Entrepreneurship Resources

Fueling Innovation and Growth in Allen County

Allen County is a place where entrepreneurs are empowered to turn ideas into thriving enterprises. Whether you’re launching a startup, expanding a small business, or exploring new markets, you’ll find a strong support system ready to help you succeed. From access to funding and mentorship to training programs and networking opportunities, the resources here are designed to support innovation, build resilience, and drive long-term business growth. Explore the tools, connections, and programs that make Allen County a smart place to start and scale your business.

Coworking, Coaching, and Programming Resources

  • Northeast Indiana Innovation Center

    The NIIC is the region’s “one-stop shop” for all entrepreneurial services: business development, access to capital, product innovation and commercialization services, marketing, research, training, mentoring, and coaching.

  • Northeast Indiana SBDC

    Northeast Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides entrepreneurs expert guidance in a variety of areas including planning, government registration, market analysis, advertising, exports, government contracting, and more.

  • SCORE Fort Wayne

    Our local chapter is platinum certified and has 50+ active mentors. SCORE offers free business mentoring, workshops, and numerous templates and tools for stating or growing a business.

  • NEIN Venture Hub

    Whether you’ve got an idea or are growing your empire, this hub is an inclusive, accessible place that brings together the entrepreneurial resources and support to help you reach your goals. Welcome to your NEIN Venture Hub!

  • SEED Fort Wayne

    The Summit City Entrepreneur and Enterprise District (SEED) is an affiliate of the City of Fort Wayne and encompasses approximately seven square miles. SEED provides businesses in the district with personal property and property tax benefits to promote private investment in the urban core and commercial corridors. It also operates the Enterprise Center, an office and light manufacturing co-working space, provides programming like the Build Institute, and offers grant opportunities to SEED businesses.

    Funding

    • Brightpoint

      As Northeast Indiana’s largest CDFI (Community Development Finance Institute), The Brightpoint Development Fund creates economic opportunities for communities, families, and individuals who lack access to affordable capital and financial services.

    • Community Development Corporation of Northeast Indiana

      The Community Development Corporation of Northeast Indiana (CDC) is a City of Fort Wayne sponsored non-profit that provides alternative financing options to new and existing small business owners.

    • Elevate Ventures

      Elevate Ventures invest in high-potential cross-sector innovative companies (with a minimum $500M Total Addressable Market) at the pre-seed, seed, and early stages.

    • Fortitude Fund

      The goal of the Fortitude Fund is to create an entrepreneurial culture in northeast Indiana that welcomes new ideas and encourages you to dream bigger. Fortitude provides small grants to early-stage companies.

      Explore additional resources