Up to $15,000 Available to Help Indiana Small Businesses Access Expert Services

Indiana small businesses often know what they need to grow, but not always how to afford the specialized expertise required to get there. The Indiana Technical Assistance Program (INTAP) helps close that gap by offering matching grant funds of up to $15,000 for eligible professional services. Best of all, the grant portion does not need to be repaid.

This program is administered through the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center and is designed to help businesses move forward with clearly defined, high-impact projects that require outside expertise.

How the INTAP Grant Works

INTAP is not a general-use grant. Instead, it supports specific technical or professional services that help businesses improve operations, systems, or long-term sustainability.

Here’s the basic structure:

• The business hires an Indiana-based professional service provider

• The vendor submits an estimate or proposal for the project

• If the project is approved and completed within the required timeline, the State pays its matching share directly to the vendor

• The business pays only its portion of the total project cost

This approach ensures accountability while making critical expertise more affordable for small businesses.

What Types of Projects May Qualify?

Eligible projects must involve outside professional assistance and meet program guidelines. Examples may include:

• Technology or software development

• Financial management systems or ERP implementation

• Accounting, consulting, or operational process improvements

• Customer experience systems or management tools

• Migration from manual or outdated systems to more advanced platforms

Projects must be well-defined and measurable, with a clear scope of work provided by the vendor.

What Is Not Eligible?

INTAP funds cannot be used for:

• General marketing or promotional activities

• Property improvements or beautification projects

• Ongoing operational expenses

• Work completed by out-of-state vendors

Both the recipient business and the vendor must be based in Indiana, and all uses must align with the program’s technical assistance focus.

Opportunities for Indiana Service Providers

INTAP isn’t just beneficial for small businesses; it also creates opportunities for Indiana-based consultants, accountants, technology firms, and professional service providers. If you have clients who need systems, financial, or operational improvements, they may be eligible to apply for INTAP funding, allowing you to be paid in part by the State for approved work.

Ready to Explore Eligibility?

If you’re considering a project that requires professional expertise, or if you serve clients who may benefit, now is a great time to start the conversation.

The East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center can help businesses assess eligibility, refine project ideas, and navigate the application process. The Grant County Economic Growth Council is also available to connect local businesses and service providers with the right resources.

Learn more about how INTAP could support your next phase of growth.