Indiana’s Big Year for Entrepreneurship

Indiana is emerging as a powerhouse ecosystem for entrepreneurship, and the announcement that it will host the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) in 2025 is a testament to its rising prominence. This marks the first time the prestigious event will return to the United States since its inception in 2009.

Previously hosted in cities like Melbourne and Johannesburg, GEC annually selects a destination with a rising entrepreneurial ecosystem. Indiana’s selection, along with recent investments in startup resources, firmly places the state on the global scale as one of the premier communities for founders to flourish.

The future impact of hosting #GEC2025

Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) presents four days of actionable intelligence, collaboration, and collective progress for ecosystem builders, founders, and government partners. It aims to unite thousands of voices to participate in creating one inclusive global entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Hosting the event will not only afford Indiana the opportunity to showcase the state’s deep collaboration and connectivity on a global stage, but it aligns with the state’s vision of making entrepreneurship more accessible and equitable for all. “The Global Entrepreneurship Congress has a worldwide reach that will bring outside perspectives and collaborations to our state, which will help accelerate our journey to greater accessibility and equity for all Indiana founders,” says Morgan Allen, Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC)’s director of entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Allen emphasizes that ecosystem development is a “collaboration of the masses.” Indiana’s selection as the 2025 GEC host is a triumph for every entrepreneurship support organization, founder, and individual passionate about entrepreneurship in the state.

“Ecosystems know no boundaries; they don’t know county lines, state borders, or international boundaries. Expanding Indiana’s ecosystem connections worldwide will contribute to our economic growth,” states Allen.

Strategies and initiatives for success

Forbes has already recognized Indiana as the number one state to start a business, and Startup Genome has identified it as a top forty global emerging destination for entrepreneurship. Indianapolis, in particular, has secured the number-three spot in the Midwest for startups based on its abundant resources and favorable business climate for two consecutive years. In addition, Elevate Ventures, the IEDC nonprofit, third-party direct investment vehicle, was recently named the 12th most active venture capital firm in the world according to Pitchbook’s Q1 2023 Global League Tables. These achievements are the result of more than a decade of dedicated investment to entrepreneurship in the state.

The IEDC has taken a direct role in ensuring entrepreneurs are connected to resources and the community. Indiana’s commitment to nurturing emerging businesses is evident in its initiatives and the state’s investments, encompassing a strong emphasis on capital access, investment in innovative technologies, and amplifying the success stories of entrepreneurs who call Indiana home. From celebrating founders and partners during Global Entrepreneurship Week and in the annual Entrepreneurship Indiana Yearbook, to piloting state-backed programs like ConnectIND, Indiana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is thriving. All this, and considering its reputation as a world-class host destination, it was clear that Indiana would be well-poised to secure a significant global event centered around these successes.

Involvement and opportunities for current and aspiring entrepreneurs

In June of 2023, the IEDC launched ConnectIND, the first-of-its-kind digital portal available in 11 languages designed to increase support for founders, thereby powering Indiana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. ConnectIND is industry-agnostic, inclusive, and accessible, empowering all entrepreneurs regardless of their experience level. The entrepreneurial ecosystem navigators, the experts behind the portal, help connect Indiana founders with the right resources at the right time in their journey. This human-touch element allows entrepreneurs to meet with experienced advisors to help them get started or grow their endeavors. 

The best way to engage with Indiana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is through ConnectIND and IEDC’s entrepreneurship home page. Through these resources, people can stay up to date on events, opportunities, and programs. As the next Global Entrepreneurship Congress approaches, IEDC’s entrepreneurship homepage will serve as your gateway to stay updated on the road to GEC 2025 and explore exciting opportunities to get involved in the global event.

The long game

Indiana aims to create and sustain a world-renowned entrepreneurial ecosystem that is equitable and accessible to all. The state celebrates the contribution of entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and is committed to providing equal access and opportunities for everyone. Hosting GEC is a testament to this commitment, but the effort to maintain Indiana as a hub for entrepreneurship will continue for years to come.

“Entrepreneurs of all backgrounds add value to our ecosystem, and they all deserve equal access and opportunity to leverage those resources,” says Allen. “Hosting GEC was a strategic decision to take Indiana’s strength of local connectedness to the next level through globalization,” says Allen. Hosting GEC will propel Indiana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem forward, setting the founders of today and tomorrow up for success.