Partnership Establishes ‘Launch Indiana’
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowAn effort to better link startups to successful entrepreneurs is being launched throughout the state. Inside INdiana Business has learned the Indiana Small Business Development Center is partnering with Launch Fishers to create the Launch Indiana SBDC. The initiative will focus on providing mentoring, education and other opportunities for what the state describes as innovation-driven entrepreneurs. January 22, 2014
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Jan. 21, 2014) – Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann today announced that the Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) is partnering with Launch Fishers to establish the Launch Indiana SBDC (“Launch Indiana”). Launch Indiana will connect Indiana’s innovation-driven entrepreneurs with mentorship, education, and assistance from successful entrepreneurs.
Lieutenant Governor Ellspermann noted, “This partnership with the highly successful Launch Fishers team will provide important services to Hoosiers in an environment designed and staffed to service this special group of innovative entrepreneurs. Our Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship continues to expand its wide range of support to a critical part our economy for today and in the years to come.”
Launch Indiana will operate out of Launch Fishers under the leadership of serial entrepreneur John Wechsler. Launch Indiana will serve entrepreneurs statewide with a sharp focus on high potential companies known as, what Wechsler calls, “Innovation Driven Enterprises.”
“We are excited to use Launch Indiana as a way to connect startups with entrepreneurs who have raised angel and venture capital funds, scaled companies to international audiences and gone through exit events of all types” said Jacob Schpok, State Director of the ISBDC. “Through decades of experience, Mr. Wechsler understands what high-growth startups need. With his track record of mentoring entrepreneurs and supporting the Indiana startup scene, we are thrilled to have him running this program.”
On the importance of mentorship, Wechsler commented, “in my career as an entrepreneur, I have experienced first-hand the value of mentorship and guidance from those who have been through the journey.” Wechsler continued, “The mission of Launch Indiana is to increase the number of successful Indiana-based innovation-driven enterprises.”
“Launch Indiana is the natural next step in the continued investment in entrepreneurship,” said Fishers Town Council President John Weingardt. “We are looking forward to building on the success of Launch Fishers and having the next chapter begin here in Fishers.”
To learn more about Launch Indiana or apply for assistance visit LaunchIndiana.org
About Launch Indiana SBDC
The mission of Launch Indiana SBDC is to increase the number of successful Indiana-based innovation-driven enterprises through mentorship and education. Launch Indiana is a joint initiative of the ISBDC and Launch Fishers. More at LaunchIndiana.org
About Launch Fishers
Launch Fishers is a launch pad for high-potential enterprises located in Fishers, Indiana. Created by John Wechsler in conjunction with the Town of Fishers in 2012, Launch Fishers has grown to nearly 300 members in a wide array of industries and ranging from startup to expansion-stage companies. More at LaunchFishers.com
About ISBDC
The ten Indiana Small Business Development Centers (ISBDC) support the formation, growth, and sustainability of Indiana’s small businesses by providing entrepreneurs expert guidance and access to a network of resources. Funding for the regional ISBDCs comes from state universities, chambers of commerce, economic development offices, mayor offices, and banks. Statewide financial support is provided by U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of Indiana and Ivy Tech Community College. Administratively, the ISBDC Lead Center is operated by the Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (OSBE), an agency of the Office of Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann. To learn more about the ISBDC and to become a client vi¬¬¬sit: http://isbdc.org.Source: Launch Fishers, Launch Indiana, ISBDC