Indiana Governor Mike Braun awarded grants through the state’s Community Collaboration Fund (CCF) that will support 22 community-led, regionally driven projects.
These awards will help accelerate projects focused on entrepreneurial education, tech enablement and small business acceleration statewide.
Indiana ranks top five in the US for small business survival and 12th in the nation for the rate of new entrepreneurs, according to the Kauffman Institute. CCF provides matching grants to support new community collaborations, services and programming that are filling critical gaps in resources and further strengthening Indiana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem
The projects selected for 2026 CCF funding – which are outlined below – focus on helping entrepreneurs and small businesses start and scale more quickly, access capital and new markets, and leverage technology and artificial intelligence. The state’s grants, totaling $757,000, will support $1.18 million total invested in these projects, which are expected to serve more than 6,000 current and aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state.
Among the awarded grants, $40,000 to Start Local, Grow Local through Grow Wabash County. This new entrepreneurship initiative is designed to support rural founders and small business owners in Wabash County. The program will provide structured workshops and entrepreneurship certification training, one-on-one advising, access to professional services, test-market funding, as well as a new, dedicated navigator to help startups and existing small businesses learn about and access the many resources and financial opportunities available to support their long-term growth and success.
With sectional title in hand, Riverton Parke looks for more
Nearly 3,000 Indiana students to explore career pathways at LENS Apprenticeship Showcase
Prep your vehicle for winter weather
Expanded opportunities for incarcerated Hoosiers through 10-year Ivy Tech partnership
Legendary Vietnam gun truck to ride DC National Veterans Parade
Rockville man arrested on CSAM charge
Conservation officers remind hunters to prioritize safety during deer season
Ex-postal worker receives sentence for stealing checks in massive $34 million fraud scheme
Christmas Nights of Lights returns to Indiana State Fairgrounds for the 2026 holiday season
MMR vaccines available at Parke County Health Department
Governor Braun extends gas tax savings
Smith, Russell earn spots on Rockville Town Board
Indiana Department of Education changing how schools are graded
Polls open statewide at 6 a.m. Tuesday
Keystone and Caledonia Farmers Elevator agree to pursue merger following successful due diligence
Indiana BMV extends hours ahead of general election
INDOT reminds drivers stay alert for road crews, Project Greenlight to increase worker visibility
GROWMARK invests in Wabash Valley Resources’ Indiana ammonia fertilizer project
