Blackford County Commissioners Approve $5,000 for Small Business Development Center

From the Blackford County Commissioner Meeting on June 1, 2026

Commissioners unanimously approved $5,000 in county funding for the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center's 2027 budget.

Judy Porter from the SBDC presented 2025 statistics for Blackford County during what she called her "annual pilgrimage" to request funding. The SBDC provides free business planning, financial projections, market research, and consulting services using a mix of federal, state, and local dollars. The center also has an "ecosystem navigator" who has been working with community members in the county.

Porter noted that Austin Elkins of Elkins Mowing in Montpelier was selected for the statewide Small Business Impact Award for Veteran-Owned Business, honored in early May with a celebration at his home on May 30.

Source: Meeting transcript — Blackford County - County Commissioner Meeting - June 1, 2026 (timestamps 02:15–07:43)

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.