INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Mike Braun is officially launching the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation to help Main Street entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale their businesses to grow Indiana’s economy and support Hoosier workers.
The office will be led by entrepreneur Brian Schutt. Schutt is the co-founder of Indianapolis co-working space and startup incubator Refinery46, as well as the co-founder of Homesense Heating and Cooling.
“Maureen and I lived the American dream of growing Main Street businesses in our hometown, and I want every Hoosier to have that opportunity. Our goal is to make Indiana the best place in the country to start and build your own business, and the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation led by Brian Schutt will be a nation-leading resource to help Main Street entrepreneurs.” — Governor Braun
Governor Braun has redirected Indiana’s economic development efforts to focus on supporting Hoosier businesses and workers, and spread the benefits of economic development to all four corners of the state, with two North Star priorities: wage growth and new job opportunities.
The Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation will build on those ideas, and take over some entrepreneurship-focused functions from the IEDC such as overseeing certified technology parks.
The office’s primary directives are to:
- Develop and administer programs to support the growth of small business, entrepreneurship, and innovation in Indiana.
- Direct and oversee programs and sources of funding related to the growth of small business, entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation in Indiana.
- Strengthen policies and programs supporting the growth of entrepreneurship in Indiana.
- Coordinate with state agencies and other state-funded entities to align services and programs related to entrepreneurship and starting and scaling a business.
- Work with funded entities to measure funds reaching rural communities, and work with stakeholders and organizations to provide technical support and expand access to resources for entrepreneurs across Indiana.
- Develop and administer programs to support and encourage youth entrepreneurship, including supporting students and teachers in fostering entrepreneurial skills.
The office will be under the Department of Commerce, led by Secretary David Adams.
Statements of support from the business community:
“Establishing the office was one of the Indiana Chamber’s top priorities this past session for the far-reaching impact it will have across the state in fostering entrepreneurship. We look forward to supporting the office with programming and resources to augment its efforts. There have already been early discussions on that collaboration, which is a natural partnership given 80% of our members are small businesses and entrepreneurship is a key strategy area in our Indiana Prosperity 2035 vision plan.” – Vanessa Green Sinders, Indiana Chamber President and CEO
“As President of a small aerospace and defense manufacturing company, I appreciate that Governor Braun comes from a business background rather than a career in politics. He understands the real-world challenges small businesses face and has taken meaningful action to reduce barriers, encourage growth, and support innovation in our industry. His leadership is exactly what small business leaders need to succeed.” — Johnny Goode, MSP Manufacturing
“Governor Braun’s commitment to Main Street and entrepreneurship reflects the values that built Indiana—faith, family, hard work, and stewardship. At AutoRenu, we’ve grown not through venture capital but through community, consistency, and conviction. The new Office of Entrepreneurship is a powerful invitation to everyday Hoosiers: your dream is valid, your roots matter, and innovation belongs to you. We’re honored to support this vision and help model what values-based, technology-enabled entrepreneurship can look like in Indiana.” — Ed Wooley, Auto Renu
“As an entrepreneur in a rural community, the creation of the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation is a powerful catalyst for renewing Indiana’s business landscape. By centralizing resources and support, this initiative will accelerate economic growth while empowering small businesses and driving innovation across communities throughout Indiana. I look forward to seeing how this will open new opportunities for entrepreneurs like me and strengthen the future of our local economies.” — Logan Overman, Vertiponix Farms
“Governor Braun understands what it takes to build and grow a business. By creating the OEI as an anchor for the entrepreneurship community, he has streamlined access to the mentorship, resources, and capital entrepreneurs need, driving opportunity into every community. I love seeing companies focus on building and running healthy, efficient businesses, which in turn continue to push our local economy forward. A rising tide lifts all boats.” — Sarah Lerner-Mantel, Roll Tack Ventures
“As a small disabled veteran business owner, I’m optimistic about Governor Braun’s Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation; it’s promising to have a dedicated “front door” to streamline resources. We need more than just a new office; we need clear pathways to capital, talent, and reduced regulatory burdens to truly unlock our entrepreneurial spirit.” – Joel Storm, Storm Contracting
