NIIC is piloting a new program in four designated communities, expanding access to entrepreneurs in their “own backyards”. Three imperative components of our program include:
Community-Based and Led
A Champion within each region will lead the Catalyze Program in collaboration with the NIIC Collective.
Startups Access
Through a partnership with NEXT Studios, startups and small businesses will have access to events, workshops, and tactics for innovative entrepreneurship.
Customized to Community
NIIC will host listening sessions in each region to identify its specific innovation and entrepreneurial needs. NIIC will use those learnings to develop tailored tools and support for each community as part of NIIC’s Entrepreneurship for ALL Initiative.
4 Community Champions
Our four Catalyze Northeast Indiana Champions are piloting the program in their communities. If you live in these communities, contact them today.
Steuben
Isaac Lee
Executive Director
Steuben County EDC
Wabash
Heather Cruz
Executive Director
Manchester Alive
Kosciusko
Alan Tio
CEO
Kosciusko EDC
Southeast Allen County
Dr. Andrea Robinson
Director – Community Development
City of Fort Wayne
The Don Wood Foundation, Summit City Entrepreneur and Enterprise District (SEED), and NIIC fund the Catalyze Northeast Indiana Pilot Program.
