Trends
Associate Dean Roger Schmenner
One of the benefits of Kelley's location in the heart of central Indiana is our ability to foster relationships with the businesses right
in our own backyard. And while Kelley faculty members often collaborate with and counsel some of the area's largest companies, we haven't lost sight of the other true
lifeblood of our region's economy - the small and mid-sized business. More than 90 percent of central Indiana's companies have fewer than 50 employees,
demonstrating the importance of these firms to our community.
To ensure our connection and contribution to these smaller companies, Kelley Indianapolis developed the Main Street initiative. This multi-faceted endeavor, organized to support businesses on the "main streets" of central Indiana, encourages Kelley's continued involvement with some of the firms holding the key to Indiana's economic future.
As part of this ongoing initiative, we've partnered with the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce to create the Main Street Institute - a series of educational seminars targeted specifically to small and mediumsized businesses. The seminars pair Kelley's nationally recognized faculty with regional business leaders to offer the latest information, analysis and insight on topics of interest and significance to smaller firms. Since their inception late last year, the sessions have been well received and widely praised for their significance and value to the small business community.
Smaller employers may also benefit from our newly restructured and improved Business Foundations Certificate program. This 21 credithour certificate is designed for business people who desire a fundamental understanding of business concepts, and is an ideal educational alternative for working adults interested in increasing their knowledge of business.
Kelley's partnership with central Indiana's "main street" businesses is an important focus not only for our school, but our community as well. Through these efforts, we're determined to do our part to strengthen Indiana's economic vitality.
This multi-faceted endeavor, organized to support businesses on the "main streets" of central Indiana, encourages Kelley's continued involvement with some of the firms holding the key to Indiana's economic future.
Business Foundations Certificate Aims to Enhance Job Performance
Online program offers solid knowledge in a fast, flexible format
For companies struggling to find relevant, cost-effective business training opportunities for their associates, Kelley Indianapolis' new Business Foundations Certificate may be the answer. This 21 credit-hour program is an ideal option for people in need of essential knowledge in key business areas such as accounting, finance, operations, marketing, human resources and general management. Presented in an online/streaming video format, the certificate program is well suited to:
- Working adults ready to assume management or supervisory roles;
- Professionals with non-business, liberal arts or technical degrees; and
- Entrepreneurs, non-profit administrators and education administrators.
"Our new certificate program provides a reliable way for small and mid-size firms to enhance the everyday business acumen of their employees," says Todd Roberson, Kelley finance lecturer and coordinator of the Business Foundations Certificate program. "The program is particularly valuable to small business professionals who wear a lot of hats. These people can benefit greatly from acquiring the multidisciplinary knowledge this certificate program provides."
The individual courses are conveniently packaged in 15-minute segments, grouped into one-hour topical lectures, with course content designed by Kelley's faculty. Emphasizing practical knowledge, the courses allow students to immediately apply principles in the workplace. As an additional advantage, some costs associated with the certificate program may be covered under grants provided by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (IDWD).
Click here for more information on the certificate. Information about the IDWD grants is available at www.in.gov/dwd/employers.