The April Entrepreneur Social was held at the Kedco Downtown Business Studio in Warsaw. Photos provided by Kosciusko Economic Development Corp.

By Katie DeWitt
Marketing & Communications Manager
Kosciusko Economic Development Corp.

WARSAW — It’s no secret that entrepreneurship has a profound impact on economic growth. A vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem means more job opportunities, attracts investment, reinvests wealth locally and ultimately creates a more innovative and sustainable community.

Kosciusko Economic Development Corp. remains dedicated to supporting and fostering local entrepreneurship, and one way the organization is spurring new connections and bringing together the business community is by hosting monthly Entrepreneur Socials in collaboration with regional entrepreneur-support organization Fortitude Fund.

“These gatherings create purposeful networking opportunities and collisions between aspiring entrepreneurs and the local business community while connecting them to resources,” said Kedco entrepreneurship navigator Nick Ladig. “We recognize the vital role of a strong professional network and mentors in starting and growing a business, and these events provide a great venue to connect with
like-minded individuals, learn from others, discover resources and walk away better equipped to advance their businesses.”

In late 2023, Kedco was chosen as a grant recipient for a pilot fund created by the Indiana Economic Development Corp. to bolster entrepreneurship throughout the state. Ladig joined the Kedco team in December to help assess and improve the support system for entrepreneurs of all stages and industries in Kosciusko County.

“After several months of listening sessions with local businesses of different industries and sizes, and based on survey feedback, we learned that local entrepreneurs want more opportunities to get connected with people and resources to help them along on their business journeys,” said Ladig.

Kedco encourages local business owners to keep the conversation going by sharing ideas and feedback as they continue building upon and evolving the socials to best fit needs in the community.

Earlier this month, Kedco teamed up with HELP Kosciusko and Believe in a Dream to host a combined social with the Kosciusko Student Venture Challenge Showcase, a program for high school student entrepreneurs.

“This was a perfect opportunity to bring young entrepreneurial minds together with a community of established entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of leaders,” said Ladig.

Join Kedco at the next Entrepreneur Social at 4 p.m. Thursday, June 13, at South Shore Social, located at 10601 N. SR 13 in Syracuse. South Shore Social is Lake Wawasee’s newest entertainment and dining experience with a full menu and bar including multi-sport simulators, social darts, shuffleboard and martini lounge. The event is free to attend. Attendees can register via Eventbrite here: bit.ly/JuneSocial2024.

Want to learn more about or get involved with the Kedco Entrepreneurship Initiative? Contact Nick at [email protected] or (260) 224-2743. Stay connected with Kedco via Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram @kosciuskoedc. Learn more at kosciuskoedc.com.

A scene from the “May Social + Kosciusko Student Venture Challenge Showcase.”