OCEDP February News & Updates

Indiana Small Business Development Center RESOURCES:

INTAP (Indiana Technical Assistance Program) - INTAP awards up to $15,000 to an Indiana based and headquartered small business for services that will be provided by an Indiana based vendor. For additional details on timelines, FAQs, eligibility requirements as an SBDC client, upcoming information sessions, and more, please see the attached flyer and visit: https://www.isbdc.org/programs/INTAP/. The application deadline is Wednesday, February 18 at 4:59 PM (EST). After you’ve had a chance to review the information, let me know if you want to schedule a follow up to discuss next steps, including obtaining a vendor quote and submitting the application.

CCF (Community Collaboration Fund) - CCF is a program designed to inspire new collaborations between Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) to serve Indiana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and fill gaps. CCF awards grants between $5K - $40K for projects in the areas of entrepreneur education, connection and acceleration. Applicants are required to provide 25% match. A very comprehensive overview of the program, applicant eligibility and matching, changes for this year, and application details can be found on the attached 1-pager. Applications will open on Monday, February 2; the deadline is Monday, March 2 at 5:00pmET. Let me know if you have any interest and or specific questions about this program.

2025 Snapshot: OCEDP Impact in Action

From business growth to workforce development, 2025 was a year of real results for Orange County Economic Development Partnership.

✅ 30+ business meetings

✅ 21 on-site business visits

✅ 61 member businesses

✅ $520,000+ in grant funding secured

✅ 150+ students engaged through Manufacturing Day

and so much more — all in support of a stronger Orange County economy!

Now looking ahead: 2026 OCEDP Membership is OPEN!

Join a growing network of businesses and partners committed to retention, expansion, talent development, and quality of place.

Ready to be part of what’s next? Let’s build 2026 together.

Email swhiteman@ocedp.com for membership inquiries. 

The Orange County Economic Development Partnership is proud to introduce the Inaugural Best of OC Awards, created to celebrate the outstanding businesses that make Orange County a great place to work, live, and do business.

We invite you to nominate a business that exemplifies excellence in one of the following categories:

Business of the Year, Outstanding Small Business, or Best Place to Work.

Please complete this form to submit your nomination and include a short narrative explaining why you believe this business deserves recognition. Your story matters—tell us what sets this business apart and the impact it has made in our community, workplace culture, or local economy. If you are not nominating a business in each category, please respond with N/A for the questions in which you are NOT submitting a nomination.

Nominations must be submitted by February 6, 2026. Once nominations close, eligible entries will move on to public online voting, which will determine the award recipients.

Award winners will be announced and honored at the OCEDP Annual Dinner on March 5, 2026, at the Pete Dye Pavilion in French Lick.

Thank you for helping us recognize and celebrate the best of Orange County business!