Local chambers receive grants for entrepreneur growth

Several local organizations are receiving a share of just over $925 thousand dollars in grants awarded by the Indiana Commerce Office.

Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce received a $40,000 award for its Catalyst Academy: Incubator & Fund. Catalyst Academy is a an online education platform where participants can take a self-directed learning course and receive coaching to make a pitch for funding.

Jackson County Chamber also received a $40,000 award for its SPARK Shop Connections program. SPARK Jackson County will host recurring events centered around small businesses in the community. Once the SPARK Shop co-working studio opens, the funds will be used to engage and attract entrepreneurs and innovators to the space.

The grants came through the state’s Community Collaboration Fund and went to 28 community-led projects focused on entrepreneurial education, connection and acceleration across Indiana. The office announced $925,107 in grant awards this morning. The grants require matching funds.