Indy Hosts Second Annual 'Reverse Trade Show' For Small Business Owners

Indianapolis hosted its second annual “Reverse Trade Show” on Tuesday. The event is a chance for small business owners to partner with bigger companies and agencies around the city.

A couple hundred people came to the event this year, to shake hands and network with agencies like IndyGo, Purdue University and the city’s Parks & Recreation Department.

Representatives from each agency describe what services they need, and local business owners see if they can do it.

Camille Blunt, director of the city’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development, is in charge of the event.

Blunt says they make a special effort to invite businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans and people with disabilities.

“We focus on our small businesses, our small minority businesses, so that they can get face time with some of these entities that they may not be able to otherwise,” Blunt says.

Larz Stepheny came with his fiancee – they own a cleaning service company in the city.

“If you’re trying to get your business out there, you’re trying to get a better understanding of what’s going on in your community, this is the best place to come, because everybody’s down here,” Stepheny says.

Indianapolis says it plans to host the event again next year.