KOKOMO – Despite numerous waves of pandemic relief, aimed at providing motivation to small businesses during the most difficult times of the pandemic, some entrepreneurial Hoosiers are still struggling.
Kisha Scott, of Kokomo, finds herself in this situation.
Scott’s business, For Everyone Hair Care and Beauty LLC, has premium products that she sells at a discount, buying items through wholesalers. She believes the products are what people want because of her experience setting up shop at various events.
“I sell a lot of my stuff at those events in Kokomo,” says Scott. “People are always buying something and complimenting me on the variety of items I have.”
However, Scott continued to run into a problem: attracting people to her physical store. At the moment, the living room in front of her house is serving as a storefront.
“It’s hard for people to give me a chance. People come here, they love it and they’ll come back.”
Lori Dukes, economic development director for the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Coalition, says they have a lot to offer the likes of Scott.
“These resources are here. The opportunity is here,” Dukes said. “Everything you’re looking to try and accomplish, you’re looking at a building full of people to accomplish those goals with you.”
Located in the Inventrek Tech Park, Dukes says anyone coming into the Kokomo Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance will have a wealth of resources at their disposal. From tenants with offices, to coworking spaces called Shared Drive and Purdue Polytechnic @ Kokomo, Dukes says their building is filled with ideas and knowledge that can help those looking or have started a small business.
Duke says it’s focused heavily on empowering small businesses because we’ve seen first-hand how important they are to the economy.
As major supply chain issues hit consumers, a number of small companies and startups worked to fill the demand.
“Our biggest contribution not just locally, but nationally and even nationally is how we continue to encourage the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurship,” Dukes said.
You can learn more about the resources provided by the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance by visit their website and reach them.
