The South Bend-Elkhart region has a proud history of entrepreneurship and innovation in various industries. Companies like Oliver Plow, Miles Laboratories, Studebaker, AM General, Skyline Homes, Hoosier Racing Tire, Jayco, Press-Ganey, Conn-Selmer, Smoker Craft Marine, Crowe Horwath and many others created tens of thousands of jobs here because of a courageous and creative spirit that is part of our region. In the 21st century, this region can become a hub for a new set of companies with highly skilled workers using advanced tools and methods for bringing products to the global marketplace. Entrepreneurs often need not only capital, but also business services and a range of support from a local economy. The better the region is at providing that, and communicating and connecting what is already available and happening here, the more will be possible. We believe that a calculated push to develop entrepreneurs from within the region will substantially improve the income levels and quality of life for the citizens of the South Bend - Elkhart Region as well as increase the region’s ability to retain and attract talent. To accomplish this, civic, business and university representatives contributed one million dollars enabling the South Bend-Elkhart Regional Development Authority (RDA) to engage in a Community Partnership with Indy-based Elevate Ventures. These regional funds will be matched by state dollars to support this long-term initiative providing entrepreneurial advisory services and venture capital opportunities for startups in the South Bend-Elkhart region. In 2016, the RDA appointed an entrepreneurship committee made up of nineteen local leaders to manage the partnership with Elevate Ventures and work with the entrepreneurship community to identify their needs and determine how we will provide the resources, workers and research needed for them to succeed. The ultimate goal is to determine how the leveraged funds will have the most impact on supporting a robust startup ecosystem. The mission of the Board is to promote and foster the creation of an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the South Bend-Elkhart Region by stimulating the entrepreneurial spirit and culture in our citizens, identifying and nurturing new business startups and supporting the growth of existing high potential businesses. The Board is focused on activities focused on the Relationships, People, Culture and Resources that make up our region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
