IU Northwest announces business incubator beginning August 2026
- By: Indiana University Northwest
- Last Updated: May 21, 2026
Indiana University Northwest is accepting applications for its Supporting and Empowering Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) program. This 11-month program provides aspiring entrepreneurs with critical support through:
- A bootcamp covering essential business principles.
- A mentoring experience pairing participants with successful entrepreneurs.
- A student consulting engagement, in which business students deliver customized solutions.
- Community Connect events allowing participants to showcase their businesses.
There is no cost to participate, but the program is rigorous and intended for entrepreneurs ready to launch their business in a short period of time. Enrollment is open to the public, and individuals do not need to be IU Northwest students to participate. Space is limited, and an application process is involved.
Classes will meet on Thursday evenings from 5:30-8 p.m. and some Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon on the IU Northwest campus. The program will run from August 2026 through May 2027. A complete schedule is provided in the application materials.
“We are proud to partner with Notre Dame’s Urban Poverty and Business Initiative to support and empower entrepreneurs who face financial and life struggles when starting their businesses,” said Jana Szostek, Director of the Business Academy. “This program is uniquely designed to provide the help they need.”
The inaugural SEED program graduated ten entrepreneurs this spring, five of whom launched their businesses during the program and five of whom scaled their businesses.
The application deadline is June 20, 2026, so don’t hesitate and apply now. For questions, please contact Jana Szostek at jaszoste@iu.edu.
In addition to offering the SEED business incubator, Indiana University Northwest’s Business Academy supports all local entrepreneurs with speaking events and their Small Business Clinic.
Learn more about The Business Academy
IU student, staff, and faculty entrepreneurs are supported through the IU Innovates entrepreneurship support program.
All Indiana University events/programs, groups, activities, educational, cultural, and historical observances are open to all members of the Indiana University community.
