About Us
Central Indiana stands at a critical economic inflection point. While Black residents comprise 17.1% of the population, they own only 3% of businesses that employ workers. This disparity represents not just a statistical gap but a significant missed opportunity for economic growth and wealth creation across the region. The region is experiencing unprecedented economic expansion, with companies like Eli Lilly ($3.7B investment), Indiana University Health ($4.3B medical campus), and Elanco ($100M headquarters) making historic investments that will transform the economy over the next decade
Our Mission
To increase Black-owned employer businesses from 3% to 10% over the next five years, generating 2,135 companies with at least one employee, creating thousands of good jobs, and adding between $85 million and $1.2 billion in annual wages to the regional economy.
Source: Brookings
Understanding the Opportunity Gap
Research consistently reveals a striking disconnect in the Central Indiana business landscape. The 2020 JPMorgan Chase, Next Street, and Common Future Black Business Ecosystem assessment and 2022 Brookings Institute report identified critical barriers facing Black entrepreneurs:
Black residents comprise 17.1% of the population, but own only 3% of the businesses that employ workers.
Only 27% of small businesses are familiar with support organizations that could help them.
Black business owners often struggle to access bank loans, with many banks closing branches in predominantly Black neighborhoods.
Many entrepreneurs lack connections to mentors and a more extensive business network.
There’s no central place to find resources and opportunities.
A data-driven approach
RESOURCE NAVIGATOR
A searchable database connecting you to support organizations, funding opportunities, mentorship programs, and educational resources.
CAPITAL CONNECTOR
Tools to help you identify and access the right financial capital for your business stage and needs.
Network Builder
Features to facilitate connections between entrepreneurs, mentors, corporate partners, and other stakeholders.
Data Dashboard
Tracking metrics on Black business creation, growth, and impact to measure progress toward our goals.
Components of a Thriving Ecosystem
Human Capital
The talent and ability entrepreneurs have or develop as they start and grow companies, including both technical and business skills.
Policy
Reducing barriers to entry through streamlined permitting, licensing, and zoning, as well as creating supportive tax incentives and resource provisions.
Infrasturcture
Physical and technological capacity to support entrepreneurship, including co-working hubs, innovation districts, business parks, office space, and broadband capabilities.
Social Capital
The networks and relationships entrepreneurs have that allow them to access resources, information, and support they otherwise wouldn't be able to access.
Financial Capital
Equity and debt-related resources that allow entrepreneurs to fund their startup, hire teams, create product-market fit, gain traction, acquire customers, and grow.
Culture
Social expectations, support, encouragement, sense of belonging, and celebration of entrepreneurial action.
Why Work With Us
Align Stakeholders
Create shared vision for an inclusive regional economy
Build Capacity
Strengthen ecosystem stakeholders supporting entrepreneurs
Mobilize Resources
Meet needs and create opportunities for economic advancement
Measure Impact
Track progress toward 10% Black business ownership goal
OUR CORE VALUES
WHAT WE STAND FOR, & BELIEVE IN
EMPOWERMENT
Indy Biz Pass is dedicated to empowering Black entrepreneurs by providing them with the tools, resources, and support needed to succeed.
COLLABORATION
Believing in the power of shared ideas and teamwork, Indy Biz Pass encourages mutual assistance, partnership, and collaboration among members.
INCLUSIVITY
Believing in the power of shared ideas and teamwork, Indy Biz Pass encourages mutual assistance, partnership, and collaboration among members.
SUSTAINABILITY
In supporting businesses, Indy Biz Pass is committed to promoting practices that ensure long-term economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
INTERGRITY
Indy Biz Pass believes in conducting its operations with the utmost integrity, promoting honesty, transparency, and ethical practices within its community.
INNOVATION
As a community centered around entrepreneurship, a core value is the continual pursuit of innovative solutions and ideas addressing major problems.
YEARS PROJECT DURATION
Within 2yrs Indy Biz Pass will inspire sustainability with BBO.
PRIME LOCATIONS
Members can work from any of the 3 locations.
main City
Spaces are within central indiana for easy access.
Available slot
200 SMEs will access to creative and safe workspaces with in 2yrs
Partner with us
Fill out the form below so we can explore ways through which you can support Black Business owners