News Category: NIIC News
06.08.23
NEI Pioneer Starts Here
The NEI Pioneer Starts Here event took place on April 27, 2023, at The Forum at Electric Works with 330 guests in attednance. Formerly Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, NEI hosted a public celebration to launch Northeast Indiana’s new Pioneer Starts Here movement and honored the recipient of the first-annual Pioneer Award. From celebrating entrepreneurialism to honoring those who create a positive change in the community, the Pioneer of the Year Award is granted to a northeast Indiana business leader who represents the best of what northeast Indiana has to offer. The four pioneers selected from a pool of around 80 individuals are: Riley Johnson, Amp Lab; Paris McFarthing, Hop River Brewing Company; Ariana McGee, Navigate Maternity; and Rosalina Perez, Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC).
05.26.23
NIIC, Electric Works to grow northeast Allen County entrepreneurial community
Representatives from the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center and Electric Works announced a partnership to advance entrepreneurship on the Electric Works campus in Fort Wayne. Entrepreneurial services and community building are the focus of the Entrepreneurship for All venture.
“Entrepreneurship for All is about creating new opportunities for inclusive economic growth,” Jeff Kingsbury, chief connectivity officer for Ancora, the lead developer of Electric Works, said. “Regional economies grow faster and more vigorously … when prosperity is more equally divided across segments of the population.”
05.24.23
NIIC, Electric Works announce partnership to expand entrepreneurship
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – At a press conference on Tuesday, NIIC (Northeast Indiana Innovation Center) and Electric Works announced a partnership to advance entrepreneurship on Electric Works’ campus.
The focus is on entrepreneurial services and community building.
“NIIC’s new mission is to catalyze the community for Entrepreneurship for ALL.™ Our partnership with Electric Works will help to provide increased accessibility to business builders in Northeast Allen County. NIIC will provide wrap-around services and community-building opportunities to support tenants to connect with other innovators and business builders on campus,” said Mike Fritsch, NIIC President and CEO.
05.24.23
NIIC, Electric Works Announce Partnership to Expand Entrepreneurship
At a press conference on Tuesday, NIIC (Northeast Indiana Innovation Center) and Electric Works announced a partnership to advance entrepreneurship on Electric Works’ campus.
The focus is on entrepreneurial services and community building.
“NIIC’s new mission is to catalyze the community for Entrepreneurship for ALL.™ Our partnership with Electric Works will help to provide increased accessibility to business builders in Northeast Allen County. NIIC will provide wrap-around services and community-building opportunities to support tenants to connect with other innovators and business builders on campus,” said Mike Fritsch, NIIC President and CEO.
05.23.23
NIIC and Electric Works Partner to Grow the Entrepreneurial Community in Northeast Allen County
FORT WAYNE, INDIANA, May 23, 2023 – At a press conference today, NIIC (Northeast Indiana Innovation Center) and Electric Works announced a partnership to advance entrepreneurship on Electric Works’ campus. The focus is on entrepreneurial services and community building.
“NIIC’s new mission is to catalyze the community for Entrepreneurship for ALL.™ Our partnership with Electric Works will help to provide increased accessibility to business builders in Northeast Allen County. NIIC will provide wrap-around services and community-building opportunities to support tenants to connect with other innovators and business builders on campus,” said Mike Fritsch, NIIC President and CEO.
“Entrepreneurship for ALL is about creating new opportunities for inclusive economic growth. Regional economies grow faster and more vigorously—not to mention for longer periods—when prosperity is more equally distributed across segments of the population,” said Jeff Kingsbury, Chief Connectivity Officer, Ancora, the lead developer of Electric Works.
As part of this new partnership, NIIC opened a new satellite office in the Carr Workplaces coworking area at Electric Works in Building 19. NIIC business coaches will be on-site, Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., where the entrepreneurial community may benefit from the following:
- High-value, no-charge business coaching,
- Business planning services,
- Quarterly entrepreneur/innovation events, and
- Annual corporate intrapreneur program.
Kingsbury added, “As an innovation district, Electric Works offers high-performance workplaces to serve the sole entrepreneur up to the global world headquarters. Our partnership with the NIIC and its award-winning programs will also give companies at Electric Works unique coaching, entrepreneurship support, and corporate innovation services to help them grow.”
For more information, contact NIIC at niic.net.
Cutline: NIIC Business Coaches Leslee Hill, Rosalina Perez, Rhonda Ladig, Samantha Cazares, Jami Thomas, and NIIC President and CEO Mike Fritsch
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About Electric Works
Electric Works is a mixed-use district of innovation, energy, and culture, developed as a public-private partnership between Ancora Partners and the City of Fort Wayne, Allen County, and the State of Indiana. A redevelopment and adaptive reuse of the former General Electric campus, the first phase of Electric Works includes more than 700,000 square feet of space and offers office, innovation, education, healthcare, retail, entertainment, and community uses to create new opportunities for inclusive economic growth. For more information, visit the Electric Works website at fortwayneelectricworks.com.
About the NIIC
About 20 years ago, NIIC was created to solve a problem. Aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs needed somewhere to go in Northeast Indiana to incubate their businesses. Visionary leaders imagined a place where innovation and economic development intersect for a COMMUNITY. Entrepreneurs and innovators have launched hundreds of new products and patents, created thousands of jobs, and infused hundreds of millions in grants and capital into our economy.
As a Venture Hub, NIIC pulls down barriers (geographic, racial, socio-economic, and interest-based), working with the regional Community of Communities to create an ecosystem of Entrepreneurship for ALL. ™ NIIC’s focus is collaboration and maximizing the impact of regional partners.
The International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) recognized NIIC with the 2020 Dinah Adkins Award and the Entrepreneur Center of the Year: Mixed Use Award. NIIC’s WEOC Women’s Business Center (WBC) received top honors from the U.S. SBA as the 2023 Great Lakes Region Business Center of the Year and 2023 AND 2022 Indiana Women’s Business Center of Excellence.
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CONTACTS:
Tammy Allen, NIIC, info@niic.net, 260.407.1731
Kate Virag , Ferguson Advertising, kate@fai2.com, 260.414-2431
05.23.23
Northeast Indiana Innovation Center and Electric Works announce new partnership
Northeast Indiana has long been a hub for entrepreneurship, in part thanks to the work done by the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC) over the past 20 years.
The NIIC serves as an intersection for innovation and economic development, providing an incubator for aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs in the region. As a nonprofit, they’ve formed a community for local entrepreneurs, which has seen the launch of hundreds of new products and patents, created thousands of jobs, and added hundreds of millions in grants and capital into the regional economy.
They’re also a Venture Hub, pulling down barriers– geographic, racial, social-economic and interest-based, as part of their work with the regional Community of Communities to create an ecosystem of Entrepreneurship for All. The NIIC focuses on collaboration and maximizing the impact of regional partners.
Now, the NIIC is partnering with Electric Works to bring its entrepreneurial services to the historic campus in Downtown Fort Wayne.
05.18.23
NIIC Announces New Board Leadership
FORT WAYNE, Ind.— May 18, 2023, Fort Wayne, Ind. – Dr. Ronald L. Elsenbaumer, Chancellor, Purdue University Fort Wayne, was elected chair of the Board of Directors of the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center. In addition, Ron Double, Chief Information Officer, Parkview Health, was named President-Elect.
Larry Rowland, who has previously served as NIIC Board Chair, continues as a board executive committee member.
Three regional leaders recently joined the NIIC Board of Directors:
- Brian Avery, Chief Technology Officer, STAR Financial Bank;
- John McDonald, Managing Entrepreneur, NEXT Studios;
- John Niederman, Reginal Director Entrepreneurship, Fortitude Fund.
“We are very grateful for the wisdom and guidance of these outstanding business leaders,” said Mike Fritsch, NIIC President and CEO. “Their insights and connections help bring our communities together, fostering an environment of ‘entrepreneurship for all.’”
For a complete list of NIIC Board members, visit https://niic.net/about/our-board/.
Cutline:
(Left to right) Chancellor Ronald Elsenbaumer, Purdue University Fort Wayne, and NIIC executive committee; Ron Double, Parkview Health, and NIIC executive committee member; Brian Avery, STAR Financial Bank, and NIIC board member; John MacDonald, NEXT Studios, and NIIC board member; John Niederman, Fortitude Fund, and NIIC board member
Contact: Tammy Allen, Sr. Director | Marketing & Communications, info@niic.net, 260.407.1731
About NIIC (Northeast Indiana Innovation Center)
About 20 years ago, NIIC was created to solve a problem. Aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs needed somewhere to go in Northeast Indiana to incubate their businesses. Visionary leaders imagined a place where innovation and economic development intersect for a COMMUNITY. Entrepreneurs and innovators have launched hundreds of new products and patents, created thousands of jobs, and infused hundreds of millions in grants and capital into our economy.
As a Venture Hub, NIIC pulls down barriers (geographic, racial, socio-economic, and interest-based), working with the regional Community of Communities to create an ecosystem of Entrepreneurship for ALL.™ NIIC’s focus is collaboration and maximizing the impact of regional partners.
The International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) recognized NIIC with the 2020 Dinah Adkins Award and the Entrepreneur Center of the Year: Mixed Use Award. NIIC’s WEOC Women’s Business Center (WBC) received top honors from the U.S. SBA as the 2023 Great Lakes Region Business Center of the Year and 2023 AND 2022 Indiana Women’s Business Center of Excellence.
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05.17.23
MEDIA ALERT – NIIC and Electric Works partner to advance Entrepreneurship for ALL™
FORT WAYNE, INDIANA, May 17, 2023 – On Tuesday, May 23, the NIIC (Northeast Indiana Innovation Center) and Electric Works will announce a partnership to advance NIIC’s Entrepreneurship for ALL™ Initiative. Members of the media are invited to attend this event from 9-10 a.m. at Electric Works.
Formal remarks will begin at 9 a.m., and interviews with key NIIC and Electric Works leaders will be offered following a short program. Event attendees will have the opportunity to tour the Carr Workplaces co-working space, where the NIIC’s satellite location is now housed. Additionally, attendees will be able to learn more about the unique, inclusive programming and business coaching that will be available at Electric Works through the NIIC to support entrepreneurs and build community.
Members of the media are encouraged to RSVP for this event by emailing kate@fai2.com. Parking is available in the Swinney Avenue lot and the Union Parking Garage. Parking in those locations is free for the first 2 hours. Click here to access a parking map of Electric Works.
When: 9-10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 23
Where: The Forum at Electric Works, 1690 Broadway, Bldg. 19, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
About Electric Works
Electric Works is a mixed-use district of innovation, energy and culture, developed as a public-private partnership between Ancora Partners and the City of Fort Wayne, Allen County, and the State of Indiana. A redevelopment and adaptive reuse of the former General Electric campus, the first phase of Electric Works includes more than 700,000 square feet of space and offers office, innovation, education, healthcare, retail, entertainment, and community uses to create new opportunities for inclusive economic growth. For more information, visit the Electric Works website at fortwayneelectricworks.com.
About the NIIC
About 20 years ago, NIIC was created to solve a problem. Aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs needed somewhere to go in Northeast Indiana to incubate their businesses. Visionary leaders imagined a place where innovation and economic development intersect for a COMMUNITY. Entrepreneurs and innovators have launched hundreds of new products and patents, created thousands of jobs, and infused hundreds of millions in grants and capital into our economy.
As a Venture Hub, NIIC pulls down barriers (geographic, racial, socio-economic, and interest-based), working with the regional Community of Communities to create an ecosystem of Entrepreneurship for ALL.™ NIIC’s focus is collaboration and maximizing the impact of regional partners.
The International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) recognized NIIC with the 2020 Dinah Adkins Award and the Entrepreneur Center of the Year: Mixed Use Award. NIIC’s WEOC Women’s Business Center (WBC) received top honors from the U.S. SBA as the 2023 Great Lakes Region Business Center of the Year and 2023 AND 2022 Indiana Women’s Business Center of Excellence.
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CONTACTS:
Kate Virag Tammy Allen
Ferguson NIIC
(260) 414-2431 (260) 407-1731
05.15.23
Jami Thomas Named Champion of Change Finalist
Jami Thomas, Sr. Director of Business Development at the NIIC, was a finalist for the annual Greater Fort Wayne Women’s Network Champions of Change.
Thomas was recognized for inspiring and empowering women to succeed while demonstrating an unwavering passion for and commitment to our community. “We are all working toward a common cause: strengthening our community and achieving great things. I believe women and men can be empowered through mentorship, storytelling, creating opportunities, celebrating achievements, and advocating for change. I am committed to doing my part to support and uplift other women in our community in any way I can,” said Thomas.
She began her career as a small business owner before pursuing a nonprofit career. She has been with the NIIC since October 2019 and has been in her current role since January 2022.
“Jami loves and is vested in her community. She demonstrates this personally and professionally through her years of dedication, leadership, mentorship, and service to others. She makes our community a better place for those she knows and those she comes to know through her giving spirit,” said Mike Fritsch, NIIC President & CEO, who nominated Thomas for the award.
Earlier this month, the 2023 Champion of Change Awards luncheon honored those active in the nonprofit, corporate, education, and public service sectors. Thomas was among 39 finalists nominated, including 16 in the nonprofit category. A panel of Allen County community leaders selected the finalists.
The awards are given annually to individuals from Allen County who:
- Demonstrate an unwavering passion and commitment to our community.
- Are role models making a difference in the lives of others.
- Have made significant contributions that have inspired women to succeed.
- Have made Allen County a better place to live, work, and play.
Congratultions to Sharon Pohly, who received the award in the nonprofit category. She is the CEO of Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana.
05.12.23
Deadline Approaching for Indiana Businesses and Residents to Apply for SBA Physical Disaster Loan
Disaster Field Operations Center East
May 12, 2023 – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reminds businesses of all sizes and residents in Indiana with damage from severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes that occurred March 31 through April 1 to apply for the federal disaster loan program by the June 14 deadline.
Businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters in the declared counties are eligible to apply. Disaster survivors with insurance should not wait for their settlement before applying to the SBA. The SBA can make a loan for the total loss and use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan.
The disaster declaration covers Allen, Benton, Clinton, Grant, Howard, Johnson, Lake, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Sullivan and White counties in Indiana, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA.
Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs):
Adams, Bartholomew, Blackford, Boone, Brown, Carroll, Cass, Clay, De Kalb, Delaware, Greene, Hamilton, Hendricks, Huntington, Jackson, Jasper, Knox, Lawrence, Madison, Marion, Miami, Montgomery, Newton, Noble, Porter, Pulaski, Putnam, Shelby, Tippecanoe, Tipton, Vigo, Wabash, Warren, Wells and Whitley in Indiana
Clark, Cook, Crawford, Iroquois, Kankakee, Vermillion and Will in Illinois; Defiance, Paulding and Van Wert in Ohio.
SBA is operating two Business Recovery Centers where anyone can get assistance with their disaster loan application, including uploading documents, checking an application’s status, or applying for reconsideration. The centers are open as indicated below:
Business Recovery Center Johnson County
Grace of Assembly of God Church
6822 North US 31
Whiteland, IN 46184
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Closed Saturday, May 13
Closed: Sunday
Business Recovery Center Sullivan County
Sullivan City Hall
110 N. Main Street
Sullivan, IN 47882
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Closed: Sunday
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the SBA has established protocols to help protect the health
and safety of the public. All visitors to the BRCs are encouraged to wear a face mask.
Interest rates are as low as 4 percent for businesses, 2.375 percent for nonprofit organizations, and
2.375 percent for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set
by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at
https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ and should apply under SBA declaration #17881.
To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, applicants should register online at
DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app. If online or mobile access is unavailable,
applicants should call the FEMA toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video
Relay Services should call 800-621-3362.
Disaster loan information and application forms can also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer
Service Center at 800-659-2955 (if you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial
7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services) or sending an email to
DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Loan applications can also be downloaded from sba.gov/disaster.
Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and
Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is June 14, 2023.
The deadlineto return economic injury applications is January 15, 2024.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
Recently, U.S. SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced a policy change granting 12 months of no payments and 0 percent interest. This policy change will benefit disaster survivors and help them to decrease the overall cost of recovery by reducing the amount of accrued interest they must repay. Details are available through the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955. Individuals with verbal or hearing impairments may dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday to Friday, or email: DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only goto resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.