Greater Fort Wayne Launches Startup Bridge Program
Greater Fort Wayne Inc. has launched its new Bridge Program. The program allows established businesses to support entrepreneurs by sponsoring a startup business’s GFW Inc. membership dues for a five-year period.
The startup then has access to complete investor benefits, including office space, events and other resources. Entrepreneurs also will be able to take part in educational and networking programs designed specifically for startup founders.
Fifteen companies will sponsor startups as Bridge Investors:
- 1st Source Bank
- Ambassador Enterprises
- Carson LLP
- Deister Machinery
- Fort Wayne Mad Ants
- Hagerman Construction
- JP Morgan Chase
- Ortho NorthEast (ONE)
- Parkview Health
- Ridge NAPA
- STAR Financial Bank
- Summit City Chevrolet
- Sweetwater
- Wells Fargo
- Elevatus Architecture
“When startups succeed, they create jobs, grow the local economy, and make our community a better place,” said Brenda Gerber Vincent, VP of community and corporate impact at Greater Fort Wayne Inc. "That’s why we’re so excited to launch the Bridge Program: it’s a concerted effort to bridge the gap between the corporate and entrepreneurial communities. It’s inspiring to watch the business community come together to support the next generation of startup success stories.”
Startups can apply to be part of the program by clicking here.