The state of Indiana celebrated Global Entrepreneurship Week from Nov. 13-19 by releasing its annual Entrepreneurship Indiana yearbook.
“Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Indiana’s economy, drivers of progress and architects of change,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg in a press release. “Each year we celebrate these visionaries and trailblazers who see opportunity where others see obstacles. Their contributions are immeasurable, and we are proud that they call Indiana home.”
Entrepreneurship Indiana 2023 is the second yearbook published with the help of PATTERN. It honors the state’s entrepreneurs, with the goal to inspire others to become founders and innovators. The 2023 edition features 100 entrepreneurial success stories.
Twelve organizations from Northwest and North Central Indiana were featured:
- Novos: Seyeed Mohammed, Austin Beetson, Jashua Avila, Munster, founded in 2023
- IronWorkz: Faith Spencer and Emmani Ellis, Gary, founded in 2023
- Unida Translation: Ivana Sedia, Dyer, founded in 2017
- BUN’s Soapbox: Jamie Fankhauser, Valparaiso, founded in 2018
- FloVision Solutions: Rian McDonnell, South Bend, founded in 2020
- Kinga Safety: Ambrose Kamya, South Bend, founded in 2022
- Sleep Easy Technology: Anthony and Aaron Esplin, South Bend, founded in 2021
- Soulful Kitchen: Laquisha Jackson, South Bend, founded in 2018
- DG Visionaries: Derald Gray, Elkhart, founded in 2020
- J’s Breakfast Club: Joslyn Kelly, Gary, founded in 2015
- Truly Teas: Lindsey Liesenfelt, Cedar lake, founded in 2018
- Bri’s Dance Place, Brianna Hairlson, Merrillville, founded in 2018
This week also celebrated the launch of ConnectIND, a digital portal translatable to 11 languages. Since its launch in July, 900 users registered.
Last year, Indiana ranked No. 1 among the Best States to Start a Business by Forbes. The state also has been recognized as a top 40 global emerging destination for entrepreneurship by the Global Entrepreneurship Network and its partners at Startup Genome.
Nominate an entrepreneur for the 2024 edition of Entrepreneurship Indiana here.
