Online Ecosystem launches for NE Indiana

Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC) launched the NEIN Venture Hub for communities and organizations to collaborate to help individuals who need help to start, launch and grow their businesses. NEIN Venture Hub is a technology-enabled solution that integrates the tools, knowledge and support entrepreneurs’ need. It is a platform used by the region’s service organizations to support the region’s entrepreneurs.

“It is fitting to launch during Global Entrepreneurship Week, which includes 40,000 activities worldwide,” said Mike Fritsch, president and CEO of the NIIC. This year’s theme is removing barriers and welcoming all, which dovetails with NIIC’s initiative of Entrepreneurship for ALL.

The pathway for launching NEIN Venture Hub included over 70 meetings as part of a listening tour in Northeast Indiana. “We met with economic development professionals, entrepreneurial support organizations, entrepreneurs, and educators. What bubbled to the top was the need for all support providers to work together to help entrepreneurs. We heard you. This ecosystem will help make that possible.”

About 50 organizations and resource partners currently use NEIN Venture Hub. That number will grow as communities in the region lead launch events. Individuals can leverage collective resources, knowledge, and expertise to tackle challenges, foster innovation, and maximize impact by engaging in this online ecosystem. The platform is free of charge to individuals.

Partnerships are available for companies who would like a customized sub-hub on NEIN Venture Hub. Contact Rhonda Ladig at rladig@niic.net.

Primary offerings of NEIN Venture Hub include:

Resources – find specific resources needed through a robust network. Events – find information all in one place for events and training happening throughout Indiana. Knowledge – access tools, articles, blogs, video training to upskill when needed, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Mentorship – mentors, and mentees connect here.

“We’re bringing NEIN Venture Hub to the region because we believe every person, company, and community has the opportunity to prosper through entrepreneurship. This will help them build wealth and autonomy and improve outcomes for the community,” said Fritsch. “We hope to increase access to long-term entrepreneurial success by coordinating regional supports and efforts.”