An initiative first introduced to stakeholders in Noble County in June 2022, at the Annual Meeting of Be Noble Inc., has culminated in the launch of an innovative digital portal called ConnectIND.
ConnectIND is designed to make it easier for entrepreneurs and growing small businesses to find the support they need to succeed and thrive. The website provides comprehensive, statewide directory to help connect people to resources, when and where they need them.
“Hoosier entrepreneurs are drivers of Indiana’s economic growth, leaders of innovation, and builders of Indiana communities,” said Sec. Chambers in a news release issued by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). “An essential piece of our 5E strategy is entrepreneurship, and we’re committed to giving entrepreneurs the tools needed to succeed. ConnectIND is a result of Indiana’s focus on entrepreneurs and the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and it represents a critical step forward in fostering connectivity across the state.”
EcoMap, a Baltimore-based company, partnered with the IEDC to create the interactive directory of resources, which includes mapping technology. Users can navigate to find both human and physical assets, as well as programs and services, to help move ideas forward, launch new businesses, grow existing businesses, and even pivot mature businesses.
“The state’s entrepreneurship portal is a great solution to address gaps in our startup and small business ecosystem, and it will create accessibility and connections to resources that we’ve yet to see in our community. I look forward to seeing how it will help our businesses thrive,” said Brigid Morrissey, co-founder of The Root, a coworking space in New Albany, Indiana.
In the spirit of efforts to reduce duplicity, Be Noble Inc. has submitted several Noble County-based organizations and resources to the portal, and will continue to add more to promote and utilize the new website as a key component of Noble’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Local individuals, businesses, and organizations that offer resources or other opportunities for entrepreneurs are encouraged to contact Be Noble to ensure they are added to the portal. Be Noble has been provided a partner toolkit to create and maintain local content.
Entrepreneurs, and aspiring entrepreneurs, are encouraged to use the portal to find information, networking opportunities, workshops, technical assistance, and much more. An option to “get matched” will help find the right resource in the most convenient location possible.
According to the IEDC, Indiana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has a significant impact on the state’s economy and its communities. Hoosier companies operating for less than five years account for the majority of net new job growth and created more than 36,000 new jobs in 2019. In 2021, companies under five years of age contributed an estimated $11.5 billion to Indiana’s GDP.
At the local level, one successful new company increases the median household income of surrounding households, driving community wellbeing.
