Business Talk: A Countywide Connection Point for Grant County Entrepreneurs
Small businesses are the heartbeat of Grant County’s economy, and now, they have a new place to connect, collaborate, and grow together. The City of Marion’s Business Talk series, led by Economic Development Director Joe Murphy, is expanding its reach—and its impact.
During a recent East Central Indiana Small Business Center advisory board meeting, Murphy confirmed that these gatherings are open to all business owners across Grant County, not just those operating within Marion city limits. This shift reinforces a broader, more inclusive vision: strengthening entrepreneurship through regional collaboration.
A Casual, Conversation-Driven Gathering
Unlike traditional business workshops or formal presentations, Business Talk Breakfast is intentionally relaxed and open-format. These meetings are designed to give business owners—whether established, newly launched, or still in the idea phase—a chance to:
Build relationships with fellow entrepreneurs
Share successes, challenges, and ideas
Learn about local resources and support systems
Grow stronger together as a business community
The approach is simple: come as you are, grab a cup of coffee, and stay as long as you’d like. The conversation flows naturally among peers who understand the realities of running a small business.
Holiday Schedule Brings a Fresh Format
With Thanksgiving and Christmas quickly approaching, Murphy is adjusting the November and December sessions to meet the needs of busy entrepreneurs.
The first event in this special holiday series is the Business Talk Breakfast at Lola’s Café in Marion—a chance not just to collaborate, but to support a beloved local business during the holiday season.
📅 Monday, November 24
🕢 7:45 AM ET
📍 Lola’s at the Inn – 3910 S. Washington St., Marion, IN 46953
🔗 RSVP: https://bit.ly/4bR8rY6
Building a Stronger Small Business Ecosystem
The ‘Business Talk’ small business series reflects a growing movement within Grant County—one where collaboration matters more than municipal boundaries. By opening these gatherings to everyone, the City of Marion is helping strengthen the countywide entrepreneurial ecosystem, offering:
A sense of community and belonging
Access to shared knowledge and lived experience
Opportunities for cross-community partnerships
A supportive environment for business owners at every stage
As the local business landscape continues to evolve, these meetups provide a reliable, supportive touchpoint where ideas can spark and solutions can form organically.
Who Should Attend?
This series is ideal for:
Small business owners
Startup founders
Side-hustlers becoming full-timers
Entrepreneurs exploring new ideas
Business leaders seeking peer connection
Anyone interested in building a stronger local economy
Whether your business is in Grant County, you’re welcome.
Looking Ahead
The Growth Council is proud to help amplify this series and encourages business owners throughout Grant County to participate. Strengthening local entrepreneurship doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens when people show up, share together, and work toward a common goal.
The Business Talk Breakfast series is the start of something meaningful, and we look forward to seeing it grow.