Free Workshop Aims to Spur New Businesses in Jasper This November
The Jasper Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana Small Business Development Center will host a free, in-person "Guide to Starting a Business" workshop on Thursday, Nov. 13, from 1–4 p.m. at 302 W. 6th St., Jasper. The session, led by speaker Grant Sherfick, is designed to help local residents take practical steps toward launching ventures and to strengthen Dubois County’s small-business ecosystem.
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Local aspiring entrepreneurs and small-business owners will have a no-cost opportunity this month to learn practical steps for launching a venture when the Jasper Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) present a three-hour workshop on Nov. 13. The "Guide to Starting a Business" runs from 1–4 p.m. at 302 W. 6th St. in Jasper and requires registration by phone or email to the Chamber.
The workshop will be led by Grant Sherfick and focuses on actionable guidance for people at the earliest stages of a business idea. Organizers say the session is intended to demystify the start-up process by covering practical considerations such as basic planning, legal and regulatory steps, and resources available to new business owners through local and state support networks. Attendance is free and in-person, underscoring the Chamber’s emphasis on community-based economic development.
The partnership between the Jasper Chamber and the Indiana SBDC brings local networking and statewide technical assistance together. The SBDC network provides counsel on market research, financing options, and business planning; the Chamber contributes local market knowledge and connections to suppliers, landlords, and civic leaders. For Dubois County residents considering entrepreneurship, that combination can shorten the path from idea to open doors and create stronger linkages to resources that help firms survive the risky early years.
For the local economy, encouraging new businesses can have several tangible effects. Startups can introduce goods and services not currently available in the county, create jobs, and broaden the tax base that supports municipal services. Even small-scale ventures, such as home-based firms or pop-up retailers, contribute to economic resilience by diversifying income streams and fostering circulation of consumer spending within the community.
Organizers have asked prospective attendees to register in advance with the Jasper Chamber by phone or email. Because the event is presented in-person, it also offers a chance for face-to-face mentoring and local networking that virtual formats do not always replicate.
As Dubois County continues to balance the needs of established employers with opportunities for new enterprises, events like the Nov. 13 workshop represent a practical, low-cost entry point for residents to explore entrepreneurship. Local residents interested in attending should contact the Jasper Chamber to reserve a spot and get information on any preparation materials or documents to bring.
