often share a common challenge: keeping operations lean while still delivering great service. Whether you’re running a shop in German Village or a service company in Worthington, clearer processes and smarter tools can free up time and reduce friction — letting your team focus on growth rather than constant firefighting. In brief: Create processes that reduce repeat work Replace bottlenecks with simple, predictable workflows Use accessible tools that remove manual
Cut Through the Noise: Standing Out When Everyone Is Talking
In cities where every block feels like a business card, it’s easy for your voice to get buried beneath the next offer, the next logo, the next big idea. Local markets are nothing if not saturated, with entrepreneurs hustling across every channel to be heard. That saturation is both a challenge and an invitation—it forces clarity. If your value isn’t easily understood by your neighbors, it may as well not exist at all. Clarity wins when charisma fades, and communicating that value becomes less about
Clearing the Digital Clutter: How Smart Asset Management Drives Better Marketing
Managing digital marketing assets shouldn’t feel like wading through a junk drawer that got dumped into a cloud. But that’s what it becomes when folders go unlabeled, files are duplicated across platforms, and people download, edit, and re-upload the same social graphic five different times. The worst part is not the chaos itself, but the way it drags on campaigns, eats into budgets, and leaves teams burnt out before anything even launches. Fixing it isn’t about fancy software or dumping everything into
Crafting a Path to Landscaping Business Excellence
Starting a landscaping business offers the chance to shape outdoor environments while establishing a rewarding enterprise. To thrive in this competitive field, it’s vital to implement strategies that distinguish your business from others. From crafting effective contracts to understanding your competitors, each step plays a crucial role in setting a solid foundation. Engaging with customers and forming strategic partnerships can further enhance your business’s reach and reputation.Crafting Effective
Transform Your LLC into a Thriving Corporate Giant
In today’s business world, turning an LLC into a corporation can be a crucial step in taking a company to the next level. This move signals more than just a change in structure; it marks a pivotal point in the business’s growth. It can open doors to new opportunities for capital, strengthen internal operations, and support larger goals for expansion. However, with these opportunities come complexities, and any decision like this requires careful evaluation of both advantages and risks. Navigating
Thriving Through Tough Times: Proven Tactics for Small Business Resilience
In an ever-fluctuating economy, the shadow of recession often looms over small business owners. The unpredictable business climate can turn even the most astutely managed companies upside down. By implementing the right strategies, not only can you shield your small business from economic downturns, but you can also set the stage for future success. Trim Costs by Outsourcing Non-Essential Tasks One effective way to reduce expenses is by outsourcing non-core activities. By delegating tasks like payroll
