Elevate Northeast Indiana focuses on continued growth
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — A consortium of organizations that works on boosting entrepreneurship in northeast Indiana says it will continue its collective efforts for at least three more years. Indianapolis-based Elevate Ventures and the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership have announced a renewal of Elevate Northeast Indiana, which launched in April 2017.
The partners seek out opportunities for local high-growth, high-potential businesses, portfolio services, and events for entrepreneurs and investors.
“We are excited to continue the great work of Elevate Northeast Indiana with the continuation of the partnership between the Regional Partnership and Elevate Ventures,” said Dr. Michael Mirro, Elevate Northeast Indiana board chair. “Our corporate investors are integral and truly catalyze the growth and success of the northeast Indiana communities by investing in our entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
Elevate Northeast says it will expand its partnership with Eleven Fifty Academy, a non-profit coding academy, by offering training of new cybersecurity and programming talent.
The organization says since the partnership launched, 16 transactions have been completed through various Elevate programs totaling $3.7 million. Companies receiving the investments currently employ approximately 125 people.
“I believe this partnership is crucial for Northeast Indiana to be a leader in our state as we focus on innovation and entrepreneurship as a key driver of high-skill, high-wage jobs, building new headquarters and attracting and keeping our talent,” said Chris LaMothe, Elevate Ventures chief executive officer.
The partnership says it has received commitments totaling over $800,000 in its goal to raise $1 million. Elevate Northeast says several funders renewed their commitments and the initiative garnered support from new donors as well.
Current funders include:
Ancora
Fort Wayne Metals
Huntington University
IU Health
IU Ventures
Lake City Bank
Micropulse
MIE (Medical Informatics Engineering)
Mirro Family Foundation
Olive B. Cole Foundation
Parkview Health
Ruoff Mortgage
Steel Dynamics Inc.
Sweetwater Sound