Timing the Perfect Exit: How to Recognize When to Sell Your Business
Deciding to sell your business is one of the most consequential choices you’ll ever make. Whether you’ve spent years building your company from the ground up or recently acquired it as an investment, recognizing when to let go is as strategic as knowing how to grow. This guide helps you identify the right timing, prepare for the sale, and structure your next steps with clarity — from emotional readiness to financial precision. TL;DR Selling your business isn’t just about market timing — it’s about
Fulton County Women’s Giving Circle Awards $10,000 in Grants at Annual Gathering
The Fulton County Women’s Giving Circle, a program of the Fulton County Community Foundation, celebrated its Annual Social Gathering on Tuesday, September 30, at the Mellow Mug Café. Surrounded by fellowship, good food, and community spirit, members awarded a total of $10,000 in grants to support local nonprofit organizations. This year’s grant recipients include: Fulton County Youth Center – $3,000 for an Outdoor Oasis Rochester Girls Softball League – $2,500 for a Playground Macy Food Pantry –
.jpg)
Eligible Customers May Apply for Additional NIPSCO Energy Assistance Programs as of Oct. 1
MERRILLVILLE, Ind. – Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (“NIPSCO”) announced today that additional energy assistance programs are now open for enrollment to income- eligible customers struggling to pay their gas utility bills. Available programs include NIPSCO Hardship, SERV (Supply Energy Resources to Veterans) and SILVER (Seniors in Indiana Low-Income and Vulnerable Energy Resources). Eligible customers can apply through May 31, 2026, or until funds are exhausted. Programs provide a one-time
4C Health Expands Access to Behavioral Health Crisis Services with Launch of High-Acuity Crisis Receiving & Stabilization Unit
Peru, IN — 4C Health is proud to announce the launch of a new High-Acuity Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Unit (CRSS), opening on October 1, 2025. This innovative service will provide immediate, around-the-clock support for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, ensuring that peopleacross North Central Indiana have expanded access to the right level of care when they need it most. 4C Health will be transitioning its current inpatient psychiatric facility space to High-Acuity-Crisis Receiving
Adapting Small Business Services to a Digital-First World
Running a small business has always required adaptability. Today, the pace of change is accelerating as new digital capabilities make it possible for even the smallest firms to compete on efficiency and customer experience. From streamlined marketing campaigns to more intelligent financial systems, the way services are delivered to entrepreneurs is shifting — and fast. Smarter Tools for Everyday Operations Owners who once juggled spreadsheets and phone calls now rely on digital assistants to handle
.jpg)
WOODLAWN HEALTH LABORATORY RECEIVES ACCREDITATION FROM COLLEGE OF AMERICAN PATHOLOGISTS
Rochester, IN- September 29: The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) has awarded accreditation to Woodlawn Health’s Laboratory based on the results of a recent on-site inspection as part of the CAP’s Accreditation Programs. Recognized for rigorous and robust standards, CAP accreditation elevates quality and mitigates risk, an essential way that laboratories can contribute to improved patient outcomes. The facility’s director, Dr. Jim Dyer MD, was advised of this global
Purdue Opens Registration for Digital Ready Businesses program
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – An online Purdue Extension workshop series that seeks to help Indiana small businesses build or enhance their online presence will be available statewide this fall. “Digital Ready Businesses” was launched in 2017. The program has been updated and new workshops added to reflect current trends. Participants can attend all 10 (1 hour) sessions or only those that meet their needs. The training, led by county Extension educators, covers a variety of topics, from website basics to
Gain confidence using Microsoft Excel with IU Kokomo microcredential
KOKOMO, Ind. — Do you need to learn to use Microsoft Excel? Or, could you benefit from a refresher course to feel more confident using it at work? You can equip yourself for professional success with this new offering from Indiana University Kokomo’s Achieve Improve Master (AIM) microcredential program. Join Edwin Faunce, adjunct instructor of communications, and Janice Childress, campus manager for the Office of Institutional Analytics, for an in-person class that offers hands-on introduction on
Opening Doors Through Education: Warsaw Adult Education Receives Support from Fulton County Communi
The Fulton County Community Foundation has awarded a $2,000 grant to Warsaw Adult Education (WAE) to expand its services for Fulton County residents. Through Rochester Schools, WAE provides adults with the opportunity to earn their High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma or improve their English language skills—resources that remain vital yet often underutilized in the community. “Warsaw Adult Education is deeply grateful to the Northern Indiana Community Foundation for its generous grant in support of Adult
4C Health Kicks Off Recovery Days of Service Across Seven Counties
Peru, IN— 4C Health is proud to announce the launch of its Recovery Days of Service, a series of signature events taking place across all seven counties the organization serves. The Recovery Days of Service are designed to highlight the strength, resilience, and hope found in recovery while bringing communities together through meaningful service opportunities and celebrations. Each county will host its own signature event, ranging from volunteer projects and community resource fairs to awareness events
The Outlet Youth Center Upgrades Equipment to Keep Fun Alive for Local Kids
The Fulton County Community Foundation has awarded a $1,000 grant to The Outlet Youth Center in support of the Youth Center’s after-school program. Since opening in 2020, The Outlet Youth Center has grown into a safe and welcoming space for local youth. But with constant use, some of the games and equipment have worn out. Thanks to this grant, the Youth Center will be able to replace broken items and stock its snack cabinet for the new school year. “We are so thankful for NICF supporting our mission,”
How to Improve Marketing Materials When You're Already Swamped
Time-starved. Brain full. Inbox blinking like it's alive. If you’re a business owner trying to sharpen your marketing while keeping the lights on, you’re not alone—and you’re not behind. Great marketing doesn’t have to come from deep strategy sessions or big-budget rebrands. Often, it starts with making what you already have more useful, more usable, and more aligned with the business you're running. If your materials feel dated, scattered, or just not you, that’s not a failure—it’s a starting point.First
When Lighting Lets You Down, Smart Editing Picks You Up: A Guide for Fulton County Businesses
In the fast-paced world of small business marketing, few things go as planned, especially when it comes to lighting. You may be filming in a crowded store, at a pop-up event, or inside a community space where you can’t control the light. The good news? You don’t have to. Whether you're capturing content in Rochester, at a downtown vendor market, or during a mixer hosted by the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce, there’s a reliable solution for cleaning up subpar visuals: post-production color
The Resilient Web: Building Smart, Customer-Centered Sites in Hard Times
Economic downturns have a way of exposing the cracks in a small business’s digital foundation. While the instinct may be to tighten the belt across the board, the business website should be the last place to cut corners. In fact, when customers become more selective with their spending, a strong and agile online presence becomes the most powerful lever available. What changes on a screen can ripple into real growth when foot traffic slows and competition grows more cutthroat. It’s not just about looking
Cut Through the Noise: How to Make Your Marketing Materials Actually Matter
Running a business doesn’t leave a lot of room for second drafts. Between customer calls, vendor negotiations, invoices, and your overflowing inbox, there’s barely enough bandwidth to keep marketing afloat—let alone fine-tune the materials that actually help grow your brand. But if your flyers, sales emails, or landing pages are gathering digital dust, you’re not just behind—you’re invisible. The good news? You don’t need a full rebrand or a 40-hour workweek to get your marketing to pull its weight. You
Beyond the Survey: Smarter Market Research for a Changing Business Landscape
Market research isn’t a static process. What worked last year—or even last quarter—may not be enough to keep up with the evolving demands of your industry. Whether it’s consumer behavior shifting overnight, new competitors entering the fray, or technological disruptions rewriting the playbook, your approach to market research has to scale alongside your business. The problem is, many companies treat market research as a one-and-done task instead of an ongoing process that grows and changes in response to
Mastering Financial Management for Beauty Salons: Strategies for Sustainable Growth
Effective financial management is the backbone of any successful beauty salon. While creativity, customer service, and branding play crucial roles, a salon’s long-term viability depends on how well its finances are handled. From budgeting to pricing strategies, smart money management can determine whether a salon thrives or struggles. Many salon owners focus on day-to-day operations without a clear financial roadmap, leading to cash flow issues and stagnation. To build a profitable and resilient business,
Picking Tech Tools That Grow Small Business Potential
Small businesses navigating a competitive environment often find growth tied to smart technology investments. Leveraging digital tools enhances operational efficiency, strengthens data security, and improves customer interactions. Although initial costs may appear steep, the long-term advantages often include reduced expenses and smoother workflows. Effective integration of new systems can simplify operations, helping businesses maintain relevance in an evolving marketplace. Such advancements foster
Rochester, IN Businesses: FinCEN's BOI Filing Deadline is Fast Approaching! File By 01/01/2025 to Avoid Possible Fines!
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires businesses to report Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) to FinCEN to promote financial transparency and combat financial crimes. As of today, the 27th of November, 2024, Rochester, Indiana, business owners have 35 calendar days (or 25 business days) left to file their BOI report with FinCEN—don’t delay, or you could face $500 per day fines! What You Need to Do:1. Determine if Your Business Must File. Most LLCs, corporations, and small businesses
Important Tools and Strategies for New Business Success
In the exhilarating landscape of entrepreneurship, the path to success is paved with strategy, resilience, and the right set of tools. For new business owners, navigating this dynamic environment can seem daunting without the proper resources to support their journey. Imagine elevating your business from its infancy to a thriving enterprise by harnessing cutting-edge tools designed to refine your financial strategies, streamline operations, and enhance customer engagement. This article unravels the
