Ambassadors Highlight Aspire’s Resources and Support for Small Business
Aspire Johnson County provides an array of resources, networking opportunities, and support for small businesses in central Indiana. Aspire’s mission is to drive economic development and business success for businesses of all sizes. Resources for small businesses are available at aspirejohnsoncounty.com.
“Aspire can play a vital role in helping small businesses thrive by connecting them with resources, advocating for pro-business policies, and providing networking opportunities,” said Angela Vandersteen, Vice President of Investor Development + Relations at Aspire.
“Through partnerships, training, and community support, we are committed to fostering a healthy, sustainable environment where small businesses can succeed and contribute to the local economy. Our Ambassadors are educated on our services and connections and able to help our members utilize all that Aspire offers."
For ambassadors like Autumn Revel, owner of Best Price Flooring in Indianapolis, and Melahni Ake, founder of Everyday Leaders, Aspire plays an important role in helping local businesses connect and grow.
“As a small, family-owned company, we are always looking for ways to be a part of the community and grow our business,” said Revel. “Aspire has so many incredible networking opportunities, which has helped us tremendously to grow. When we joined, I started attending the different events that were offered and met so many people. I found several businesses that offered services that we use such as promotional items, IT services, and insurance.”
For Ake, Aspire provided the opportunity to build relationships within her own community.
“I realized that joining my chamber was the key to serving my community with my leadership development programs,” said Ake. “Joining the chamber, has allowed me to network with like-minded business leaders who are for each other and help our businesses grow together.”
“Success does not happen overnight no matter what organization you join,” said Ake. “What I’ve learned is the chamber provides networking opportunities to learn from other business leaders, build trusted relationships, collaborate with them, and ultimately find ways to serve each other to help our businesses and community thrive.”
Aspire’s Ambassadors serve as connectors, helping members fully utilize the benefits and services available through the chamber.
“I wanted to become an Ambassador to be more involved with the community, to get to know others and find out how I could help them to fully utilize all of the amazing benefits Aspire has to offer,” said Revel.
“We are here to help support members in their efforts in growing their businesses, such as connecting them to the companies that offer the specific services that they need. It's an awesome feeling to know that you helped someone. As an Aspire Ambassador, we are raving fans, and I am so proud to share that with members and be a part of our team.”
Ake shared this sentiment and expressed the importance of guiding new members.
“The ambassador role is a great way for us to show new businesses how to explore the benefits of Aspire and specifically how to lean in and utilize all of the services from networking and marketing to advocacy, to help their businesses grow,” she said.
Both Ambassadors highlighted specific resources that small businesses can leverage through Aspire.
“There are numerous services that are offered to members at discounted rates, including Office 360, benefits with Franciscan Health, and a free prescription discount program, just to name a few,” said Revel.
“As for small businesses, I highly recommend the mentoring services offered through SCORE, the Indiana Business Development Center and the Business Ownership Initiative. These services are available for free and offer an incredible amount of knowledge to help support small businesses with any questions they may have.”
Ake pointed out the membership list, which members can request twice in their membership year, as a critical tool for businesses.
“This is your main source to connect to people that also want to grow in the community. Everyone joins a chamber for a different reason,” she said. “This is a great starting point for leads, to connect to others and to begin lasting relationships.”
Both Ambassadors also encouraged members to engage actively with Aspire’s team and programs.
“The best thing that members can do is lean in and get involved in at least one activity a month so that the chamber can also understand your business better and help connect you to the right resources that you need at the right time,” Ake said.
“Aspire is always working to create benefits and training that our community members ask for. It’s important for all members to understand that they have a voice, and the chamber staff is here to support us with our ideas and our values.”
Revel added that Aspire’s office provides meeting spaces at no cost, which can be a valuable resource for businesses needing private or offsite locations.
“The Aspire staff is a dynamic team ready to help at any time,” she said. “I’m so thankful for each of them and our membership.”