ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVATION
Innovative regions that have invested in the support systems necessary for talented and ambitious entrepreneurs to succeed are where economic vitality is truly anchored. Northwest Indiana is a progressive region; and we realize that basing an economic development program on solely recruiting large manufacturing plants, corporate headquarters and distribution facilities is counter-productive to our progress. Ignite The Region’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation initiative is to foster robust entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems to propel future economic growth. Our Entrepreneurship & Innovation Initiative is comprised of eleven strategic goals:
Cultivate and convene networks of entrepreneurs
Build a regional entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem asset map to help entrepreneurs, startup companies and investors navigate the state’s existing resources and networks
Raise awareness of regional entrepreneurial success stories
Increase access to capital for Northwest Indiana entrepreneurs
Develop an entrepreneurship policy agenda and advocate to the state on policies needed to support the entrepreneurship ecosystem
Develop youth entrepreneurship programs to foster an entrepreneurship culture
Develop new spaces for entrepreneurs and innovators
Target and recruit growing early stage firms in the Chicago market
Promote rural entrepreneurship
Support innovation within existing companies
Bolster federal, state and private investments in higher education with an emphasis on the following fields: Science & Technology, Engineering and Entrepreneurship Programs
FEATURED IN VIDEO: Maggie Spartz, President, Unity Foundation of LaPorte County | Gary Johnson, Chairman, Society of Innovators of LaPorte County
RESOURCES
Below you will find a list of four categories encompassing several resourceful links involving Northwest Indiana’s Entrepreneurs, Startups and Small Businesses pertinent to advancing our Entrepreneurship & Innovation initiative