Fuse NEI

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Published: Thursday, 12 December 2019 15:10

FuseNEI is a website platform that creates, develops, and operates programs that support entrepreneurship, small business development, and formation for the district. The operations of this platform entail the following resources:

Business Planning & Strategy                                     Programs for Students
Community & Networking                                            Programs for Women
Education & Mentoring                                                 Research & Development
Financial Management                                                  Sales & Marketing
Funding Resources                                                        Available Space
Legal, Licensing & Permitting                                      Workforce Development
Production & Manufacturing

FuseNEI hosts a calendar of events that highlights entrepreneur, small business, ESO, local, and regional events for all stages of business development. To submit your event to the calendar email:

Want to know what is happening in NE Indiana? Check out the Blogs and current events on FuseNEI.

FUSE @ 5 NETWORKING EVENTS

FUSE @ 5 is a networking event that is open to the public. Networking offers access to resources, referrals, and information crucial to any business's success, sustainability, and growth at any stage. Please join FUSE @ 5 for networking events each quarter. Each event will highlight a different area of entrepreneurship! Guests will be experts in each field. 

BRIDGE THE RESOURCE GAP, BUILD YOUR NETWORK

i. Q1: Financial
ii. Q2: Marketing
iii. Q3: Business Practices
iv. Q4: Information Technology

For more information on FUSENEI visit the website https://fusenei.com/ and click on the email us link in the bottom right or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Entrepreneur Finding Success at SEED Enterprise Center

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Published: Wednesday, 14 August 2019 17:20

People-driven. That’s how owner/CEO Stephanie Martin describes her business, A Chance Re-Employment Agency. It’s also a good description of Stephanie.

“When I worked at the unemployment office, I saw a void that wasn’t being filled and I knew I had to do something,” Stephanie said. “People with disabilities and criminal histories needed more assistance than what government could offer. They needed training and the opportunity to get back into the workforce.”

Stephanie opened A Chance Re-Employment Agency in October 2018 with office space at the Summit City Entrepreneur and Enterprise District (SEED) Enterprise Center. Since then, she has provided a service she feels is unique in several ways.

“We’re a for-profit, faith-based organization,” she says. “I offer both temporary agency placement and direct placement services. I also offer free workplace training before placement. Most agencies don’t offer that.”

Stephanie acts as a recruiter, sending her employees to work for other companies with which she has a contract. Her employees receive competitive wages and benefits including a 401k, supplemental insurance, and life insurance. She even offers transportation to Decatur so employees can take advantage of work opportunities there.

In ten months Stephanie’s agency has grown from one employee to 146, and her business is one of the only woman- and minority-owned staffing agencies in Indiana. She’s pleased with the success but notes there have been difficulties, including persuading companies to hire her employees. That is changing for the better, she says, thanks to the exposure she’s gained with the city and various companies that have spread the word to others.

A bigger difficulty than changing mindsets was funding. “It’s been the hardest thing,” Stephanie said. “There’s not a lot of funding available for small, for-profit businesses.” But she did get a $1,000 grant from the Fortitude Fund, and she’s quick to point out the help SEED has provided.

“SEED believed in me. I got affordable office space at the Enterprise Center and they connected me with other companies, agencies, and financial institutions. They offer resources, tell you about events, and help you get on different boards. Through them, I joined a women’s entrepreneur organization, which has helped me network. I got all that from being in the Enterprise Center.”

Asked what she enjoys most about being an entrepreneur she says, “I love to assist people with changing their lives.” But Stephanie admits being an entrepreneur isn’t easy: “You work ten times harder than when you work for somebody else.” Still, she feels it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to her.

Does she have advice for others who may consider starting a business? “Do your research,” Stephanie says. “Expose yourself to what’s available in the community. Go to different events and find out about classes. Find out what the need is for your city. You don’t want to over-saturate with what’s there. Make sure you’re doing something innovative and creative that helps build the city, and give back to the community to make it better. If you focus on the people, you’ll make it.”

Find out more about SEED and the Enterprise Center here.

BUILD Fort Wayne Powered by SEED

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Published: Monday, 22 April 2019 11:47

BUILD Entrepreneur & Small-Scale Developer and Builder Program

The BUILD Entrepreneur program offers a comprehensive education for entrepreneurs and small-scale developers through expert-led courses designed to provide essential business and real estate development skills.

Our Entrepreneur Education Program is an intensive 8-week course covering key aspects of launching and growing a business, including licensing, financial literacy, marketing, and cash flow management. Participants will develop a complete business plan and gain access to critical resources, mentorship, and individualized support.

For those interested in real estate, the Small-Scale Developer and Builder Program is a 12-week course focused on single-family and multi-family housing development on infill lots. Participants will engage in financial modeling, zoning, permitting, and construction management, gaining the expertise to navigate real estate financing and project execution.

Both programs offer hands-on learning, expert guidance, and strategic resources to empower participants in achieving business success.
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Interested participants may fill out a Registration Application for the Cohort that best suits their schedule. Applicants are encouraged to submit their registration form one week prior to the start of class.

 Upcoming Classes:

BUILD for Small Scale Developers & Builders: 
When: April 29 - July 15, 2025 
Cost: $275 per person
Location: 1830 Wayne Trace, Area 4
Time: Tuesdays - 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 
(Register Now!)

BUILD Entrepreur Education: 
When: July 22 - September 9, 2025 
Cost: $175 per person
Location: 1830 Wayne Trace, Area 4
Time: Tuesdays - 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 
(Register Now!)

Additional Resources: 
fuseNEI.com 
Training & Education | Indiana Small Business Development Center (isbdc.org)
or contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Subject Line: BUILD

Available for Lease

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Published: Monday, 25 February 2019 15:38

 (PRICES LISTED BELOW ARE 2024 RATES AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE). 

Office 206 - 160 square feet
Monthly rent is $452.00 (utility and common area maintenance (CAM) charges included in total price).

Office 208 - 160 square feet
Monthly rent is $452.00 (utility and common area maintenance (CAM) charges included in total price).

Office 410 - 240 square feet
Monthly rent is $700.00 (utility and common area maintenance (CAM) charges included in total price).

PRODUCTION AREA 9 -  5,926 square feet
Monthly rent is $3,975.36 (utility and common area maintenance (CAM) charges included in total price). 

To apply click the link here to apply for office or manufacturing space

Tenants

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Published: Monday, 25 February 2019 15:37

A CHANCE RE-EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING AGENCY  
Employment & Training Agency 
(260) 418-6883
Suite 408 & 411
www.achancereemployment.com

EDGE INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY 
Property & Maintenance Supply Warehouse 
(866) 715-3343
Area 2
www.edgesupply.com

GLOBAL MEDICAL INDUSTRIES
Medical Device Manufacturing
(260) 209-6676
Area 10 
www.globalmedicalind.com

INFINITY COMMUNITY OF HOPE CORP.
Transportation
(260) 260-602-3336
Suite 209
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LAPSLEY INC.
Window Treatment Contractor
(260) 745-3265
Area 5
www.lapsleyinc.com

POWELL & SONS TRUCKING
Specialty Freight Local Dump Truck Services
(260) 515-6950
Suite 207
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PROJECT BLOOMERS
non-profit agency for underserved girls
(260) 760-8013
Suite 206
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

TEKVENTURE
Makerspace
(260) 341-4875
Area 3
www.tekventure.org

THREE RIVERS ELECTRIC
Commerical & Residential Electrical Company 
(260) 908-8700
Area 6
www.3riverselectric.net

URBAN BEGINNINGS CREDIT UNION
Small Business Loans & CDFI
(260) 456-1802
Suite 204 & 205
www.ubc-fcu.org

VINCENT VILLAGE
Assistance for Homeless Families
(260) 456-4172
Area 8
www.vincentvillage.org

VINEYARD MANAGEMENT
Refugee & Immigrant Naturalization Services
(260) 258-8395
Suite 414
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.