Entrepreneurship

     

The Indianapolis Region has a thriving community of entrepreneurs. Organizations such as TechPoint, which regularly conducts entrepreneurial "bootcamps," and the Venture Club of Indiana help foster an evironment that welcomes and nurtures new ideas. It's a place where championing a good idea into a great company is affordable and supported by the community, the government, and (perhaps most importantly) by numerous funding sources.

Funding Opportunities

The Indy Partnership offers insight and assistance to companies seeking venture capital by facilitating grant applications for small businesses through the Small Business Administration as well as through strong relationships with the following agencies and private funding groups.

HALO Capital Group

HALO offers capital in the general range of $250,000 to $2 million to high-potential start-ups, along with management expertise.  The group has entered into a contract with CICP’s TechPoint initiative to help identify and perform due diligence on the most promising opportunities.

Indiana Seed Fund

The $6 million, return-driven Indiana Seed Fund was launched in June 2005 and is managed by BioCrossroads. The Seed Fund provides working capital in the range of $50,000-$500,000 to promising Indiana life sciences companies at the preliminary stages of operation.

21st Century Research and Technology Fund

The Indiana 21st Century Research and Technology Fund was created to stimulate the process of diversifying the State's economy by developing and commercializing advanced technologies in Indiana. The Board, representing most of the academic and commercial sectors of the State, approves awards.

Small Business Innovation Research Initiative (SBIR/STTR)

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) — along with its sister program, the Small Business Technology Transfer program (STTR) — are highly competitive and encourage small businesses to explore their technological potential. SBIR/STTR funding is available from 11 participating agencies throughout the United States and focuses on various technological areas.

Industrial Development Grant Fund (IDGF)

This grant provides money to local governments for off-site infrastructure projects associated with an expansion of an existing Indiana company or the location of a new facility in Indiana. State funding through the IDGF program must be matched by a combination of local government and company financial support.