Empowering Entrepreneurs in Steuben County: Resources and Support

In the vibrant and industrious community of Steuben County, entrepreneurship is more than just a buzzword—it's a driving force for economic growth and innovation. With the support of dedicated professionals like Angie Harrison, an entrepreneurship coach at the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC), the region is witnessing a remarkable surge in entrepreneurial activity. Harrison shared her insights on the resources available to entrepreneurs and the support system that fuels the entrepreneurial spirit in Steuben County.

Personalized Support for Entrepreneurial Success

With her extensive background, Harrison brings a wealth of experience to her role as an entrepreneurship coach. Her position at the NIIC, which was created through listening sessions with various counties and their economic development corporations (EDCs) and entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs), is a testament to the region's commitment to fostering innovation and economic development.

Angie's primary responsibilities include strategizing and planning with area counties to meet the unique needs of their communities and stakeholders. She works closely with three area counties, including Steuben County, to provide tailored support and guidance to entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey. From facilitating workshops to using tools like Lean Canvas for business planning, Angie's approach is comprehensive and deeply personalized, making each entrepreneur feel valued and important.

The Role of CoWorkSteuben

A key resource for entrepreneurs in Steuben County is the CoWorkSteuben space, which Angie frequently utilizes for client meetings. This flexible and accessible workspace offers a variety of environments, including standing and sitting desks, a public area, and a designated conference room for confidential meetings. The space is also ideal for hosting workshops and networking events, providing entrepreneurs a professional setting to collaborate and grow their businesses.

Sustaining the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Angie regularly witnesses her clients' success, many of whom hit their benchmarks and made significant progress in their businesses. According to Angie, the key to this success is the entrepreneur's willingness to take initiative and act on the guidance provided. This success is further fueled by the strong sense of community and commitment to building a supportive environment in Steuben County.

The community can provide resources, foster connections, and offer personalized guidance to continue supporting and growing the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Ensuring that entrepreneurs feel supported and not alone in their journey is crucial. This support is where organizations like the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation work in tandem to create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs to thrive.

Steuben County stands out as a beacon of support and innovation for entrepreneurs. The region is well-equipped to foster entrepreneurial success with dedicated professionals like Angie Harrison, a wealth of resources, and a strong sense of community. As trends evolve and new developments emerge, the commitment to empowering entrepreneurs remains steadfast, ensuring a bright and promising future for Steuben County's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Steuben County Economic Development Corporation

The Steuben County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing economic development in Steuben County and its municipalities. Our mission is to foster economic prosperity through collaboration, creating more employment opportunities, and improving the quality of life for residents. We offer comprehensive services, including business retention and expansion, business attraction, talent attraction and development, and community development and growth.

Visit www.steubenedc.com to learn more about how we can support your business and contribute to the economic success of Steuben County.