BUSINESS
GROWTH
Business Growth Initiative
The Business Growth Initiative was launched in late 2006 to
proactively identify and support businesses that have or are
positioned to have a significant impact on the area’s economy.
The initiative establishes stronger relationships with existing
companies to expand investment and jobs throughout the county. It is a partnership
between The Chamber and the City of South Bend.
CONVENTIONS / TOURISM
South Bend/Mishawaka
Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB)
As an initiative of The
Chamber, the South Bend/Mishawaka Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB)
serves as a destination marketing organization, raising the
awareness of the community as a convention and tourist
destination. Through the CVB’s programs and relationships with
industry partners, it is able to attract visitors to the area,
greatly impacting the vitality of our economy.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Project Future
Project Future is St. Joseph County’s economic
development organization. Its focus is to
attract outside businesses to St. Joseph County.
In addition, it helps to fund the services of
the Small Business Development Center.
EDUCATION
Partner Up!
A
collaboration of the South Bend Community School Corporation
and The Chamber, Partner
Up! connects local businesses with local schools.
Employees of participating businesses are allowed paid time
off work to read to an elementary student, or to become a
mentor for an elementary student.
INTERNATIONAL
TRADE
Michiana World Trade Council (MWTC)
The
MWTC provides resources and programs to support businesses that
conduct or wish to get involved in international trade.
574.234.0051, ext. 313.
LEADERSHIP
Leadership South Bend/Mishawaka
Our
leadership programs, both adult and youth, are a community-wide
effort to ensure a base of informed and effective leaders who
will meet and address the present and future challenges in our
region. 574.234.0051, ext. 383.
SMALL
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Small
Business Development Center (SBDC)
The SBDC
provides assistance and counsel to individuals considering
starting a business and those who have established small
businesses. 574.282.4350.
Counseling is also provided
through the South Bend Chapter of SCORE
(Service Corps of Retired Executives) or email chair@southbend-score.org.
SPORTS
South Bend Regional Sports Commission
This South
Bend/Mishawaka Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) initiative
promotes the region as a world-class sporting event destination
and pursues sports-related activities, which stimulate the
economy, enhance the area’s image and provide entertainment and
participatory opportunities. For more info, call Nicole Lawler,
Director of Sports Development, at 574.234.0051, ext. 305 or
e-mail
nlawler@exploresouthbend.org. |
