Indianapolis has emerged as a vibrant hub for entrepreneurship, offering a wealth of resources and support systems designed to foster small business success. Aspiring and established entrepreneurs can tap into various programs tailored to meet their unique needs.
IU Innovates Indianapolis
Launched in Fall 2023, IU Innovates Indianapolis provides students with mentorship, resources, and community support to launch their startup and business ventures. The initiative connects students with near-peer mentors—students, recent alumni, and founders—who help turn curiosity into action. Programs like JagStart, Founders in Residence, and Founders Group prepare students to explore entrepreneurship, test boundaries, share their vision, and adapt in an ever-evolving world. Learn more about IU Innovates Indianapolis.
PitchFeast
PitchFeast is home to three programs that provide support to entrepreneurs in underserved markets. The PitchFeast Business Pitch Competition offers under-resourced entrepreneurs the opportunity to acquire substantial funding for their startups. Additionally, the PitchFeast Peer Group and Mentor Program, along with PitchFeast Office Hours, provide ongoing support, coaching, and technical assistance to founders. Discover more about PitchFeast’s programs.
Indy Chamber’s Entrepreneur Services
The Indy Chamber’s Business Services team supports businesses at every stage of growth. In 2024, they distributed $668,074 in capital for startup formation and small business growth, provided over 6,600 hours of free, one-on-one business coaching and training, and assisted in the creation of 28 businesses. Their services include access to capital, education, and connections to help entrepreneurs succeed. Explore Indy Chamber’s Entrepreneur Services.
Indy Business Collective
Indy Business Collective is an alliance of business development organizations that serves as the backbone of Indianapolis’ entrepreneurial ecosystem for business owners who have faced historic barriers to entrepreneurial opportunities. They build and coordinate the infrastructure that supports entrepreneurs through every phase of their journey, from idea to exit. Learn more about Indy Business Collective.
These initiatives, among others, underscore Indianapolis’s commitment to nurturing a thriving entrepreneurial environment. By leveraging these resources, local entrepreneurs can access the tools, mentorship, and funding necessary to transform their business ideas into successful ventures.