The Indiana State Department of Agriculture is making it easier for Hoosiers to buy local and support small businesses and community farms with the introduction of the 'Shop Indiana Grown' program.
"One of my favorite activities during the Indiana State Fair, is shopping at the Indiana Grown Store," Suzanne Crouch, Indiana Lieutenant Governor said in a statement on Twitter.
"I am continually amazed at the variety and quality of products that Hoosier farmers and producers provide, and consumers should have access to those items everyday."
Businesses in the state have had to find innovative ways to keep their doors open as the COVID-19 pandemic poses a national and statewide health risk and this online tool will help local entrepreneurs continue to serve their current clientele while offering an avenue to access a new customer base, according to a statement released by the Indiana Small Business Development Center.
'Shop Indiana Grown' consists of more than 1,700 members and 50 businesses that will offer a variety of purchase options on the online marketplace including traditional row crops, honey, artisan foods, skin-care, coffee, cheese, and more, according to the ISBDC.
The ISBDC helped launch the 'Shop Indiana Grown' program with funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration and they also offer different programs and initiatives to help small businesses gain relief funding as the struggling state and local economy attempts to rebound from the financial stressors caused by the pandemic.
Small businesses that are interested is selling their goods on the 'Shop Indiana Grown' online platform need to visit the program's website and register their store, submit the required documentation, build their company profile, and upload pictures of the products they wish to sell.
“With more than 520,000 companies employing 1.2 million Hoosiers, small businesses play a critical role in fueling Indiana’s economic engine,” Jim Schellinger, Indiana Secretary of Commerce said in a statement.
"We’re excited to partner with '{Shop}Indiana Grown' to continue providing the support small businesses need to compete and lead in today’s 21st century economy.”