10.11.24
NIIC Joins the Indiana Starters Coalition, a Statewide Initiative to Advance Entrepreneurship
Fort Wayne, IN – October 11, 2024 – The Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC) has joined the newly launched Indiana Starters Coalition, a statewide initiative spearheaded by Right to Start, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship as a civic priority.
The Indiana Starters Coalition is designed to drive entrepreneurship across the state by convening entrepreneurs, identifying barriers to starting new businesses, proposing policy changes to remove those barriers, and engaging communities that have historically been excluded from entrepreneurial opportunities.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with the NIIC’s mission of fostering innovation and empowering entrepreneurs in Northeast Indiana, and we are honored to be part of this important effort,” said Mike Fritsch, president and CEO. “We are committed to fostering entrepreneurship for all.”
Entrepreneurship plays a critical role in economic development and job creation. Research has shown that nearly all net job growth in the U.S. comes from young businesses. Additionally, a 1% increase in entrepreneurship rates can lead to a 2% decrease in poverty rates. With these facts in mind, the Indiana Starters Coalition aims to create an environment where entrepreneurship can thrive statewide, boosting economic growth and improving the quality of life for all Hoosiers.
As a founding member of the Coalition, NIIC is joined by several other forward-thinking organizations from across Indiana, including:
- Elmer Buchta Technology Center (Southern Indiana)
- Launch Fishers and the Indiana IoT Lab (Fishers)
- MatchBOX Coworking Studio (Lafayette)
- Muncie Innovation Connector (East Central Indiana)
- Right to Start (Statewide)
- 16 Tech Innovation District (Central Indiana)
- The Dimension Mill (Bloomington)
- The Pantheon (Southwest Indiana)
The Indiana Starters Coalition officially launched yesterday at an event held at 16 Tech Innovation District in Indianapolis, featuring entrepreneurs and leaders from across the state. Speakers included Courtney Zaugg, Coalition Manager for the Eastern United States at Right to Start, and Kelsey Murphy, a celebrated Indianapolis-based entrepreneur and winner of FOX’s MasterChef: Legends.
“Indiana has enormous potential for new business growth in every community,” said Victor W. Hwang, Founder and CEO of Right to Start. “The Indiana Starters Coalition is crucial in creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurs by making the process of starting a business easier. It will transform Indiana’s civic landscape, benefiting everyone.”
“For the NIIC, this initiative is an exciting step forward in our ongoing efforts to support innovation and entrepreneurship throughout Northeast Indiana. We believe that the coalition’s work will enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem in our region and beyond, leading to long-term economic growth and prosperity,” said Rhonda Ladig, vice president.
For more information about the Indiana Starters Coalition or how NIIC is involved, please contact Rhonda Ladig at rladig@niic.net or 260-407-6442, or Henry Miller at hmiller@
About the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC)
The Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC) is committed to fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and business growth in Northeast Indiana. Through education, mentorship, and community collaboration, NIIC empowers entrepreneurs to transform ideas into successful enterprises. Learn more about our mission at https://niic.net.
About Right to Start
Right to Start is a national nonpartisan movement aimed at making entrepreneurship a civic priority in the United States. By breaking down barriers and promoting a culture that encourages all individuals to start businesses, Right to Start seeks to create a level playing field where everyone has the right to start a business. The organization operates as a 501(c)3 and 501(c)4 nonprofit.
