People-driven. That’s how owner/CEO Stephanie Martin describes her business, A Chance Re-Employment Agency. It’s also a good description of Stephanie.
“When I worked at the unemployment office, I saw a void that wasn’t being filled and I knew I had to do something,” Stephanie said. “People with disabilities and criminal histories needed more assistance than what government could offer. They needed training and the opportunity to get back into the workforce.”
Stephanie opened A Chance Re-Employment Agency in October 2018 with office space at the Summit City Entrepreneur and Enterprise District (SEED) Enterprise Center. Since then, she has provided a service she feels is unique in several ways.
“We’re a for-profit, faith-based organization,” she says. “I offer both temporary agency placement and direct placement services. I also offer free workplace training before placement. Most agencies don’t offer that.”
Stephanie acts as a recruiter, sending her employees to work for other companies with which she has a contract. Her employees receive competitive wages and benefits including a 401k, supplemental insurance, and life insurance. She even offers transportation to Decatur so employees can take advantage of work opportunities there.
In ten months Stephanie’s agency has grown from one employee to 146, and her business is one of the only woman- and minority-owned staffing agencies in Indiana. She’s pleased with the success but notes there have been difficulties, including persuading companies to hire her employees. That is changing for the better, she says, thanks to the exposure she’s gained with the city and various companies that have spread the word to others.
A bigger difficulty than changing mindsets was funding. “It’s been the hardest thing,” Stephanie said. “There’s not a lot of funding available for small, for-profit businesses.” But she did get a $1,000 grant from the Fortitude Fund, and she’s quick to point out the help SEED has provided.
“SEED believed in me. I got affordable office space at the Enterprise Center and they connected me with other companies, agencies, and financial institutions. They offer resources, tell you about events, and help you get on different boards. Through them, I joined a women’s entrepreneur organization, which has helped me network. I got all that from being in the Enterprise Center.”
Asked what she enjoys most about being an entrepreneur she says, “I love to assist people with changing their lives.” But Stephanie admits being an entrepreneur isn’t easy: “You work ten times harder than when you work for somebody else.” Still, she feels it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to her.
Does she have advice for others who may consider starting a business? “Do your research,” Stephanie says. “Expose yourself to what’s available in the community. Go to different events and find out about classes. Find out what the need is for your city. You don’t want to over-saturate with what’s there. Make sure you’re doing something innovative and creative that helps build the city, and give back to the community to make it better. If you focus on the people, you’ll make it.”
Find out more about SEED and the Enterprise Center here.
