Entrepreneurs and startup businesses based in Gary will be showcasing their products and services on March 22 at IU Northwest. This event is open to the public and offers a great opportunity to learn more about the newest businesses and organizations in Gary, with more than 20 businesses being featured.
These businesses have all participated in the StartUp Business Success program, which is led by the IU Northwest School of Business and Economics in collaboration with the city of Gary. The program spans four weeks and equips entrepreneurs with essential business skills such as marketing, financial management, and business plan development.
According to Jana Szostek, the director of the IU Northwest Business Assessment Center, the goal of the program is to support local entrepreneurs in establishing and leading successful businesses. At the showcase, businesses in various sectors will be present, including party supplies, government procurement, visual arts, employment, health and social services, food services, and education.
After completing the program, select entrepreneurs may have the opportunity to receive grant funding from the city of Gary through the American Rescue Plan Act fund. This initiative is part of a larger strategy by the campus to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in Northwest Indiana.
This marks the second round of entrepreneurs to complete the program, with over 40 entrepreneurs participating in the fall of 2023. Their business ideas ranged from restaurants and catering businesses to clothing stores, cleaning companies, and life coaching services.
The startup vendor showcase will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the John W. Anderson Library/Conference Center on IU Northwest’s campus. IU Northwest, one of the seven campuses of Indiana University, serves around 3,500 degree-seeking students and has been recognized as a minority and Hispanic-serving institution.
Photo from the fall 2023 vendor showcase provided by IU Northwest.
