Indianapolis has emerged as a vibrant hub for entrepreneurship, offering a wealth of resources and support systems designed to foster small business growth. Aspiring and established entrepreneurs can tap into various programs tailored to their 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 program connects students with near-peer mentors—students, recent alumni, and founders—who help turn curiosity into action. Through initiatives like JagStart, Founders in Residence, and Founders Group, IU Innovates prepares students to explore entrepreneurship, test boundaries, share their vision, and adapt in an ever-evolving world. Learn more about IU Innovates Indianapolis.
PitchFeast
PitchFeast offers a unique platform for under-resourced entrepreneurs, particularly those identifying as Black or Brown, to secure funding and support. Their bi-annual Business Pitch Competition allows ten entrepreneurs to present their businesses to investors and a live audience, with substantial prizes awarded to winners. Additionally, PitchFeast provides a Peer Group and Mentor Program, fostering a supportive community for business founders, and hosts weekly office hours for personalized coaching and technical assistance. Discover more about PitchFeast’s programs.
Indianapolis Urban League’s Entrepreneurship Center
Since its inception in July 2021, the Indianapolis Urban League’s Entrepreneurship Center has been instrumental in assisting minority small business owners. The center offers in-person and virtual workshops, industry-recognized training credentials, individualized coaching, and support to leverage resources, maximize revenue, reduce costs, increase profitability, and create job opportunities. To date, the program has enrolled 245 small businesses across ten cohorts and awarded nearly $200,000 in grant funds. Explore the Entrepreneurship Center’s offerings.
Indy Chamber’s Entrepreneur Services
The Indy Chamber’s Business Services team supports businesses at every stage of growth, offering loans and financing not typically available through traditional lenders, with amounts ranging from $1,000 to over $50,000. In 2024, the Chamber 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 supported the creation of 28 businesses. Learn more about Indy Chamber’s services.
These initiatives, among others, underscore Indianapolis’s commitment to nurturing a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. By leveraging these resources, local entrepreneurs can access the support necessary to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape.