South Bend, Ind. — The Code Works Digital Storefront Program is helping small business owners across Indiana and Southwest Michigan thrive through digital innovation and support. Now entering its fifth year, the initiative has become a proven model for how technology can strengthen Main Street and drive local economic growth, and it is now poised for expansion.

The program provides local small businesses with custom-built digital storefronts: modern websites and online tools that increase visibility, revenue, and customer engagement. Through regional matching grants, each selected participant receives development support to transform their online presence and six months of maintenance, all at no cost to the business owner. To date, more than 100 small businesses have participated.

“This program is about economic empowerment through technology,” said Alex Sejdinaj, co-founder of Code Works. “By removing cost and knowledge barriers, we’re helping entrepreneurs build confidence online and strengthening the fabric of the region’s local economy.”

Results have been significant for these small businesses. On average, participating businesses earn over $6,500 in additional revenue within the first six months after their digital storefront launch, and an impressive 100% of grantees would recommend the program to other business owners.

Beyond individual success stories, the impact ripples throughout the region. Small businesses represent 99.4% of all firms in Indiana, and employ more than 1.2 million Hoosiers, meaning that every storefront brought online contributes to a more connected, resilient economy; a true multiplier effect.

Now, Code Works is looking ahead. With demonstrated ROI and strong community demand, the organization is seeking to expand and replicate the Digital Storefront model through partnerships with local organizations, cities, and chambers who are committed to small business growth.

“We’ve proven what’s possible when technology, entrepreneurship, and public investment align,” said Sejdinaj. “This is a model that can scale quickly, and one that other regions can adopt to drive economic and digital growth. We are looking for communities and economic development partners eager to collaborate.”

To learn more about the Code Works Digital Storefront program, visit sbcodeworks.com or contact info@sbcodeworks.com.

About Code Works

Code Works is an innovation and technology studio that partners with organizations to design and build digital custom digital solutions. Operating at the intersection of R&D, software engineering, and social impact, Code Works helps organizations solve complex problems through thoughtful design, emerging technology, and human-centered strategies. Whether launching new ventures, prototyping AI-powered tools, or scaling community-focused programs, Code Works acts as a venture builder and technical partner, turning bold ideas into operational reality. For more information, visit sbcodeworks.com.