GARY, Ind – We are excited to announce THE Summit: An Emerging of Ideas, themed "Cracking the Code on Entrepreneurship." This two-day event, scheduled for April 25-26, 2025, is made possible by a $40,000 grant from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) through the Community Collaboration Fund.

Kicking off on Friday, April 25, with registration at 7:30 a.m. and opening remarks at 8:30 a.m., THE Summit promises a full day of keynotes, breakout sessions, 1:1 business coaching, and more, concluding with a Networking After Hours event from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect in a relaxed setting and build valuable relationships. The event resumes on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., delivering another full day packed with inspiring, educational content aimed at empowering entrepreneurs at all levels.

This inaugural summit is designed to provide entrepreneurs with the resources, knowledge, and connections they need to succeed. Built on the pillars of empathy, authenticity, inclusivity, and inspiration, THE Summit offers sessions tailored to every stage of the entrepreneurial journey.

“We recognize the unique challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs in Northwest Indiana,” said Faith Spencer, President and CEO of IronWorkz Corporation. “THE Summit is designed to be a catalyst for growth and innovation, equipping participants with practical tools and actionable insights that help them build thriving businesses while contributing to the vitality of our local communities.”

THE Summit reflects a shared commitment among its partners to uplift the entrepreneurial ecosystem across Northwest Indiana, particularly by fostering diversity, equity, and inclusivity. The event will feature keynotes, panel discussions, and fireside chats led by industry experts, designed to inspire and empower entrepreneurs.

Partners in the event include Indiana University Northwest’s School of Business & Economics, Lakeshore Public Media, Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest, and The E Marie Project, all of whom share a dedication to supporting entrepreneurship and driving positive change.

“THE Summit is not only a learning opportunity but also a platform for entrepreneurs to take meaningful steps towards their success,” said Chuck Roberts, President and CEO of Lakeshore Public Media. “It’s an exciting opportunity for the region’s business leaders and innovators to come together, learn, and take action.”

Whether you're a startup founder or an established business owner, THE Summit offers something for everyone—equipping you with the inspiration, connections, and practical resources needed to create lasting impact.

This event marks a powerful movement towards revitalizing the City of Gary and beyond, leveraging The Region’s legacy of resilience and innovation to build a brighter future for all.

###

About Partnerships

Indiana University Northwest’s School of Business & Economics brings its expertise as a top-tier business school in the region, offering a robust curriculum that blends leadership, teamwork, and a solid foundation in business fundamentals. Their role as the Business Consulting Coordinator ensures that attendees receive high-quality guidance and practical business insights.

Lakeshore Public Media, the event’s Marketing Coordinator, plays a crucial role in promoting THE Summit and amplifying its message across the region. Known for its commitment to community engagement and inclusive storytelling, Lakeshore Public Media will help ensure that the summit reaches a broad and diverse audience, encouraging participation from all sectors of the community.

Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest, a champion of innovation and entrepreneurship in the region, contributes its expertise in finance, registration, and event coordination. Their involvement ensures that THE Summit runs smoothly and delivers maximum value to its participants.

The E Marie Project, a multiservice human service organization based in LaPorte, IN, is responsible for coordinating vendors and volunteers. With a mission to empower girls and young women through life skills development and personal growth, the E Marie Project’s involvement highlights THE Summit’s commitment to inclusivity and community empowerment.

About the Community Collaboration Fund (CCF)

THE Summit: Cracking the Code on Entrepreneurship is one of the standout projects funded by the CCF, reflecting the state’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs at all stages and creating a more inclusive and dynamic business environment in Indiana.

The CCF provides matching grants to support new community collaborations, services, and programming that benefit Indiana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. After an initial pilot program, the IEDC received over 80 applications for its 2024 grants, ultimately selecting 32 projects that demonstrated the greatest potential to foster innovation, support non-traditional markets, and drive economic growth across the state.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s Community Collaboration Fund (CCF) was launched in October 2023 as part of the state’s efforts to bolster its already thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. With Indiana ranking No. 2 in the nation for starting a business, the CCF was designed to fill critical gaps in entrepreneurial support and provide resources for underrepresented founders and underserved markets.

Contact: Faith Spencer, President & CEO

Email: team@ironworkz.org

Website: www.ironworkz.org/thesummit