The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce’s roots date to 1890, as a need to support local businesses and foster a climate conducive to economic growth was identified.
More than a century later that still holds true. Local entrepreneurs of technology companies are the most recent example to benefit from the local assistance, thanks to the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce’s association with Launch Indiana.
Launch Indiana is a state initiative to help entrepreneurs in the technology field by identifying helpful resources statewide. Those resources could be individuals that provide connections or mentoring, service providers, coworking spaces and research and development centers, for example.
Those resources are being identified in communities throughout the state by means of surveys, and the resources are noted on an online map with detailed information at Launch Indiana’s website, launchindiana.org.
With a few keystrokes and mouse clicks, local entrepreneurs can access resources in their communities and across the state that could potentially benefit their businesses.
Local tech entrepreneurs also are likely to benefit from ideas sparked by Launch Indiana’s survey of Columbus. As a result of the survey, chamber leaders are working to expand the uses of the local coworking space, called the Fish Tank, by adding more presentations, programs and social events. Chamber leaders also plan to discuss the creation of a venture capital pool to provide critical funding to aid startups.
These development are welcome news for local tech entrepreneurs, which is also good news for the community which benefits from a healthy business sector.
The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce’s mission from more than a century ago remains pertinent and its efforts continue to bear fruit.
