IU CIBER: Empowering businesses and students through global opportunities

For more than 30 years, Indiana University’s Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) has been a catalyst for advancing global engagement. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, CIBER promotes international business expertise, supports workforce development, and equips students and companies with the skills they need to compete in an interconnected world. IU is one of only 16 funded CIBERs across the United States.

A key pillar of IU CIBER’s mission is to support Indiana businesses in overcoming challenges related to internationalization. Through innovative initiatives like the Internship Funding Program, CIBER helps small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) expand their global reach while providing students with transformative, hands-on learning experiences. By connecting local businesses with Indiana’s talented students, CIBER creates opportunities that not only drive economic growth but also foster cross-cultural understanding and global competence.

The impact of this program is evident in stories like that of Zak Hornberger, a Kelley School alumnus who interned with CosaWove Workwear. With the help of IU CIBER’s funding, Zak developed a comprehensive export plan that directly contributed to the company’s global expansion. Lisa Hutson, Owner and CEO of CosaWove, remarked, “It was crucial to our export plan and success. Our intern built out our entire export plan.” After graduating in summer 2024, Zak accepted a full-time position with CosaWove, illustrating how internships can bridge local talent with international business success.

Scott Massey, Founder and CEO of Heliponix, also experienced the value of the Internship Funding Program by hiring an intern who tackled complex export challenges for agricultural products. “We had an excellent experience in the IU CIBER Program by being able to hire a student that we would not have had the capital to have brought on otherwise. This allowed us to get much more focused attentiveness to the export program, which will now allow us to reach international markets in ways that would have required years of trial and error. Because of the program, we have now developed compliance protocols for strict agricultural regulations and are looking forward to hiring more Hoosiers into our business,” Massey shared.

Another success story comes from TLC Candle Company, a small business in Indiana. CEO Tami Crawford participated in CIBER’s export cohort program and leveraged the Internship Funding Program to hire Grace Alexander, a student at Ivy Tech in Anderson. Together, they identified international markets in Canada, the EU, and Australia.

“Over the summer, Grace and I went through the intense program,” Crawford shared. “At the conclusion of the 12 weeks, we were invited by the US government to be one of 10 companies to present at the Sydney Gift Show in February ’25. This opportunity would not have been possible without the help and dedication of an intern.” Crawford has since hired Grace full-time as TLC Candle prepares for this exciting global opportunity.

The Internship Funding Program underscores IU CIBER’s commitment to creating lasting benefits for businesses, students, and Indiana’s economy. With up to 50% wage reimbursement available and additional funding from the Employment Aid Readiness Network (EARN) Indiana program, SMEs can afford to explore new global opportunities while creating meaningful internship experiences for Indiana’s students.

For businesses, the benefits include increased revenue potential, access to new markets, and strengthened competitiveness. For students, internships provide hands-on experience and a chance to make a lasting impact.

Through programs like this, IU CIBER continues its mission to promote global competence, foster economic development, and position Indiana as a leader in the international marketplace.

For more information on IU CIBER initiatives, contact ciber@iu.edu.