INDIANAPOLIS – Columbus had two winners during the 2021 Elevate Awards announced recently at the 5th annual Kinetic Conference in Indianapolis. The conference brings together entrepreneurs from across the Midwest, providing networks and opportunities for those with entrepreneurial ambitions.
President of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce Cindy Frey was named South Central Indiana Community Champion of the Year for her work promoting entrepreneurship. The Region of the Year was Velocities, a partnership between Bloomington, Columbus, and Elevate Ventures supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and startup growth in south-central Indiana.
Frey was recognized for expanding the entrepreneurial ecosystem by raising funds and providing leadership for Velocities as well as partnering with organizations and volunteers to:
- Establish a 9000-square-foot innovation center called ‘Propeller’
- Secure a $600,000 READI grant
- Expand access to capital and coaching for minority entrepreneurs
