North Manchester is creating a new space for small businesses and is launching a crowdfunding campaign with a goal of raising $50,000 by April 2, 2024. Photo from Adobe Stock.

News Release

NORTH MANCHESTER — North Manchester is creating a new space for small businesses and is launching a crowdfunding campaign with a goal of raising $50,000 by April 2, 2024. If successful, the project led by Manchester Alive will receive a matching grant as part of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s CreatINg Places program.

“The addition of this space to North Manchester has tremendous upside for entrepreneurs and community members alike,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “This campaign highlights the town’s dynamic vision and the project will become a catalyst for innovation and growth in Wabash County.”

Funds from this campaign will be used to create a hub for entrepreneurial growth that will foster economic activity in North Manchester’s downtown and historic Main Street District. The hub will feature free high-speed internet, retail units and a shared business space.

“We are honored to bring a project of this magnitude to North Manchester,” says Manchester Alive Executive Director Heather Cruz. “Manchester Alive has worked diligently to find ways to support the economic vitality of this community effectively and to foster the entrepreneurial spirit that will be its future. We are already grateful for the individuals, businesses and organizations that will join us in this endeavor through their financial support.”

Since the CreatINg Places program began in 2016, projects have raised more than $10.3 million in public funds and an additional $8.7 million in matching IHCDA funds. The program is available to projects located in Indiana communities. Non-profit entities (with 501c3 or 501c4 status) and local units of government are eligible to apply. Eligible projects must have a minimum total development cost of $10,000, where the recipient will receive $5,000 in IHCDA matching funds should it successfully raise $5,000 through Patronicity. IHCDA will provide matching grant funds up to $50,000 per project.