> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.theregiononline.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Get Started with The Region Online — NW Indiana Guide

> Follow these steps to create an account, search the Northwest Indiana business directory, and explore local events on The Region Online.

The Region Online gets you connected to Northwest Indiana's local businesses and community in just a few steps. This quickstart walks you through visiting the site, setting up your account, finding businesses in the directory, and discovering local events — so you can go from brand new to fully oriented in minutes.

<Tip>
  You can browse the Business Directory and Events calendar without an account. However, signing in unlocks personalized features like saved favorites and account preferences. See [Create Your Account](/account/sign-up) to register for free.
</Tip>

## Steps to Get Started

<Steps>
  <Step title="Visit The Region Online">
    Open your browser and go to [theregiononline.com](https://theregiononline.com). You'll land on the homepage, which highlights featured businesses, recent articles, and upcoming community events across Northwest Indiana.

    The main navigation at the top of every page gives you quick access to:

    * **Home** — Return to the homepage at any time
    * **Business Directory** — Search and browse local NW Indiana businesses
    * **Events** — Explore the community events calendar
    * **Articles** — Read local business and community stories
    * **Sign In** — Access your account or create a new one
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create an Account or Browse as a Guest">
    You have two options for getting started:

    **Create a free account** — Click **Sign In** in the top navigation, then follow the registration flow to sign up with Google or an email address. An account lets you save favorites and manage your preferences. See the [Sign Up guide](/account/sign-up) for step-by-step instructions.

    **Browse as a guest** — Skip registration and go straight to exploring. All business listings, events, and articles are publicly accessible without an account.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Search the Business Directory">
    Click **Business Directory** in the top navigation or go to [theregiononline.com/listing/](https://theregiononline.com/listing/) to start exploring local businesses.

    From the directory, you can:

    * **Search by keyword** — Type a business name, service, or category into the search bar
    * **Filter by category** — Choose from popular categories like Food & Drinks, Home Services, Medical Services, and Shopping
    * **Filter by location** — Narrow results to a specific city or neighborhood in Northwest Indiana
    * **Switch to Map View** — See business locations plotted on an interactive map

    Click any listing to view full business details, including contact information, hours, location, and description.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Explore Community Events">
    Click **Events** in the top navigation or visit [theregiononline.com/events/](https://theregiononline.com/events/) to browse the Northwest Indiana community events calendar.

    The events calendar surfaces local festivals, grand openings, markets, and community gatherings happening in your area. Browse upcoming events by date to find something happening near you.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What's Next?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Create Your Account" icon="user-plus" href="/account/sign-up">
    Register with Google or email to unlock saved favorites and personalized features.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Sign In" icon="arrow-right-to-bracket" href="/account/sign-in">
    Already have an account? Learn how to sign in and manage two-factor authentication.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Business Directory" icon="building-columns" href="https://theregiononline.com/listing/">
    Browse 342+ Northwest Indiana business listings filtered by category and location.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Events Calendar" icon="calendar" href="https://theregiononline.com/events/">
    Find festivals, markets, and community events happening around NW Indiana.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.