Strong entrepreneurial ecosystems don’t happen by accident—they’re built through collaboration, investment, and organizations committed to helping businesses succeed.

That’s why Governor Mike Braun’s recent announcement of $757,000 in Community Collaboration Fund grants is welcome news for entrepreneurs across Indiana. The funding will support entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) as they expand programs, strengthen partnerships, and create new opportunities for small businesses throughout the state. The grants are expected to leverage more than $1.18 million in total investment while serving over 6,000 current and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Investing in Entrepreneurial Success

Whether launching a startup, expanding an existing business, or bringing a new product to market, entrepreneurs often rely on organizations that provide mentorship, training, networking opportunities, and technical assistance.

The Community Collaboration Fund recognizes that local entrepreneur support organizations play a critical role in helping businesses overcome challenges and grow. Grant funding will allow these organizations to develop new programs, strengthen regional partnerships, and expand services that help entrepreneurs succeed.

Building on Indiana’s Entrepreneurial Momentum

The announcement continues Indiana’s growing investment in entrepreneurship.

Earlier this year, Governor Braun launched the Keep IN initiative to help small businesses start, grow, and remain in Indiana by expanding access to resources and support programs. Together, these initiatives reinforce the state’s commitment to strengthening local economies through entrepreneurship.

Why It Matters for East Central Indiana

The statewide investment is already creating opportunities here in East Central Indiana, where three organizations received Community Collaboration Fund grants to expand entrepreneurship programming across the region.

Regional Entrepreneur Pipeline (REaP)

Rush County Economic & Community Development Corporation — $40,000

The Regional Entrepreneur Pipeline (REaP) is an eight-week, implementation-based cohort designed to help entrepreneurs in Rush, Henry, and Fayette counties launch and grow successful businesses.

Participants will receive practical, hands-on support in areas including business formation, financial management, succession planning, and digital marketing. The program is designed to produce measurable business outcomes while strengthening long-term economic resilience in the region’s rural communities.

Maker to Market Accelerator

MadJax Maker Force — $32,200

MadJax Maker Force will launch a six-month accelerator serving up to 20 makers, artists, and small manufacturers in Delaware and Blackford counties who already have products in the marketplace and are ready to grow their businesses.

Participants will receive cohort-based education, individualized technical assistance, and opportunities to showcase their products through established regional markets, including the Muncie Makers Market and The People’s Marketplace. The program helps bridge the gap between creating great products and building sustainable businesses.

Business Operations Training for Early Childhood Centers & Ministries

Muncie BY5 — $40,000

Recognizing that childcare providers are also small business owners, Muncie BY5 will launch two nine-week cohorts providing business operations training and one-on-one coaching for childcare centers and ministries throughout the region.

The initiative will help providers strengthen operations, improve financial sustainability, and navigate challenges such as staffing, licensing, revenue management, and regulatory compliance. In addition, Muncie BY5 will provide childcare-specific training to Indiana Small Business Development Center advisors, ensuring they are better equipped to support this unique sector of entrepreneurs.

Building a Stronger Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

These three initiatives demonstrate the diversity of entrepreneurship across East Central Indiana. Whether helping a rural startup launch, preparing local makers to reach larger markets, or strengthening childcare businesses that support working families, each program fills an important role in the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Together, these investments reinforce what we’ve seen in our recent Entrepreneur Spotlight Series—successful businesses thrive when entrepreneurs have access to strong support networks, expert guidance, and opportunities to collaborate.

At Forge ECI, we believe entrepreneurship is essential to building a resilient regional economy. State investments like the Community Collaboration Fund complement the work already happening across East Central Indiana and help ensure our entrepreneurs have access to the resources they need to succeed.

As our region continues to grow, collaboration between state agencies, local organizations, educational institutions, and business leaders will remain key to creating an environment where innovation can flourish.

To learn more about the Community Collaboration Fund grants and Indiana’s continued investment in entrepreneurship, visit the Governor’s announcement.