2022 Immersive Export Program Connects Indiana Small Businesses To Global Markets

The Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) recognized five small businesses from across the state for completing the Export Indiana Accelerator Program (EIAP). The EIAP is a free, 12-week, annual program offering Hoosier small businesses professional export guidance and leading research resources to create an executable, proactive export business plan.

“I’m always excited to see what the participants of the EIAP have planned for the next stage of their business,” said David Watkins, Indiana SBDC state director and Indiana Economic Development Corporation vice president of small business. “The five businesses that completed the 2022 program have bright futures ahead. Our goal is to support them as they forge new international connections with their products.”

The program, which is available to new and existing exporters, connects companies with Indiana SBDC export-certified advisers who offer services such as business management training, foreign market research, tax, tariff and regulatory compliance in addition to application assistance for the Indiana State Trade and Export Promotion (IN-STEP) program. For more information on the Export Indiana Accelerator Program, visit isbdc.org/eiap.

This year’s awardees include: 

• ChefsFridge Co., a startup with locations in Anderson and Fishers, which combines aerospace and defense industry expertise with health technology and social impact pioneers to create a cooler capable of -108°F for 21+ days (7-10x longer than competitors).
• El Popular, located in East Chicago, which produces chorizo, molé paste and powder, and Mexican chocolate through a fourth-generation family operation.
• Hewitt Molding Company, based in Kokomo, which is a customer injection molder and manufacturer of thermoplastic components using the latest in plastic injection molding technologies.
• Huber Winery/Starlight Distillery launched in Borden, which is a family-owned-and-operated farm that produces sustainably crafted wines, brandies and whiskies from the 700+ acre Huber estate dating back to 1843. At Starlight Distillery, spirits are produced, aged, blended and bottled on the family estate.
• Scout & Zoe’s, located in Anderson, which makes premium pet treats utilizing human-grade raw ingredients that are sourced in the U.S. The treats are produced in the U.S. for multiple species.

About Indiana SBDC

The Indiana Small Business Development Center (Indiana SBDC), which is housed within the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, helps small businesses start, grow, finance, innovate, and transition through no-cost, confidential business advising and training. With a network of 10 regional offices throughout the state, the Indiana SBDC creates a positive and measurable impact on the formation, growth and sustainability of Indiana’s small businesses.

The Indiana SBDC is funded, in part, through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. For more information about the Indiana SBDC, visit isbdc.org.

About IEDC

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) is charged with growing the State economy, driving economic development, helping businesses launch, grow and locate in the state. Led by Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers, @SecChambersIN, and governed by a 15-member board chaired by Governor Eric J. Holcomb, @GovHolcomb, the IEDC manages many initiatives, including performance-based tax credits, workforce training grants, innovation and entrepreneurship resources, public infrastructure assistance, and talent attraction and retention efforts. For more information about the IEDC, visit iedc.in.gov.