Awards

IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award - 2023

About The Indy Chamber

In 2020, the Indy Chamber launched the Rapid Response Hub—a tool to aid small businesses through the uncertain times of the pandemic. They approached the Kelley School of Business about a partnership to expand business resources and access to reach and cultivate a greater number of entrepreneurs. Through this successful partnership, both organizations committed to expanding support for Central Indiana’s historically marginalized and under-resourced entrepreneurs. Later in 2020, the Kelley School and the Indy Chamber formally launched Enterprise Corps, a business accelerator designed to scale enterprises and entrepreneurs.

Over the last two and a half years, more than 50 minority-owned businesses have been served through the Kelley School’s Evening M.B.A. Program capstone class, and more than 70 businesses have participated in the Kelley School’s Executive Education Certificate in Business Strategy, specifically designed for Enterprise Corps. The Indy Chamber has also been instrumental in Enterprise Corps gaining admittance into the national Ascend Cities Network, making Indianapolis the 16th city to join the program. This recognition opens doors for increased funding and volunteer opportunities at Kelley.