Program Pushes to Accelerate LaGrange County

The effort focuses on businesses small and large with potential for high growth.

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Three LaGrange County businesses are taking part in a pilot program designed to increase support for entrepreneurs. The Business Accelerator Program involves new and existing businesses with high growth-potential. The LaGrange County Economic Development Corp. launched the effort and says it will help participants with "collectively evaluating and attacking" challenges typically faced by new ventures. Chief Executive Officer Ryne Krock says the 10-week program will help the startups "get into the next phase and take off."

He says the accelerator and a host of other entrepreneur-focused programs can help empower "the little guy." The first businesses involved are already receiving services through the program. Their identities aren’t being revealed at the time, but Krock says they are a large existing company and two smaller startups.

LCEDC consultant and program lead Steve Franks says "venture accelerator programs have become a popular alternative to traditional business incubators in recent years and for very good reason. The three businesses in this pilot program each demonstrate the best attributes of successful accelerator participants: ingenuity, passion, hard work, and the foresight to see great opportunity. Our goal is for each business to use the knowledge and insights gained during this program to move their operations to the next level."

Krock agrees and says the businesses involved in the program will have an impact beyond the walls of the company. "We firmly believe this program will facilitate job growth, investment and diversification of our local tax base. Specific businesses were sought out for this initial pilot program. However, we expect to announce a competitive application process for businesses and entrepreneurs interested in future ‘cohorts’ later this spring."

Krock expects to have two more sessions of the 10-week program by the end of the year. You can find out more about the LaGrange County Business Accelerator Pilot Program by clicking here.