Did you know that Indiana Small Business Expo was created in 2008? “I didn’t realize that there are over 500,000 small businesses in Indiana!” “I’m so honored to orchestrate small businesses to come together from all over the state for Indiana Small Business Expo.” “It’s amazing that business owners come to support each other and our charity partner which provides mentorship programs for fatherless homes.” Expo also proudly provides proceeds to Indiana Veteran Business Owners.
As a local single mother from Indianapolis CEO, Kelly Sparks has overcome challenging circumstances with her two sons, one of which has had major heart surgeries and the other nearly died from an unexpected illness.” “We’ve been burglarized; homeless, car-less and inundated with medical bills and one adversity after another, but I never gave up on helping others, while being my sons’ hero which was always my focus!”
Ms. Sparks climbed out of poverty which has developed into an inspirational story, and she now supports entrepreneurs all over the state by organizing Indiana Small Business Expo’s. Kelly is a multiple business owner who is skilled at wearing many entrepreneurial hats. Ms. Sparks can truly relate to real-life extraordinary challenges that families and entrepreneur’s face. “I strongly believe that my generosity during my hardships got me where I am today, I truly have a heart to help others succeed because I know how it feels to face multiple adversities.”
Kelly was raised in Indianapolis by her single father, of which he had an eighth-grade education, but he worked hard as a self-employed flooring contractor. Kelly helped her father gain his high school GED when she was a sophomore, and he was 53 years old. “Life can get hard at times growing up in poverty but my dad was brave and showed me many skills and the value of work ethic, and now I can accomplish anything.” During childhood Kelly spent many weekends and summers on construction and flooring jobs with her father. “I know first-hand that manual labor is just as hard as running a business, I can respect both roles.”
Let’s fast forward, Kelly needed referral partners for Real Estate, so she created Loyal Connections Business Networking Group. Ms. Sparks stayed committed to her group and wanted to provide the members with additional resources for more brand exposure. “Through Covid my colleagues, my friends were having to leave their entrepreneurial dream and businesses and I knew I could help.”
Ms. Sparks called every contact she had and collaborated on how to take the group to the next level. She asked, “how can I provide a solution fast, so they don’t have to shut their business down.” She knew connecting her group members to others all over the state, would help them sell their products and services. Ms. Sparks purchased Indiana Small Business Expo and integrated Loyal Connections Business Networking Group.
Indiana Small Business Expo was created in 2008, Ms. Sparks re-branded and integrated her networking group with the Indiana Small Business Expo. When venues opened back up Ms. Sparks took a leap of faith and funded the Expo herself to support and to show love to Indiana small businesses. Vendors and event attendees continue to report that Indiana Small Business Expo and the monthly meetups have produced attractive returns on their investment. You will want to view the testimonials page.
The audience for Indiana Small Business Expo has grown into a larger downtown Indianapolis venue and now has gained the support of multiple sponsorship members. At each monthly meetup you will meet new people coming from all over the state.
“I’m still in awe of the inspiration that was delivered by our Keynote Speakers.” Special thanks to our Shark Tank Consultant, that flew in from New York and Indianapolis NFL Alumni and the Voice for the Indianapolis Colts, Joe Reitz and Al Unser Jr. I’m so grateful that after years of adversity that I’m finally privileged to do what I love.” “I believe Real Estate and Small Businesses are the backbone of America, and I am in the business to help with both!”
Kelly Sparks