EDC CELEBRATES ENTREPRENEURS AT VENTURE ACCELERATOR PROGRAM GRADUATION

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (August 30, 2016) – The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) celebrated entrepreneurs at the EDC Venture Accelerator program celebration last Thursday evening.

The Venture Accelerator program is a 10-week program of business coaching and mentorship to help clients build their business models, plans and business pitches.

Last Thursday, the EDC wrapped up the fifth cohort of the program, which included: John Bales of Bales Technology, Nick Chambers of AgCompass, and Trent Grable of Maverick Quo. Each of the graduates shared presentations summarizing their business models and business plans to move forward with their ventures.

“These three Whitley County entrepreneurs worked hard–two brand new ventures and one major expansion,” said EDC Small Business Coach Steve Franks, “The mix was unique. Two technology ventures, including an ag-tech business, and one venture preparing youth to make a bigger impact in our economy. Congratulations to all three Whitley County ventures!”

Bales Technology is an IT service provider for small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Owner John Bales discovered that often times small businesses and nonprofit organizations don’t have the capacity, time or in-house resources to manage their own IT systems. Bales Technology can provide set up, proactive monitoring, upgrades and troubleshooting for these businesses.

“It has been an honor to work with Steve Franks and the entire EDC crew throughout the Venture Accelerator Program,” said Bales, “It has made me look at my business from a totally different perspective and makes me even more excited to support multiple small businesses with their IT services.”

Nick Chambers is the owner of AgCompass, which provides cloud hosting of accounting software for the agriculture industry and CPAs. With the AgCompass cloud software, clients can access business software and data anytime; business data is securely backed up everyday; and they have secure access to accountants and/or other partners from their offices. AgCompass was founded in 2003 but rebranded in 2015, and the company now has a new website, marketing collateral, and wants to focus more heavily on serving ag producers.

“Starting and growing a small business is difficult and having access to the Venture Accelerator program was extremely valuable,” said Chambers, “Working with a seasoned entrepreneur to honestly examine not only opportunities but also challenges, helped my business create a comprehensive growth strategy that is realistic and actionable. Whitley County is fortunate to have the Venture Accelerator program and the EDC working to support its small businesses and economic development.”

Maverick Quo is a service that helps individuals identify their own competitive advantage. Maverick Quo helps individuals, “Mavericks,” discover their purpose, what skills and talents they possess, how to master those skills and communicate why and how they’re unique and what value they can provide.

“I had been talking to Steve before joining the accelerator and was very impressed with the entrepreneurial knowledge he possessed,” said Grable, “He helped me think about what I could offer to people and how they could benefit from my contribution. The accelerator was beneficial in taking that knowledge and making an actionable plan to start a business and improve lives.”

Interested in starting or growing your business? Contact the EDC at 260-244-5506 or edc@whitleyedc.com.

About Whitley County EDC
The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is the lead economic development agency in Whitley County, Indiana. The EDC works closely with local, regional, and state partners to support our industry clients’ growth and success. Our mission is to lead a comprehensive economic development program that retains and expands employment opportunities for local residents and attracts business investment to Whitley County. The Whitley County EDC was established in 1992 and represents Whitley County, Columbia City, and the Towns of Churubusco, Larwill, and South Whitley. For more information about the EDC, visit: whitleyedc.com.

Media Contacts:

Katie Dewitt (Whitley Co. EDC) – 260.244.5506

L to R: Jon Myers, EDC President; Nick Chambers, AgCompass; Trent Grable, Maverick Quo; 

John Bales, Bales Technology; Steve Franks, EDC Small Business Coach