Linked to the Future: Business Ideation Panel & Grant Announcement

WHO:
Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community partners who are actively engaged in growing a business in Howard County. This event seeks to spark connections and idea-sharing among serious, committed entrepreneurs and business owners. Encouraged to attend are individuals who have viable business models or growth-stage plans and are actively pursuing success.
 
WHAT:
Business Ideation Panel & Level Up Program Launch
Join us for a guided panel discussion focused on the real-world challenges facing local small businesses. This free event will also serve as the official launch of Level Up Business Branding, a new IEDC grant-funded initiative offering professional marketing support and strategic mentorship to help entrepreneurs grow.
Level Up To be considered, businesses must be based in Howard County, have fewer than 100 employees, and be operational or very near launch. They should demonstrate market potential and a readiness to grow, but lack internal marketing staff or resources. Participants must also be involved in local entrepreneurial programming or be willing to become engaged.
 
WHY:
This event is a chance to shape the future of Kokomo’s small business support network. Insights from the panel and from the new Level Up program will help guide future trainings in the Linked to the Future series. If you’re serious about growth and ready to connect with a supportive ecosystem, this event is for you.
 
ABOUT THE GRANT:
The Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance has been awarded a $40,000 grant through the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s Community Collaboration Fund (CCF) to launch a new marketing and branding initiative for small businesses in Howard County.
Indiana’s Commerce Office awarded a total of $925,107 in grant awards to accelerate entrepreneurial activity and resources statewide through the CCF. These awards will help fuel 28 community-led projects focused on entrepreneurial education, connection and acceleration across Indiana. Read more about the CCF grant awards here