The April Entrepreneurs Meetup was held at the Kedco Downtown Business Studio in Warsaw. Photo courtesy of Kosciusko Economic Development Corp.
Katie DeWitt
Marketing & Communications Manager
Kosciusko Economic Development Authority
WARSAW — It’s no secret that entrepreneurship has a significant impact on economic growth. A vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem means more job opportunities, attracting investments, and reinvesting wealth locally, ultimately creating more innovative and sustainable communities.
Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation remains committed to supporting and nurturing local entrepreneurship, and one of the ways the organization encourages new connections and brings the business community together is by hosting monthly entrepreneur meetups in collaboration with Fortitude Fund, a local entrepreneurial support organization.
“These gatherings create meaningful networking opportunities and encounters between aspiring entrepreneurs and the local business community, connecting them to resources,” said Nick Radigue, Entrepreneur Navigator at Kedco. “We know that strong professional networks and mentors play a critical role in starting and growing a business, and these events provide a great venue for entrepreneurs to connect.”
You’ll network with like-minded people, learn from others, discover resources, and leave equipped to drive your business forward.”
Later in 2023, Kedco was selected as a grant recipient for a pilot fund established by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation to strengthen entrepreneurship across the state. Ladig joined the Kedco team in December and is working to evaluate and improve support systems for entrepreneurs at all stages and industries in Kosciusko County.
“After months of speaking with local businesses across industries and sizes, and based on survey feedback, we learned that local entrepreneurs want more opportunities to connect with people and resources that can help them on their business journey,” Radigue said.
Kedco encourages local business owners to continue the conversation by sharing their ideas and feedback as they continue to build and evolve their social media presence to best serve the needs of their community.
Earlier this month, Kedco partnered with HELP Kosciusko and Believe in a Dream to host a joint social event with the Kosciusko Student Venture Challenge Showcase, a program for high school student entrepreneurs.
“This was a great opportunity to connect young entrepreneurial spirit with a community of already established entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of leaders,” Radigue said.
Join Kedco at our next Entrepreneur Social on Thursday, June 13 at 4 p.m. at South Shore Social, 10601 N. SR 13 in Syracuse. South Shore Social is Lake Wawasee’s newest entertainment and dining experience, featuring a full menu and bar, multi-sport simulator, social darts, shuffleboard, a martini lounge and more. Attendance at the event is free. Attendees can register on Eventbrite at bit.ly/JuneSocial2024.
If you would like to find out more about the Kedco Entrepreneurship Initiative or get involved, please contact Nick. [email protected] or (260) 224-2743. Connect with Kedco on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram @kosciuskoedc. Learn more at kosciuskoedc.com.
A scene from the “May Social + Kosciusko Student Venture Challenge Showcase.”
