Growing Green and Gold Together Small Business Incubator sees completion of first cohort

With a focus on providing small business opportunities for entrepreneurs, the Growing Green and Gold Together initiative between DePauw University and the City of Greencastle recently saw the completion of its first small business incubator cohort program. 

According to Jason Chew, project director and community liaison for the Growing Green and Gold Together initiative, the completion of the first cohort marks a "major milestone" in the initiative's commitment to strengthen the small business ecosystem. 

Twenty-three entrepreneurs and business owners took part in the first year, and were divided into two categories -- existing business cohort and new business cohort. 

The existing business cohort consisted of a six hour program over three months and featured 15 graduates. Those graduating were: Elliot Dunbar of Lost Hollow Brewery; Brittany Overshiner of Britt's Blooming Boutique; Michelle Hendershot of Hope for Our Future LLC; Eric Wolfe of Prime Real Estate; Rashell Harcourt of Namaste Lofts; Demetrius Morrow of Buster's Kitchen; Karen Martoglio of Mental Health America of Putnam County; Gail Smith of Almost Home; Bailey Shuee of Shuee's Furniture and Appliance; Jana Kissel of The Doc's Inn; Joel and Tosh Everson of The Whisk/Bodega; Steven Snyder of Steve's Teas; Shelby McClellan of Booth Doc Inc., and Pete and Julie Meyer of Moore's Bar and Grill. 

The graduates in the new business cohort were as follows: Evelyn Howard, Bruce Zink, Erin Sinclair, Raymond Green, Sarah Beams Hanson, Rufus Gaston, Mike and Rhonda McHugh and Michael Woodsmall. Those graduates attended a 12 hour program over six months. 

Jared Ell, David Bittner and Courtney Richey, of the West Central Indiana Small Business Development Center led the groups and their instruction centered around business growth, startup success, business audits, legal structures, feasibility assessments, startup planning and pitch development. 

"We are incredibly proud of these business owners and entrepreneurs for investing time and energy into growing their businesses and developing their business ideas. This experience reflects what it means to grow green and gold together, fostering community growth and connections that impact our town for years to come," said Dr. Dionne Jackson, Vice President of DePauw University. 

MainStreet Greencastle Executive Director Kate Knaul welcomed the work of the initiative, saying the programs were "instrumental in understanding the full scope of running your own business."

"Entrepreneurship takes heart, energy and collaboration," Knaul said. 

Anyone interested in being part of the next cohort is asked to contact Chew at jasonchew@depauw.edu.