12.26.24

Rosalina Perez Promoted to Director of WEOC Women’s Business Center at Northeast Indiana Innovation Center

Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC) today announced the promotion of Rosalina Perez to director of the WEOC Women’s Business Center.

Perez is a proven leader with more than a decade of experience empowering entrepreneurs and navigating regulatory landscapes. Perez succeeds Leslee Hill who, after seven years leading the Women’s Business Center, will serve as vice president for investor engagement at Greater Fort Wayne Inc.

“It is with great excitement and pride that I pass the reins of the WEOC Women’s Business Center to Rosalina Perez,” Hill said. “Her fresh perspective, agility as a leader, and gift for collaboration will breathe new life into the program. Perez is a straightforward communicator with an inspiring vision, and I have no doubt she will take the WEOC to new heights—achieving far more than I ever imagined. I couldn’t be more confident in her ability to lead this program forward.”

Perez most recently served as bilingual program manager and entrepreneurship coach, where she developed and oversaw the Hispanic program at NIIC. Her work included managing federal Small Business Administration grants, coordinating resiliency initiatives, and delivering coaching and workshops tailored to the needs of English- and Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs.

Perez’s accomplishments include:

• Establishing effective coaching frameworks and facilitating impactful peer-learning cohorts.
• Developing Spanish-language workshops and translating key resources to ensure accessibility.
• Collaborating with local Hispanic and other organizations to foster inclusive economic growth.

A recognized leader, Perez was named a 2023 Business Weekly “40 Under 40” honoree and earned accolades for her innovative contributions, including winning Purdue Fort Wayne’s Entrepreneurship Innovation & Design Pitch Competition.

In her new role as director of the WEOC, Perez will oversee the budget and continue to advocate for diverse entrepreneurs. She will also direct the NIIC coaching program, building on the center’s award-winning success. The WEOC has been named Indiana Women’s Business Center of the Year for three consecutive years and Great Lakes Region Women’s Business Center of the Year two years ago.

“Perez embodies the values and vision of the WEOC Women’s Business Center,” NIIC President and CEO Mike Fritsch said. “Her dedication to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering inclusive economic development makes her the perfect choice to lead this program into its next chapter.”

Perez’s professional and personal journey reflects her commitment to creating opportunities for business owners and driving meaningful community impact.

About the WEOC Women’s Business Center
The WEOC Women’s Business Center at the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center supports entrepreneurs in Northeast Indiana with coaching, resources, and programs tailored to meet the needs of women and underrepresented business owners. The WEOC is funded in part by a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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12.04.24

Take the Economic Impact Survey!

As an entrepreneur or small business owner, your insights are invaluable. To better serve you and our Northeast Indiana business community, we’re conducting an Economic Impact Survey to understand your challenges, successes, and needs.

• If you complete the survey by December 15, 2024, you will receive a 1/2 hour 1:1 coaching session at no charge. 
• One winner will receive 1 month free of our Flex Desk/co-working (valued at $75)
• One winner will receive a 1 Hour coaching session with The Ox Agency. valued at $350.00 an hour!
• You’ll advocate for resources tailored to your needs.
• You’ll help design programs that foster growth and innovation.
• You’ll aid in strengthening the ecosystem supporting small businesses like yours.

Take the survey now!

Thank you for being a vital part of our community. Together, we’ll empower businesses to thrive. The survey is quick, confidential, and designed with your busy schedule in mind.

11.12.24

Taylor Burnett Honored with the 2024 Mirro Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Nov. 12, 2024 – The Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC) proudly announces Taylor Burnett, owner of Tay’s Auto Detailing, as the recipient of the 2024 Mirro Award. This prestigious award, named after Northeast Indiana business leader and NIIC champion Mike Mirro, recognizes outstanding achievements in entrepreneurship, leadership, and community impact in Northeast Indiana.

Burnett’s entrepreneurial journey began unexpectedly after a life-changing event in July 2022. Working in banking and providing auto loans, Burnett noticed how people’s desire for a new car often stemmed from wanting a fresh start. Recognizing this need, she began Tay’s Auto Detailing as a side business, cleaning cars for family and friends. When an unexpected job loss provided the push to make Tay’s Auto Detailing her full-time career, Burnett seized the opportunity to follow her passion. Inspired by a message from a well-known comedian who reframed a job loss as a launching point to greatness, Burnett embraced the challenge, saying, “Taylor didn’t become Taylor until Taylor got fired.”

With the guidance of her NIIC coach, Rosalina Perez, Burnett learned essential skills for running a successful business, from budgeting and using spreadsheets to developing a strong online presence. The resources provided by NIIC, including “Business Made Simple” webinars and networking events, allowed her to take her business to new heights. “Having Rosalina as my coach over the years, I learned so many things,” said Burnett. “The NIIC has given me tools to succeed.”

Burnett has navigated the challenges of being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field with determination and resilience. Though she initially faced skepticism from clients, her expertise, dedication, and positive reviews have helped her build a loyal customer base across multiple states. Her business continues to grow each year, both in reach and reputation.

Reflecting on her journey, Burnett offers advice to other aspiring entrepreneurs: “Make sure you love, love, love what you’re doing. You almost have to be insane to be an entrepreneur and believe that you could fly.” She stresses the importance of resilience, money management, and surrounding oneself with the right support to stay motivated through tough times.

The NIIC’s Mirro Award highlights stories like Burnett’s, celebrating entrepreneurs who show commitment, creativity, and a positive impact on their communities. “Taylor’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the strength of entrepreneurial spirit,” said Mike Fritsch, President and CEO of NIIC. “Her journey from a side hustle to a thriving business embodies the essence of what the Mirro Award represents.”

For more information on Tay’s Auto Detailing, please visit taysautodetailing.com

11.12.24

NIIC Honors Brenda Gerber Vincent with 2024 Dr. Daryl Yost Community Impact Award

About the NIIC
The NIIC is a non-profit organization that fuels entrepreneurial success and drives economic development throughout Northeast Indiana. The NIIC provides business incubation, acceleration, and education programs, along with access to funding, mentors, and professional networks. For more information, visit https://niic.net.

11.01.24

NIIC Announces Retirement of President & CEO Mike Fritsch

October 31, 2024 – The Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC) today announced the planned retirement of Mike Fritsch, president and CEO, effective December 31, 2024. Fritsch has been an integral part of the NIIC’s impact for more than two decades. He has led the NIIC since December 2021, following a longstanding commitment as a founding board member, a client with a startup company, and later a dedicated member of the staff.

[Mike Fritsch career profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fritschmike] 

“On behalf of the NIIC Board of Directors, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Mike for his exceptional leadership and dedication over the years,” said Ron Double, Chair of the NIIC Board of Directors. “Mike’s passion for fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs has been instrumental in the NIIC’s continued growth and success. We are incredibly grateful for his contributions to building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northeast Indiana.”

Throughout his tenure, Fritsch has overseen significant milestones for NIIC. As CEO, he spearheaded NIIC’s strategic rebranding and sharpened its mission on “Entrepreneurship For All,” empowering a diverse range of entrepreneurs. Under his leadership, the NIIC expanded its programs and services to Black, Hispanic, and rural communities, ensuring businesses at all growth stages receive crucial support. He also successfully greatly increased the cooperation and collaboration among support organizations across the region. His work exemplifies NIIC’s dedication to economic growth and inclusivity.

“It has been a privilege to lead the NIIC and contribute to the incredible innovation ecosystem we have here in Northeast Indiana,” said Fritsch. “It has been an honor to work with our clients and partners. My staff is amazing. I am incredibly proud of all we have accomplished together, and I am confident that the NIIC will continue to play a vital role in the region’s economic success.”

The NIIC Board is following a Succession Plan and will provide updates on the leadership transition process in coming months.

About Mike Fritsch
Mike Fritsch began his career as an electrical engineer with ITT Space Systems. From 1983 to 2002, he served as president of Logikos, growing the company to over 70 software engineers. He then co-founded ZOOM Information Systems, personally attracting over $11M in new business and $2.75M in grant awards for ZOOM. Fritsch’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to innovation has shaped his leadership of the NIIC.

About the NIIC
The NIIC is a non-profit organization that fuels entrepreneurial success and drives economic development throughout Northeast Indiana. The NIIC provides business incubation, acceleration, and education programs, along with access to funding, mentors, and professional networks. For more information, visit https://niic.net.

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@highimpactpartnering.com or 917-921-8034.

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.

09.23.24

NIIC expands entrepreneurial offerings to rural communities

Fort Wayne, IN – NIIC is expanding its Entrepreneurship for All program in the region by providing increased on-site technical assistance to residents in six of northeast Indiana’s 10 rural counties.

In partnership with economic development corporations, chambers of commerce, and main street partner organizations, NIIC will provide group coaching, tailored one-on-one entrepreneur and small business coaching, and Spanish-language coaching and resources.

The Entrepreneurship for All program will provide technical assistance to small businesses through the following activities:

– Providing direct, one-to-one business coaching;

– Offering engaged, entrepreneurial mentorship;

– Engaging with trusted advisors to deliver targeted advice and counsel;

– Working with small businesses to navigate challenges and opportunities;

– Meeting entrepreneurs in the communities where they deliver business;

– Partnering with local economic development organizations;

– Connecting small businesses and entrepreneurs with relevant programs and services from around the region and the state.

Expanded services have been made possible thanks to a grant from the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) through the USDA. The purpose of the RBDG is to promote economic development and job creation job training and leadership development in rural areas.

About NIIC
NIIC is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of people, companies, and communities through entrepreneurship. For more than two decades, NIIC has assisted business owners who have launched hundreds of new products, created thousands of jobs, and infused hundreds of millions of capital into the northeast Indiana economy.

06.13.24

Empowering Communities through Entrepreneurship: Ideas@Work Event Announced

Fort Wayne, IN – The Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC) has announced that Ideas@Work 2024 will take place on November 12 at the Mirro Center for Research and Innovation. This year’s theme, “Empowering Communities through Entrepreneurship,” focuses on fostering innovation, growth, and resilience in our communities by supporting local entrepreneurs.

Event Details:

– Date: November 12, 2024

– Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

– Venue: Parkview Mirro Center for Research and Innovation, Fort Wayne

– Theme: Empowering Communities through Entrepreneurship

Keynote Speaker: David Ponraj

David Ponraj, CEO of Economic Impact Catalyst, will be the 2024 Ideas@Work keynote speaker. Ponraj is a nationally respected leader in economic development and entrepreneurship, dedicated to creating impactful solutions for communities. His keynote address will focus on “catalyzing equitable entrepreneurship-led economic development.” His insights and experience will provide valuable perspectives on how entrepreneurship can drive economic growth and empowerment.

Reservations and Sponsorships

Reservations for Ideas@Work are now open. Attendees are invited to reserve their seat for an inspiring opportunity for learning, networking, and collaboration.

Table sponsorships are available for businesses and organizations that desire to support regional entrepreneurship and innovation. Proceeds from Ideas@Work are used to provide business coaching, training, and entrepreneurship support. Ideas@Work sponsorship directly contributes to regional economic development and individual prosperity through business ownership.

“Ideas@Work is our biggest event of the year, and sponsorship helps us bring our services to people, companies, and communities throughout northeast Indiana. Sponsors make entrepreneurship more accessible to all,” said Mike Fritsch, CEO of the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center.

To make a reservation or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please visit the Ideas@Work website (niic.net/ideasatwork) or contact Jami Thomas, Senior Director of Business Development, 260-407-6442, jthomas@niic.net

 

About NIIC
NIIC is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of people, companies, and communities through entrepreneurship. For more than two decades, NIIC has assisted business owners who have launched hundreds of new products, created thousands of jobs, and infused hundreds of millions of capital into the northeast Indiana economy.

05.07.24

Rhonda Ladig named Vice President of Operations

The Northeast Indiana Innovation Center is pleased to announce that Rhonda Ladig has been appointed to the new position of Vice President of Operations. She previously served as Director of Strategic Initiatives.

Since joining the NIIC in 2022, Ladig has managed the Connected Health Lab medtech program, helped the organization focus its programming on impact, built several partnerships with economic development and entrepreneur support organizations, and implemented efficiency and effectiveness strategies.

Prior to her service at the NIIC, Ladig was a serial entrepreneur. She served as Principal for Ladig Consulting and Executive Director for Start Fort Wayne. She earned a master’s degree in public management from Indiana University Fort Wayne.

“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to help NIIC grow its impact on families and communities through entrepreneurship. We’re making huge strides toward making northeast Indiana the best place to start and grow a business, and I am honored to be a growing part of it,” says Ladig.

President and CEO Mike Fritsch states, “The time is right in NIIC’s growth for this to happen. Rhonda’s passion and tenacity for the work we do is unmatched. She’s an outstanding choice for our organization’s first ever Vice President. She and I will work together to make NIIC an even better place to work, implement ideas, and champion entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship.”

About the NIIC
Every person, company, or community should have the opportunity to prosper through entrepreneurship. The NIIC seeks to “transform people, companies, and communities through entrepreneurship.” The NIIC team coaches, connects, and champions innovators and entrepreneurs through regional collaboration and support.

04.19.24

NIIC Nominated for Mira Community Impact Award

The Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC) is among the nominees for a prestigious award recognizing leadership in Indiana’s burgeoning digital economy.

TechPoint, a statewide, industry-led technology and innovation growth initiative, has selected the NIIC among nominees for one of its 25th annual Mira Awards, which will be presented Friday, April 26, at a gala at the Old National Centre in Indianapolis. The NIIC is among 10 organizations competing for recognition in the Community Impact Award category.

TechPoint’s Mira Awards program is presented by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Salesforce, and several of the state’s most innovative companies, universities, and organizations.

“We look forward to celebrating the 25th anniversary of Indiana’s most prestigious tech and innovation awards at a new venue,” said TechPoint President and CEO Ting Gootee. “Even more exciting is the level of excellence, innovation and resilience outlined in each entry and even more so by those whose efforts elevated them to status as a Mira Award nominee. It is truly Indiana’s biggest night for innovation.”

Judging panels comprised of TechPoint founders, executives, community leaders and subject matter experts interviewed nominees in March. Deliberations for seven special industry awards were also conducted by additional expert panels.

Tickets for the Mira Awards event are on sale now, and a limited number of sponsorship opportunities are also available.

The Mira Awards are named after the brilliant variable star, Mira. It is also the Latin root meaning “worthy of admiration, wonderful, marvelous.”

Awards will be presented in 11 different categories recognizing individuals and organizations from across the state.  In addition to the Community Impact Award, Mira Awards will be presented for:

• Talent Impact
• Tech Innovation Team of the Year
• Student Entrepreneur of the Year
• Rising Entrepreneur of the Year
• TechPoint Resilience Award
• Digital Transformation Award
• Tech Innovation of the Year
• Innovation Service Partner of the Year
• Startup of the Year
• Tech Company of the Year

In addition, these special industry awards will be presented:

• AgriNovus Indiana HungerTech Challenge Award, determined by the Hunger Tech Select Committee
• Conexus Indiana Manufacturing Innovation Award, determined by the Conexus Indiana Select Committee
• Nextech K-12 Computer Science Teacher of the Year, selected by Nextech
• Bridge Builder Award, selected by TechPoint Foundation for Youth
• Trailblazer of the Year, selected by the TechPoint Executive Committee
• Deal of the Year, selected by the TechPoint Executive Committee
• Mission41K Exceptional Employer, selected by an independent judging panel

 

TechPoint is focused on working with public, private and industry partners to expand tech talent pipeline, enhance resource connectivity for enterprise organizations and startups alike, and elevate the industry by activating the community and amplifying stories of success. For more information, visit www.techpoint.org