
Giving entrepreneurs in North Central Indiana the support and resources they need to thrive
Startup South Bend-Elkhart is here to provide coaching and resources so you can:
Who is this for?
Entrepreneurs in North Central Indiana looking for resources
High-growth startups seeking investment

A note from Nicholas Kuhn
Entrepreneur-in-Residence for Startup South Bend-Elkhart
”The entrepreneur ecosystem in the South Bend-Elkhart region is extraordinary. There are not only resources such as ideation labs, educational opportunities, and collaboration efforts, but we have very passionate super connectors that truly desire success for each other and the region as a whole. There is a bit of grit and underdog mentality that we have (the legacy of Rudy lives on!), and when applied to a technological revolution we have a recipe for success. As an EIR, I’m happy to meet with any and all founders and entrepreneurs, regardless of company stage. We’ll take a look at what the next steps are and how we can assist in getting you to your next milestone.

Programs and funding available in North Central Indiana
Early Revenue Stage Programs & Funding
Featured companies
See how we’ve helped these businesses in North Central Indiana grow and succeed.
Simba Chain is the product of a legacy manufacturing business with executives interested in innovation and not afraid to entertain adaptation and change. SIMBA chain enables low code application builds leveraging the blockchain infrastructure, making this secure and encrypted technology available to everyone. Elevate has walked alongside ITAMCO through its spinouts of Atlas 3D and now SIMBA by providing early-stage funding.

Frost Control invented and builds devices to monitor snow & ice for public and private clients. By utilizing FCS’s hardware and Software-As-A-Service, truck and salt deployment are more precise, resulting in savings and a lower environmental impact. Elevate has walked alongside FCS for several years through product, team, and market pivots and shifts. FCS received funding at the very earliest stage of a $2,000 regional grant to a more recent $150,000 investment in their growth.

ProstheTECH has brought a highly functional yet cost-effective robotic hand prosthesis to market. The founder, having exited more than one tech company prior to finishing college, has sought to make hand prosthesis equitable as well as a solid business model. Elevate has provided connections and resources, as well as early-stage funding to this very exciting startup.
Our team
Regional Partners
Gartoni-Smith Family Foundation
Board of Directors
Shane Fimbel
Trek10
Susan Ford
Semma Health
Larry Garatoni
HQ Investments
Iris Hammel
RISE
Nicholas Kuhn
Elevate Ventures
John Miller
SIMBA Chain
Bryan Ritchie
SIMBA Chain
Gary Neidig
ITAMCO
Phil Smoker
Smoker Craft, Inc.
Regina Emberton
South Bend-Elkhart Regional Partnership