Regional Entrepreneurial Pipeline — REaP

Have a Business Idea? Let’s Help You Turn It Into a Business.

Registration is now open for the Regional Entrepreneurial Pipeline (REaP), a FREE, comprehensive 8-session entrepreneur course for aspiring and early-stage business owners in Rush, Fayette and Henry Counties.

Whether you have a business idea, a side hustle, a home-based business, or a young business you are ready to grow, REaP is designed to help you understand the practical steps involved in moving forward.

And thanks to grant support from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation through the Community Collaboration Fund, the entire course is offered at absolutely no cost to participants.

Classes begin October 1. Space may be limited.

What You’ll Learn

REaP brings together instructors, business professionals, banking experts, a CPA, resource partners and other local and regional experts to help participants build a stronger foundation for their business.

Topics will include:

Business foundations and readiness
Customers, pricing and sales
Marketing and social media
Business banking and financing
Understanding your business numbers
Recordkeeping
LLC and EIN basics
INBiz and business formation
Business action planning
Local and regional small-business resources

2026 REaP Workshop Schedule

All sessions will be held on Thursday evenings from 6:00–8:00 p.m.

October 1 — Kickoff & Business Readiness
Program overview, entrepreneurial readiness, goals and resources

October 8 — Ivy Tech Session 1: Business Foundations — Turning Ideas into Reality

October 15 — Banking, Financing & Financial Readiness Panel
Hear from banking professionals and a CPA about what lenders look for, financing options and financial readiness.

October 22 — Ivy Tech Session 2: Understanding Your Business Numbers

October 29 — Customers, Pricing, Sales & Marketing

November 5 — Business Formation Lab
LLC registration, EIN setup, INBiz and the steps involved in making your business official

November 12 — Ivy Tech Session 3: Launch Ready — Creating Your Business Action Plan

November 19 — Resources, Next Steps & Wrap-Up

In Person or Virtual

REaP is designed as a comprehensive eight-session course, with each session covering a different piece of starting and growing a business.

Participants should plan to complete all eight sessions, but we know work, family, transportation and other commitments can sometimes make in-person attendance difficult.

That’s why virtual participation is available for any session you are unable to attend in person.

You’ll receive the same great REaP content with more flexibility in how you participate.

Who Is REaP For?

REaP is a great fit for:

Aspiring entrepreneurs
Side hustlers
Home-based businesses
Makers and artisans
Service businesses
Early-stage small businesses

You do not need to have everything figured out before you join. That is exactly what REaP is designed to help with.

Business Formation Lab

One of the key components of REaP will be the Business Formation Lab, designed to help participants better understand the process of formally organizing a business.

Eligible participants may also receive assistance with approved LLC registration costs through the program.

Serving Rush, Fayette & Henry Counties

REaP is a regional initiative serving entrepreneurs throughout Rush, Fayette and Henry Counties.

In-person sessions may be held at different locations throughout the three-county area. Registered participants will receive location details and virtual access information before each session.

Absolutely FREE

There is no cost to participate in REaP.

The program is made possible through grant support from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation Community Collaboration Fund.

Questions about REaP?
Leslie Shaul
lshaul@rushecdc.org

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Have a business idea, side hustle or young business you’re ready to grow? Register for REaP and join us beginning October 1. Space may be limited.